VANISHING GIRLS

Multiple narrators give voice to Oliver's realistic young adult novel, which follows sisters Nick and Dara as they recover from a traumatic car accident. The narrations of the girls' voices are saturated with a harshness and negativity that initially add to the sense of darkness that pervades the novel. But eventually the mood becomes tedious as the story continues. Only a dramatic plot twist lends either sister's voice any variety, but this occurs so late in the performance that listeners may have already lost patience. The supporting cast, who narrate articles and online comments revolving around a local girl's disappearance, serves up refreshing but underutilized vocal changes. E.M.C. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2015]