CHARLIE BONE AND THE HIDDEN KING

Fifth in the Children of the Red King series, this story will keep listeners immersed as 12-year-old Charlie Bone, endowed with the gift of entering into photographs, contends with mystifying events that are occurring. Evil forces are determined to keep Charlie from discovering the truth about his long-lost father. Even though several of the major characters are young children, Simon Russell Beale does an excellent job portraying the numerous voices; each is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His emphasis, intonation, and occasional sound effects adeptly underscore the plot twists. Accompanying music is fitting, dramatizing a ghostly atmosphere and contributing to the suspense. M.H.N. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]