PUPPET

Fielding's cunningly crafted novel translates splendidly to audio. Hicks's sensitive yet matter-of-fact narration perfectly portrays the unlovable Amanda Travis. Known as “Puppet” in childhood, Amanda is a high-powered criminal attorney in Palm Beach, who at 28 is twice divorced and enjoys sleeping with married men. When her first ex-husband calls to say her mother killed a man in their hometown of Toronto, Amanda must confront the shocking reality of her past. Hicks's pacing makes the dialogue and Amanda's thoughts easy to distinguish. She easily portrays Amanda's growing frustration with her mother's evasions. S.C.A. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]