THE SWIFTS A Dictionary of Scoundrels

Nikki Patel is enchanting, fearsome, and hilarious as she narrates this story about a family reunion that includes a body count. Listeners meet the Swifts, who use a dictionary to name their children (and describe their personalities), including Shenanigan--the ringleader of the kids--and Uncle Maelstrom, who leads the action. The reunion doubles as an opportunity for the family to search for an old mansion's hidden treasure. Most exhilarating is encountering the dialogue and behavior of each character--which, of course, fit their names. Because the Swifts live all over the globe, Patel's skill with accents and dramatic pronunciations is engaging and atmospheric. Puns, wordplay, and definitions abound, with multiple meanings adding to listeners' fun--and education. Since the saga is conversation rich, audio significantly enhances the sterling writing and delivery. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2023]