THE SPARE

Joel Froomkin fittingly narrates this fast-paced story rooted in tradition in a posh British accent. Prince Eddie Kensington lives by protocols and responsibilities, but when the press outs him as bisexual, keeping calm and carrying on is impossible. It doesn't help that his estranged father tries to reconnect with the family, his sister flirts with the journalist writing their grandmother's biography, and his bodyguard might return Eddie's long-held affections. Froomkin provides a fast tempo and an energetic tone, but periodic deep intakes of breath distract at times. He slows it down when the moment calls for it though. The shouts of paparazzi in various pitches from Froomkin illuminate the overwhelming aspects of being royal. A.L.C. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2021]