JIGSAW

The tiny village of Buckford is about to celebrate its 800th anniversary. Journalist Rona Parish decides to do a slightly out-of-the-ordinary piece, which focuses more on human interest than on historical facts. When she interviews some of the eccentric local residents, skeletons begin tumbling out of their closets. A man in jail for murder may not be a murderer. The death of an old woman may not be from natural causes. Narrator Jacqueline Tong's voice is smooth, and her timing and accents are impeccable. Tong's performance reflects an understanding of human nature that complements Anthea Fraser's splendid assortment of complex characters. Rona's parents, her artist husband, her twin sister, and the people she meets in Buckford all combine to provide something considerably more than the traditional British cozy. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]