Oates’s novel gives listeners a well-timed and insightful look at the mental state of a zealous evangelical who kills a doctor who performs abortions. In this moving attempt to tell the story in an all-encompassing and objective way, narrators Neil Hellegers, Tavia Gilbert, and Kirsten Potter portray intertwined families as they cope with the assassination. A remorseful tone permeates the ensemble narration, especially in the portrayals of both main characters, whose fervent belief in their missions is frightening. Empathetically depicted as heartfelt warriors, they personify one of our nation’s most polarizing issues. AudioFile Magazine

Oates’ unflinching examination of the destruction wrought by a single act is a difficult, if engrossing, listen. In 1999, Luther Dunphy, vehement abortion opponent, believes himself called by God to end the life of Dr. Gus Voorhees, the surgeon who runs the local women’s-health center near his small Ohio town, effectively destroying two families. The cast of narrators—Hellegers, Tavia Gilbert, Kirsten Potter, Donna Postel, and David Colacci—adeptly take the challenge of interpreting the complex array of motivations and emotions of each of Oates’ distinct characters, from the oddly bland Luther, his damaged wife, Edna Mae, and tortured daughter, Dawn, to Naomi, the rage-filled and equally tortured daughter of Dr. Voorhees. Apart from the scene depicting Luther’s ultimate fate, the narration is most effective when following the excruciating experiences of Dawn and Naomi, pulling the listener along every circular, incoherent, painful turn their traumatized minds take during the decade following the murder. Gripping to the last word. Booklist