SALEM FALLS

Jack St. Bride was a teacher whose reputation was destroyed by a malicious student. After serving jail time for statutory rape, a crime he didn't commit, Jack moves to Salem Falls, New Hampshire, and takes a menial job. This helps for a while, but soon history repeats itself, and Jack, a registered sex offender, is again accused of rape. Narrator Julia Gibson has a pleasing, light voice and is strongest when portraying Jack's accusers, a Wiccan coven of young girls. But her voice doesn't convince as the story enters the more serious legal aspects of a court trial. With a plot that is reminiscent of Arthur Miller's CRUCIBLE and Lillian Hellman's CHILDREN'S HOUR, Picoult's novel creates plausible characters entangled in an intriguing plot. A must for Picoult's many fans. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]