THE MYSTERIOUS MESSENGER

Narrator Lori-Felipe Barkin's clear, bright voice enhances this fast-paced urban fantasy. The mystery revolves around Maria, a neglected 11-year-old who is forced to work as part of her pseudo-psychic mother's scam conning elderly widows. But Maria has a secret. She really can communicate with a spirit, and that spirit is giving her clues to find a special treasure. There are plenty of plot twists, but the recurring theme of crossing boundaries creates subtle connections. Maria's need for support from both real and paranormal friends is cleverly juxtaposed with clues exploring the Beat movement, which is notorious for its break from literary tradition in the 1950s. Barkin creates wonderfully animated voices for the characters, embellishing them just enough to lighten the story's tone and capture the fun. S.A.A. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2021]