A GRAVE IN THE COTSWOLDS Cotswolds, Book 8

Rebecca Tope writes cosy mysteries set in the gentle hills of England's Cotswolds. Thea Osborne, a sort of younger Miss Marple, is a middle-aged widow who house-sits in fine old Cotswold cottages and solves murders. In this particular mystery, the story's point of view is not that of the amateur detective but that of an undertaker who performs natural burials, Drew Slocombe. The production is narrated by Caroline Lennon in a charmingly clear, expressive voice. But the voice of a female narrator is confusing to the listener, who keeps imagining a female companion to the engaging sleuth. Lennon's voice is cultured and smooth, but she doesn't differentiate one character from another, which can be further disorienting. Overall, this audiobook is pleasant listening but somewhat challenging. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2013]