THE GIRL SHE USED TO BE

When she is 6 years old, Melody Grace McCartney and her parents witness a Mob-related murder and are whisked into the government's Witness Protection Program (WITSEC). After WITSEC fails to protect her parents, Melody endures countless identity changes and is continually spirited away from her ersatz lives at each hint of danger, leaving her unable to make permanent connections. Emily Beresford wisely plays the mixed-up Melody with the voice and attitude of someone much younger than her 26 years. Beresford is completely engaging when the young woman finds her affections split between the handsome federal marshal assigned to her case and the Mob boss's sexy bad-boy son sent to kill her. David Cristofano's novel is full of delightful surprises, and Beresford's performance is spot-on. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2012]