THE STEPMOTHER

The marriage of an older wealthy man seldom makes his children jump for joy, particularly when they fear that their new attractive stepmother threatens their position in their father's checkbook. An attack on the new wife sets into motion a chain of events that results in the death of the father and a trial for murder. Susanna Burney's light touch keeps this romantic suspense moving at a good pace. She is credible as the new bride becomes a new widow and helps the macho men play out their testosterone. Burney also takes the occasional sulky character--teenager and adult--smoothly in stride. J.E.M. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]