Phantom

Regan “Roz” Osbourne is a starving artist with no luck in the art world and an ex-boyfriend who won’t take no for an answer. When Roz is given the opportunity to acquire money and protection if she gives up her left hand, she reluctantly agrees. Almost immediately, she begins experiencing excruciating phantom limb pains. Desperate for relief, she enters a drug trial, but the drug has a disturbing side effect. She now has a psychic connection with the serial killer who owns her hand. Power’s (The Ghosts of Thorwald Place) latest starts well, promising thrilling twists, shocking events, and a flawed but struggling main character. Unfortunately, the plot rapidly wears thin, requiring listeners to suspend too much disbelief for Roz, who is frustratingly shallow and unsympathetic. Despite the novel’s shortcomings, narrators Rachel Fulginiti and Eunice Wong skillfully give voice to the cast of questionable characters, adding atmosphere and tension to the story.