BEFORE THE RUINS

Narrator Kristin Atherton infuses her delivery of this debut novel with moodiness and longing. When Andrea's lifelong friend, Peter, falls off the grid, his mother asks her to find out what happened. The task forces Andy to confront the friendships and tragedy of the defining summer of her youth, dredging up unresolved feelings and conflicted relationships. Atherton distinguishes angsty teen Andy from professional grown-up Andrea. Atherton's pitch-perfect characterizations illuminate each friend's personality, insecurities, bravado, and pain. The story unfolds from Andy's viewpoint, weaving past and present, first love, two murders, a creepy manor house, and rumors of hidden diamonds to create a complex tale that's as much coming-of-age as it is mystery. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2021]