A CHRISTMAS GUEST

The gifted Terrence Hardiman delivers again in this most moving coming-of-age story from Perry’s Pitt series. The harshly critical Grandmama is shipped off to spend Christmas with distant relatives. While there, she meets Maud, who is also removed from her family circle. Hardiman imbues humanity and warmth into each character with some added irony as Grandmama learns that detecting isn’t as easy as it seems when she’s forced to find Maud’s killer. As she delves into Maud’s life, she realizes that knowing Maud for a short time has completely altered her own life and outlook. Hardiman presents Grandmama in all of her ire and slowly illustrates a transformation that is surprising and welcome. This year-round Christmas story is bittersweet and moving. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]