Madeline Dare has traded in the drudgery of living in backwoods Syracuse, New York, to work as a teacher at Santangelo Academy, a boarding school for emotionally disturbed teenagers in the Berkshires. Behind the ornate gates of the academy, she finds a disturbing realm where students and teachers must follow the dean's bizarre therapies. From her first day, Madeline doubts Dr. Santangelo's credibility, and she's not afraid to voice her concerns. But she quickly discovers that many of her colleagues are devout followers of the dean. When a chilling event confirms Madeline's suspicions, she feels trapped within a school full of lunatics. Shut off from the outside world, Maddie forms an unlikely alliance with a small group of rebellious students whose constant resistance to authority may be her only salvation.
About the Author :
Cornelia Read is the author of Valley of Ashes, Invisible Boy, and The Crazy School. Read's first novel, A Field of Darkness, was nominated for an Edgar Award for Best First Novel. She lives in Berkeley, California.
Hillary Huber is one of the most successful voice talents in Los Angeles. Recent books read for Blackstone Audio include Him, Her, Him Again, the End of Him by Patricia Marx, A Field of Darkness by Cornelia Read, and A Map of Glass by Jane Urquhart.
Review :
"Another swiftly plotted mystery peppered with wonderful one-liners...The series belongs on the must-read list of anyone who enjoys mystery mixed with comedy."
-- "Booklist "
"Hillary Huber effectively conveys Madeline's frustration, empathy, and fear. She also does a great job with the teens....her tight pacing keeps the listener's interest even past the climax."
-- "Kliatt"
"It's the unflinching drama and sharply drawn characters that make this book, and both are ably realized by Hilary Huber...She perfectly evokes Madeline with a mix of tart cynicism and warm compassion."
-- "Publishers Weekly"
"Madeline's deadpan voice, acid wit and psychological depth are the perfect counterpoint to the novel's positively Gothic plot...Caustic, gripping and distinctive--intelligent entertainment."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"Read's novel is fast-paced; once the action starts, don't even think about putting it down. The motives behind the murders are complex, and the ultimate heroes and bad guys are a total surprise. Strongly recommended."
-- "Library Journal (starred review)"
"The memorable characters include argyle-clad WASPs, slackers, rebels, and prudes, and Huber captures them all through her wry reading, easily reflecting Madeline's clever banter and barbs. Huber's reading is dripping with irony, well suited to this deliciously twisted, witty narrative."
-- "Booklist"
