THE ROAD OF THE DEAD

Ruben's sister is brutally raped and murdered in desolate Dartmoor, and Ruben senses it from home in London. Gypsy blood enables him to witness events through his sibling's eyes. This connection helps Ruben follow his brother to Dartmoor to find her killers. Paul Thornley uses a steady pace to heighten suspense as the two teens unearth all sorts of nastiness. With a straightforward and sometimes rough voice, Thornley exposes the dark hearts of the living and the dead. This is a prime example of how narration can elevate printed text: Thornley helps the listener imagine what Ruben "sees." He also imbues Ruben's voice with the strength and humanity needed to mourn his sister and rise above the violence surrounding him. M.M.O. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2009]