THE ENVY OF THE STRANGER

A strong narration by Sofia Engstrand provides a solid base for Caroline Graham's stand-alone (not Barnaby) mystery. Fame attracts envy, and popular radio host Roz Gilmour is receiving threatening messages and hate mail. The anonymous "listener" is an actor who expects he will soon be as famous as she is. When that doesn't happen, he becomes unglued, focusing all his psychopathic anger on Roz. Once she realizes he has her home address and phone number, Roz is appropriately panicked. Engstrand switches characters easily, making each an individual personality. She builds tension with subtle vocal shifts, creating a chilling atmosphere. When her personal secretary is found murdered, Roz becomes increasingly terrorized and endangered. Graham's believable characters and situations and Engstrand's spot-on performance offer an unforgettable listening experience. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2022]