INTO THE DARK

In the third of Peter Abrahams's captivating Echo Falls mysteries, 13-year-old Ingrid investigates a murder her grandfather has mistakenly been accused of. As she pursues the truth, she uncovers many secrets held by the town's few remaining WWII veterans. Narrator Julie Dretzin brings the right energy and enthusiasm to plucky Ingrid and gives excellent voice to the key characteristics of a host of other characters—from Ingrid's stressed-out father to her oh-so-teenaged older brother. We're occasionally lost in conversations involving several adult men, but that happens rarely, and the pleasure of the fine writing and otherwise skilled narration more than compensates. This will be enjoyed by adults and young adults alike. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]