THE FIVE LOST AUNTS OF HARRIET BEAN

With an old-fashioned leisurely pace, McCall Smith sends protagonist Harriet Bean on a low-key adventure to find the five sisters from whom her father was separated years earlier. Each aunt has a quirk that defines the search-one has extraordinary strength, another can throw her voice, the twins have the ability to read minds, and one is extremely bossy. The mind-reading twins are detectives; sequels will no doubt involve Harriet in their mysteries. Charlotte Parry's voice is lilting, her accent is charming, and her pacing is perfect. Her characterizations are appropriately quirky without going over the top. Children who prefer action and suspense may not sit still for this one, unless they are drawn in by Parry's fine performance. E.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]