THE HALF-LIFE OF RUBY FIELDING

Saskia Maarleveld's narration is the best part of this historical mystery, set in Brooklyn in October 1942. At times a bit convoluted, the story centers on half-siblings Will and Maggie Scripps. As WWII rages on, Will works for the Manhattan Project, and Maggie struggles to find consistent work. Their isolated existence is interrupted when they find a freezing woman under their steps. Ruby, who is fleeing from her fiancé and is obsessed with poisons and death, manages to charm both siblings and then turns their lives upside down. The story is told from multiple perspectives, and Maarleveld does a great job creating believable character distinctions and capturing the tension as the story builds to a final twist. K.S.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2022]