THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR

Who stole baby Cora, and why? Kristen Potter throws herself earnestly into the drama, but her overarticulated delivery unfortunately highlights the ways in which the writing is wooden and repetitive. The plot is old-fashioned noir, light on believable psychology, heavy on James M. Cain-vintage stereotypes. Anne's parents, mean old country club WASPS, have money; Anne's attractive and talented husband, Marco, loves her despite Anne's being fragile and damaged, but Anne's parents disdain him because he's not their class. When Anne and Marco's baby disappears while they are drunkenly canoodling with the couple next door, we soon learn no one here is innocent except possibly the baby. There is fun to be had here, plus much room for improvement. B.G. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2016]