THE LONER Long, Tall Texans, Book 53

Narrator Todd McLaren takes listeners to Texas, home of playboy Tanner Everett and his young neighbor, Sasie Bolton. When Sasie's father dies, his will forces a marriage between her and Tanner. McLaren portrays Sasie's grief at the loss of her father, along with her trepidation at the upcoming obligatory wedding. Sasie has always been in love with Tanner, but he'd rather maintain his jet-setting lifestyle with his mistress--who is portrayed in a suitably nasty tone. When circumstances move the story ahead five years, McLaren adds maturity to Tanner's voice. Overall, McLaren deftly handles the large cast of characters and their accents, which range from a Texas twang to New York swank. S.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2023]