THE FIRST CUT

This police procedural features Pasadena Detective Nan Vining and her precocious teenaged daughter, Emily. Lorna Raver’s no-nonsense reading brings both drama and credibility to this frightening story involving a sadistic psychopath with a visceral hatred of women. Calmly and carefully, Raver conveys Emily’s spooky foray into the supernatural, as well as the delightful dark humor and plot twists entwined with the tedium of routine police work. Dialogue is presented crisply, and the various supporting characters benefit from Raver’s skillful reading. She projects a wide range of emotions and draws listeners into the terror of the victims. Picking up the pace, she builds tension for the excruciating denouement, complete with a cliff-hanger leading into a sequel. S.C.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]