The Dark Petals of Provence

By: Karen Hugg

Narrated by: Caroline Hewitt

Fresh off a divorce, April Pearce arrives in Provence to photograph its hidden places for a travel magazine. But on her first night in a lavender field, she accidentally snaps a teenager running in the distance covered in blood. When she inquires about him in the local village, no one wants to talk. They don’t like April, and she can’t figure out why.

As she witnesses other disturbing events, her concern for the teen grows, but the more she investigates, the more she’s threatened and her work vandalized. Then she meets some wealthy celebrities who may or may not help her. As April struggles to stand up for what’s right, she in turn reveals the shameful secret the village has kept hidden for years.

©2022 Karen Hugg (P)2022 Recorded Books

Will she stand up for herself?

The story was interesting but April, the main character was frustrating to me. To be a talented professional willing to consistently be a victim made me lose patience, however, the narrator is extremely good. Both Ms. Hewitt's French and the portray of the characters, may have added to my frustration with April. Her performance was very consistent and by the time I made my way through everything, I found I was very involved in the outcome of the book.

I suggest listening and stick with!!

Surprising

This is not a genre I would usually try, but how can you go wrong in Provence? It took me on a breathtaking journey of emotions while Hugg twisted and turned through the story and landscape. The skilled narration added even more color and texture with evocative accents and character voices.
A delightful surprise.