BEYOND THE WILD RIVER

Maine's latest novel creates a compelling listening experience of history, mystery, and atmosphere. The story moves from Charles Ballantyre's Scotland estate in 1888 to 1893, to a visit to the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and a fishing trip to Ontario's Nipigon River, setting the stage for long-delayed justice. With authentic accents, changing tones, and a good pace, Kristy Cox is successful at making each character unique and the plot easy to follow. She even makes the coincidence of Ballantyre; his daughter, Evelyn; and James and Dalton all coming together during the fishing trip seem plausible. The tension builds as events of the past are slowly revealed and their continuing repercussions dealt with. The case is made, and justice triumphs in a fascinating campfire scene in which the master fisherman finally reels in and lands the truth. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2017]