THE PECULIARITIES

People gradually turning into animals or trees as a fog violently attacks in 1899 London is scary stuff, but listeners are more likely to smile than cower. Hannibal Hills narrates with an entertaining exaggeration that emphasizes the humorous aspects of David Liss's novel. Hills lets listeners eavesdrop on the worlds of banking and the occult as he speaks with an insider tone leavened with mockery. Liss shows us both worlds and the surprising relationship between them through Thomas, whose father's will has forced him to become an entry-level banker. Thomas is also being steered toward marriage, which leads him to an investigation, with the help of his reluctant would-be bride. Hills's character voices may not seem realistic, but his gruff, debauched, or slimy tones are always distinct. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2021]