THE CHEMIST

If you’ve ever avoided pressing the play button for fear a favorite character won’t survive the chapter, this audiobook isn’t going to be comfortable listening. Early on, narrator Ellen Archer signals that Meyer’s characters are on borrowed time. Alex—not her real name—is being hunted by the government that once lauded her for her ability to interrogate terrorists with chemical torture. A final assignment promises to clear Alex’s name but takes an unexpected turn. Archer’s urgent tone keeps listeners on high alert, and torture scenes have a near physical impact. In Archer’s narration, Alex’s clipped tone and practical personality mix realistically with her nascent feelings of hope and wonder. And even with Archer’s outstanding portrayal of Alex, secondary characters Kevin and Val still steal all their scenes, thanks to Archer’s memorable voices. Pack your go bag and enter Meyer’s breathless romantic suspense. C.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2016]