THE SLOW MOON

At times, this audiobook tries to be more substantial than it is, occasionally offering overwrought, inconsistent accents and at times emphasizing an awkward literary style. What begins as a teenage romantic moment in the woods turns terrifying when a girl is attacked and her boyfriend is blamed. Background stories about the townspeople fill the pages, as well, with mixed results, and sometimes Christine Williams's voice sounds forced and uncomfortable with what she’s reading. The pacing of both novel and performance varies widely, with inconsequential moments often taking center stage and significant developments transpiring quickly. In spite of all this, the production still offers enough of a diverting listen to hold one's attention, if only to see how it all ends. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]