Artfully Yours

When it comes to art, Alan De’Ath—art critic, finder of forgeries, and the brother of a duke—doesn’t hold back with his opinions. Much to his brother’s chagrin, he gives honest reviews, no matter how prominent the artist may be, which in turn causes the duke to withhold funds from him. Nina Finch is an extremely talented artist, using her skill to paint forgeries of famous artists’ works for her brother to sell. Hoping to use her savings to purchase a village bakery, her path instead crosses with Alan’s, and this turns her plans sideways. Mary Jane Wells, who previously narrated the author’s “Duke Undone” series, provides an exuberant performance. Her talents in portraying characters and giving them voices that befit their unique personalities elevate the listening experience. With the ability to believably perform a variety of accents, Wells continues to showcase her skills. Lively tones and quick pacing will keep listeners invested in Alan and Nina’s tale, though a handful of odd phrasings and emphasis choices might keep some from fully enjoying the narration.