STANDING STILL Anderson and Costello, Book 8

Narrator Cathleen McCarron passionately delivers this mystery set in Glasgow. During a festival parade several people go missing, and a body is found folded into a box. McCarron deftly portrays a grieving mother and outspoken Detective Inspector Freddie Costello. The story's settings include a well-rendered nursing home for retired entertainers, where The Duchess--an elderly opera star--is doted upon by her son and Sandra Ryme, a cunning carer, steals things from the residents. Listeners will be shocked to hear how the murder victims are made to look like grotesque puppets. Anderson and Costello soon realize there's a madman at work. McCarron excels with virtuoso storytelling, description, and character portrayals, and her re-creation of a hypnosis scene is memorable. Subtle humor adds levity, and authentic-sounding Scots brogues provide atmosphere. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2018]