The Caretaker

Ahmad’s thriller focuses on Ranjit Singh, a disgraced former member of India’s army elite now residing on Martha’s Vineyard with his wife and young daughter. Singh finds himself spending a particularly cruel winter caring for the lavish summer homes of the island’s wealthy part-time residents. But when his own home is invaded by the weather, Singh takes a risk and moves his family into the unoccupied home of a powerful U.S. Senator. But this move coincides with the sudden arrival of mysterious men who began searching the house. The Singhs escape but are hunted, a pursuit that eventually separates Singh from his wife and daughter and finds him fighting for his life and a return to family unity. Sam Dastor provides this compelling audio edition with dramatic, crisp narration. He capably switches between a variety of appropriate and distinctive accents—primarily Indian (the protagonist, his family, his associates) and American (the growly senator; his friendly, soft-spoken wife; the gruff pursuers). Dastor’s careful, intelligent rendering enhances Ahmad’s novel and makes for great listening. A Minotaur hardcover. (May)