SECRET WINDOW, SECRET GARDEN Four Past Midnight, Part Two

King tells the story of Mort Rainey, a struggling writer who is accused of plagiarism by a mysterious stranger who rings his doorbell one day while he holes up in his cottage to get away from it all. Narrated by actor James Woods, the story is so good that he hardly needs to work at maintaining listener engagement. But being the professional he is, Woods gives a performance so powerful and commanding it will hold listeners rapt. His voice is steeped in the deep South when he characterizes the deadly John Shooter; when portraying the recently divorced Rainey, he sounds hollow and alone. Woods gives King’s story a palpable mood of isolation—the result is a wonderful example of how affecting an audiobook can be. L.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]