Hot Springs Drive

Hunter (Eat Only When You’re Hungry) offers a narrative of a life gone wrong, taking listeners through the twists and turns, destructive relationships, and critical choices that culminate in a woman’s death. Jackie is a frustrated stay-at-home mother of four rambunctious boys who befriends her neighbor Theresa. She considers Theresa the perfect mother and wife and proceeds to emulate her in every way. After embarking on a dramatic weight-loss program, Jackie begins to see her marriage and children in a new light, realizing the power that her new, sharper self wields. What follows is the slow undoing of everyone in Jackie’s circle, where everyone seems obsessed with sex: wanting or not wanting it; having or not having it; or using sex as a reason for every decision. In the end, Jackie’s desire to manipulate those around her leads to a murder and the devastation of all involved. Emily Ellet narrates all voices with perfect distinction, even the voices of the younger characters. Although the ending may not sit well with all listeners, Hunter’s character portrayals fascinate.