BLACKLIST

Listeners are taken back to an uneasy Hollywood of the mid-twentieth century, when the aftermath of the House Un-American Activities Committee continues to affect so many lives. The story, recounted by voices representing different sides of the past events, gradually develops into a murder mystery. Together, narrators Adam J. Rough, John Pruden, and Erin Yuen ensure that the production enhances Ludwig's novel, without the multiple narrators ever feeling like a gimmick. Pruden's tone seems ideally matched to the character of an aging FBI agent who is wearied by his years in Hollywood but is still ambitious. Rough and Yuen convincingly portray younger characters who are reunited in love--each tainted by betrayal. K.J.P. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2014]