The Swift and the Harrier

In 1640s England, Jayne Swift cannot officially call herself a doctor, but she has been trained by a noted physician whose beliefs are revolutionizing the field. Jayne, the daughter of a squire, works mostly with women and the poor, as the upper classes prefer to go to male doctors. On her way to treat her nephew for croup, she meets a footman named William, who, unbeknown to Jayne, is a spy and a master of disguise. When the English Civil War begins, Jayne treats the wounded, although she insists on neutrality and helps soldiers on both sides of the conflict. William keeps turning up in her life, and she finally learns the secrets he has been hiding. Mystery writer Walters (The Turn of Midnight) captures the prejudices of the times, from politics to religion to science to social status. Emma Gregory narrates the story deftly, communicating the characters’ struggle with loyalty, religious beliefs, and class distinctions. Listeners will appreciate her skill in employing a variety of accents and tones to distinguish the many characters.