THE BAD BEHAVIOR OF BELLE CANTRELL

From the opening, in which Belle says she hates feeling guilty about having killed her husband, to the madcap close, this story of murder, adultery, earthy sex, and regular church attendance is anything but predictable. Thomas's portrayal of the 1920s' telephone party line, with multiple neighbors who listen in only to abruptly break into the conversation, is hilarious and well done. Most important, Thomas's portrayal of bawdy Belle Cantrell, sassy and full of charm, makes her lifelike and endearing. She sounds something like a funny Julia Roberts. This sexy, sassy, sometimes laugh-out-loud audio is filled with a cast of zany characters you won't soon forget. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]