SHADES OF RED

The story seems almost too familiar at first--a lifestyle icon is embroiled in a financial scandal--but the similarities end when the intrigue begins. Vera Hart’s empire is threatened in many ways but most alarmingly by a lunatic who is poisoning people with "Valentine Red" lipstick from her cosmetics line. Hart gathers her family for support, pulling in estranged members and digging up buried feelings of resentment. Kimberly Farr skillfully leads the listener through incongruous flashbacks and forced phrases like "serendipitous juxtaposition." Despite these problems, as well as some uneven pacing, the story is intriguing enough to keep the listener engaged. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]