ISBN: 0-7887-3952-2 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com
A pleasant, simple and at times touching mystery, with a sympathetic but implausibly mature protagonist entertains with a modicum of preaching.
Reviewed by David on January 10, 2002
Genre: Mystery (Coming of Age, Romance)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of The Tightrope Walker.
Amelia Johnson had an unhappy childhood. Lacking in both parents and self-confidence, she occupies her time with therapy. A series of events wake her curiousity and her search for meaning and happiness lead her to a measure of independence and courage, as an impulse decision make her the new owner of a small antique shop. Content with her small adventure, Amelia stumbles upon a scrap of paper in one of the old musical instruments.
If the message is to be believed, a woman called Hannah is about to be killed. Amelia's curiosity and tentative but stubborn determination to help lead her on a journey of discovery, of both the writer of the message and her own strength.
Full Review: This is a very pleasant mystery, with an appealing, heroine. Amelia is earnest, naive, but intelligent and determined heroine. Her tone is largely appropriate, including her monologues on fear and her polite but frequently droll references to the people surrounding her.
While the coming-of-age motif is handled well, a certain discrepancy between Amelia's constant description of her insecurities and her consistent courage, skill and lack of hesitation create a lack of consistency. No matter how plucky, the heroine's behavior shows an implausible maturity.
The other, slighter flaw exhibits in preaching. Several conversations, both dialogue and especially internal monologue dwell on morality. While patrly appropriate, some of it is excessive and again creates an impression of an older, possibly elderly and reflective voice.
The book is very pleasant, and at times both mildly humorous and touching. A couple of inconsistencies in the tone provide a small, manageble distraction from the smooth flow of a solid, at times tense, mystery.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 1999, Recorded Books, 1979, Audio cassette, 5 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-3952-2 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com