June 10, 2024
The first title in the "Buckingham Hotel" series, narrated by Julian Ovenden, places listeners in mid-1930s London, dancing within the walls of the prestigious Buckingham Hotel. Patronized by royalty, politicians, and society's rich and famous, the hotel is a world within itself. Its Grand Ballroom calls to the rich and famous. Raymond de Guise and his other dancers charm guests with their turns around the ballroom, but a secret from his past threatens the life he has built. Newly employed as a hotel chambermaid, Nancy Nettleton, longing to join the dancing, watches from the shadows. Soon she realizes that everyone--guests and staff alike--have secrets they hope to keep hidden. Ovenden's voice is pleasing to hear, yet discerning listeners may be pulled away from the story by his frequent distracting mouth sounds. The variety of accents in Ovenden's repertoire is significant, helping to separate the large cast of characters, but his harsh American accent grates on one's ears. VERDICT An overall pleasant production, though not a required addition to most collections, especially as the text was originally published several years prior to the audio.--Amanda L. S. Murphy
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