THE WATERSPLASH

The watersplash turns into a deadly site in the quaint British village of Greenings in this cozy classic. Foul play, woven inextricably with greed, passion, and resentment, results in brutal violence, tainting the village's sweet harmony. Maud Silver lights upon the scene to investigate the deaths in her subtle yet penetrating way, which is ever so reminiscent of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. Diana Bishop embodies each of the Greenings residents' voices with clarity and a refined enunciation that translates well for both the old-timers and the youth. Bishop grasps the confidential tones inherent in vehement gossip, as well as the diverse personalities of the range of suspects and innocents. She changes gears beautifully with Miss Silver's calm, lucid wisdom and no-nonsense approach. Dark suspicions culminate in unanticipated twists, producing a thoroughly diverting mystery. A.W. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2010]