MISS JULIA STRIKES BACK

A main character who spurs a writer to sequels is usually complex. This is certainly true of Miss Julia, now starring in her eighth adventure. Cynthia Darlow's shaky voice reveals age and agitation but also conveys a polar sureness that shows Miss Julia's mettle when she travels to Florida to take on jewel thieves who robbed people in her North Carolina town. Darlow's voice has a commanding edge when Miss Julia orders around the alcoholic P.I. she hires and projects fear when she faces the villains. Darlow also delivers strong portraits of the other characters, including the doubting housekeeper and her respectful middle-school-aged son. S.W. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]