DARK TIDES Fairmile, Book 2

Louise Brealey's performance is just one good reason to listen to the second in Philippa Gregory's Fairmile series. Gregory's unparalleled storytelling is another. Alinor's health never recovered after being "swum" as a witch in the tidelands in 1648. It's now 1670. Alinor's close-knit family members live peaceful, if hardworking, lives in London. Their quiet is disrupted by two unwelcome visitors: Sir James, who abandoned pregnant Alinor 21 years earlier, and Livia, the devious alleged widow of Alinor's son. Brealey's delivery is subtle and nuanced or over-the-top, as needed. She is especially credible portraying Alinor's brother, Ned, in America. Her depictions of white settlers and natives are believable, making clear the rising animosities between them and chilling listeners with their struggles during the harsh New England winter. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFIle Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2020]