The Shadow Cabinet

With this second installment in her “HMRC” trilogy (following Her Majesty’s Royal Coven), Dawson delivers yet another sparkling magical adventure. High Priestess Niamh Kelly is dead, and her twin sister, Ciara, now inhabits her body. Ciara has been comatose for a decade and doesn’t know what she did to become so hated, but she knows that she must fool Niamh’s family, friends, and coven long enough to make her escape. Meanwhile, Leonie Jackman is searching for her brother, Radley, and the traitorous warlock, Dabney Hale, who is intent on locating a powerful weapon to kill all witches. Actor Nicola Coughlan (Derry Girls; Bridgerton) brilliantly narrates, infusing the story with energy and passion. Many of the main characters are engaged in their own adventures, but Coughlan’s character voices, spot-on accents, and pacing ensure that listeners will remain engaged. Of special note is the book’s nuanced picture of Ciara, which provides insight into her life and the choices she has made.