LONE STAR

Novelist Edna Ferber, who is in Hollywood for the filming of her novel GIANT, falls under the spell of the young actor James Dean (mostly called "Jimmy" here). When Jimmy is accused of the murder of an aspiring actress, Edna investigates, with the help of her friend Mercedes McCambridge. Bernadette Dunne comes up with the perfect voice for the 70-year-old and feisty Ferber, who's telling the story, and then adjusts it for the younger characters. Among the cameo celebrities are Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sal Mineo. The fact that those who are voiced aren't recognizable as the stars we knew keeps the focus on Edna and her well-reasoned sleuthing. Could this be the first of a series? If so, let's hope Dunne keeps reading! J.B.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2009]