HOLLY BLUES

In the eighteenth China Bayles mystery, the story centers on her husband’s ex-wife, who arrives in Pecan Springs with no money or job but plenty of trouble, including a stalker and a police investigation. Albert’s direct style, appealing directly to the listener, is well suited to audio. Julia Gibson delivers a light Southern accent that keeps the story firmly rooted in the small Texas town that China and her circle of family and friends inhabit. Gibson and Tom Stechschulte read alternating chapters, from the viewpoint of China or her husband, respectively. The majority of the narration falls to Gibson, whose smooth, inviting speech contrasts sharply with the deep, gruff voice of Stechschulte. Gibson adds a touch of humor and lightheartedness to China’s dialogue, which complements the dramatic passages. E.N. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2010]