MAGIC HOUR

Suzanne Toren's versatile narration enhances this complex story of a feral child and the people who try to help her. She portrays Dr. Julia Cates, a psychiatrist with a stain on her career, in a calm, soothing voice. She depicts Julia's sister, Ellie, who is police chief for Rain Valley, their childhood hometown, with a bright, sometimes edgy voice. Her portrayal of the wild child driven into Rain Valley by hunger is stellar. When Ellie asks her sister for help, Toren uses a variety of vocal inflections to portray Dr. Cates's growing relationship with the child. Soft music breaks end each CD. This unusual story is hard to turn off. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]