KILLJOY

Having survived a harrowing childhood, Avery Delaney chooses a career in the FBI. When her aunt persuades Avery to join her for a week in a luxurious spa and then goes missing, Avery sets out to unravel a strange and terrifying set of events to save her one remaining relative. The personalities of Garwood's characters are clearly evoked in the voices Joyce Bean selects, including Avery's own childhood voice. Bean uses a good tempo to keep the first part of the story moving along and heightens the buildup of suspense and excitement. This overwritten novel is redeemed by her genuine, sincere performance. S.S.R. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]