THE GARDEN INTRIGUE Pink Carnation, Book 9

Kate Reading moves effortlessly between American, English, and French accents in her narration of two stories that move between two eras. Reading takes on a wistful tone and American accent as Emily, a modern-day graduate student who is living in England to finish her dissertation on aristocratic spies. Portraying Emma, Reading's modulated pitch conveys a coy and charming elegance suitable for the young American widow who is friends with Napoleon's stepdaughter. Perhaps most entertaining is Reading's depiction of seemingly inept Augustus Whittleby, who speaks with exaggerated enunciation when spouting his poetry but who reveals a more sensitive and serious side as England's master spy in France. Clear distinctions between characters' voices keep the transitions between the stories clear and the verbal duels enticing. M.F. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2013]