The Witches

The young narrator in this story, who's been warned about witches by his Grandmamma, ends up at a hotel where the witches of England are holding their convention. Dahl reveals his dark side here. His description of the witches' hatred for children makes one's blood run cold; in Dahl's story, once you are turned into a mouse, you stay a mouse. Lynn Redgrave is in her element with this tale, dramatizing all the characters and their varied voices, from Norwegian Grandmamma to the Grand High Witch. Redgrave doesn't hit a wrong note, and she's particularly good at bringing alive the voices of children without ever sounding condescending. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

Marsh's performance has a sinister side that may be too scary to the audience Dahl intends to delight. The abridgment cuts too much context, which would otherwise mitigate frightening details. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

After listening to his grandmother's stories of witches, the young narrator of this hilarious and wicked novel stumbles upon a convention of witches at an English seaside hotel. When the scary, bald-headed hags discover him, he falls victim to their plan to eliminate all the children of England. But fear not. Dahl doesn't let them get away with it. He spins a plan of revenge that is unexpected and delightful. Ron Keith, a British reader, flawlessly handles the story and voices in a way that had me laughing out loud. His pacing is excellent. This is a genuine can't-put-it-down production. P.B.J. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine