SANDRINE'S CASE

Narrator Brian Holsopple dishes out just the right recipe of pathos, irony, tenderness, and style in Cook's latest. A university professor is on trial for the murder of his wife, Sandrine, who was also a teacher at the same college. In this story of rediscovered love--albeit too late--the listener is treated to 10 days of courtroom drama juxtaposed with deep revelations about the defendant, the alleged victim, and their daughter. Sometimes it's difficult to focus on the human side of the story in the face of all the legalisms. Nonetheless, Holsopple deftly switches from prosecutor to witness, and then to the defendant himself. His voices are distinctive and appropriate for the multiplicity of characters as you wonder if Sandrine's death was murder--or a suicide for the purpose of framing her husband? Stay with Holsopple for the verdict and the unusual ending. It will be worth it. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2013]