Books & Literature

Audiobook Review: Transference, by Big Finish

Psychotherapist Sam Ross helps others but can barely help herself. Now, one of her clients has a secret that will place her in the most terrible danger.

This is a cracker of a release which shows a different side to the team at Big Finish.
4.5

If ever you need reminding that Alex Kingston is a brilliant actor outside her most notable role in recent years, Professor River Song, then look no further than this tense and thrilling release from the Big Finish studios under their Big Finish Originals banner.

Last year saw the launch of this range with a number of highly entertaining and thought-provoking sets (all reviewed elsewhere on this site). Whilst this is the only release this year, it is an absolute cracker.

Alex Kingston plays the role of psychotherapist Sam Frost who finds herself caught in a web of lies and deceit from one of her clients, Keith (played with slow menace by Warren Brown), who always seems to be changing his story. All of this happens while she is dealing with the death of her sister and a mother who seems to show little interest in her career.

She enlists the help of her friend, Paul (Robert Whitelock showing much nuance in what could have been a much lesser role) who starts investigating this strange person. Kingston is in absolute winning form and seems to enjoy the change of character from her usual persona at Big Finish. Her emotional range and the character journey is vastly different from her usual work. Any more plot points will spoil what is a magnificent slow burn of a story.

The main cast is well supported by a strong list of supporting actors including Owen Aaronovitch (Whittle/DI Johnson), Delroy Atkinson (Robbi Driscoll/Waiter), Wendy Craig (Barbara Ross), Ingrid Oliver (Lucy Ross), and Moray Treadwell (Hugh Lawrence/Toby/Dr Joe Segurado).

Clocking in at around eight hours, although divided into hour-long episodes, it will test the stamina of most Big Finish listeners. However, the rewards of sticking it out are worth it.

The scripts by Jane Slavin, Roland Moore, Andrew Smith, and John Dorney are absolutely gripping and work very well together without feeling like they are coming from the pen of four different writers. Each character arc is strong and the plot develops with an excellent sense of timing throughout the series. This is also a credit to director Ken Bentley who uses all of his skills to rope the listener in and illicit amazing performances from his cast. The sound and music by Steve Roxon and Joe Kraemer respectively maintain the excellent standard of the Big Finish studios.

This is a cracker of a release and, like the other releases in this series, shows a different side to the team at Big Finish. It is an absolute gem in their crown that deserves repeated listening. It is only available as a download (and a pricey one at that) but if you are a fan of Alex Kingston you will not want to miss this one.

Reviewed by Rodney Hrvatin
Twitter: @Wagnerfan74

Released by: Big Finish Productions
Release date: August 2019
Approx RRP: $34 Digital Download

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