cover image The Orphan Master

The Orphan Master

Jean Zimmerman, read by George Guidall. Penguin Audio, unabridged, 12 CDs, 15.5 hrs., $39.95 ISBN 978-1-61176-105-4

In Zimmerman's historical thriller, set in the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam circa 1663, orphans are mysteriously disappearing. Searching for the missing children are a young trader and orphan named Blandine von Couvering and British spy Edward Drummond. As the two investigate the disappearances, they become romantically involved, but their fledgling love is threatened when Blandine is accused of being a witch and Edward is charged with espionage. From the very beginning of this audio edition, listeners will be captivated by the performance of narrator George Guidall. His deep, velvety voice sounds cultured, traveled, educated, and comfortable on many continents, and he produces almost flawless French and Dutch accents. Guidall's reading captures the tone of the author's prose and essence of her characters, and the intimacy of his narration will keep listeners engrossed until the very end. A Viking hardcover. (June)