CROOKED HEART

Narrator Karen Cass brings charm and a touch of drama to this affecting story of what happens when impulsive 30-something Vera takes in practical 10-year-old Noel, an orphan who has been evacuated to the suburbs of London during WWII. Cass's broad vocal register and ability to render a range of British accents bring authenticity to the dialogue as Noel and Vera cross paths with a variety of Londoners while they implement money-making cons. Cass's excellent pacing carries listeners smoothly from quiet moments, as when Noel misses his late godmother, to the action, as when Vera is caught outside during a bombing. Listeners will be entranced by Cass's portrayals of two lost souls who discover they make a good team and a solid family. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2015]