SUMMER IN ECLIPSE BAY

Feuding, rivalry, an old curse, art theft, and local gossip turn Octavia Brightwell's life upside down, creating confusion and suspense as she searches for a painting stolen from her gallery. Narrator Joyce Bean adds local charm and small-town flavor in her depiction of Mitchell and Sullivan, two geezers whose grandsons are romantically involved with Octavia. Bean appropriately portrays Mitchell's 6-year-old great-grandson as childish, but bright and inquisitive, and with a budding flair for investing, encouraged by his doting great-grandfather. The characterizations of Eugene and Dwayne, typical small-town bullies, are especially well done and worth the listen. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB / MAR 03]