The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner

The Red Necklace, A Story of the French Revolution by Sally Gardner , is an engaging story right from the start. Due to the descriptive title, many ten year old and ups would conjure up the image of a guillotine or the beautiful and decadent Marie Antoinette.  The listener or reader of this story can place the characters in time. Gardner doesn't waste time on the time period alone but weaves in necessary details as the plot moves forward.
The story focuses on a trio of magicians that includes Yann Margoza, an immediately likable mind reader. And an opposite group of Marquises and Counts which includes the lame daughter of a particularly vile member of the aristocracy and his buddy who seems to be the devil incarnate.
    Tom Hiddleston, a RADA trained actor, reads this story very well. He changes voices and accents with ease. But the star of this recording is the story that has all of us in its grip. Those going on a long car ride during the holiday season can bank on this as a family listen. There is death and gore, it is the French Revolution after all. But there are good guys who triumph and make the past seem like a bad dream.