WITNESS TO MYSELF

Tension slowly mounts in this disturbing story about Alan Benning, a man who remains haunted by his actions as a youth. Told from the point of view of the man’s cousin, Colin, the story builds suspense as Alan’s paralyzing conscience grips him—first with dread, then with fear. Unfortunately, the narration does not keep up. The emotions of Shubin’s story don’t come through in John Michaels’s delivery. His pacing is awkward, and he barely differentiates male and female voices. Except for one or two minor characters—a girlfriend’s father has an appropriate deep, no-nonsense tone—most of the voices are too similar. It’s a shame because, while the listener can see the end coming, it’s the journey getting there that would benefit from a better narration. M.B. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2011]