CUJO

CUJO, one of King's earlier novels, is a great example of how he creates horror by turning the everyday upside down to show its dark underside: In this one the lovable family pet becomes a demon. Lorna Raver's understated delivery mirrors this style. She manages to deliver the characters' intense emotions and the plot's terrifying scenes without overacting. Raver amply demonstrates her skills as she successfully portrays an overwrought preschooler and convincingly renders the Down East accent. Details in the text are somewhat dated now, but the allure of a terrific tale from a master storyteller presented by an adept narrator makes this King classic hard to resist. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2010]