FAREWELL, MY LOVELY

Chandler's flawed hero, Philip Marlowe, was the role model for Parker's Spenser. Marlowe operates in 1940s Los Angeles. Tough and literate, he has a dry, cynical sense of humor, and he's a magnet for women. Elliott Gould has portrayed him in the movies and read several of his adventures (LADY IN THE LAKE, LONG GOODBYE) for New Millennium. Now he takes the listener through LA's seamy side in a quest for an ex-con's missing girlfriend. Gould's tone is unemotional, almost deadpan, even when delivering a funny remark or description. He doesn't voice other characters, but this is appropriate since it's Marlowe's story all the way. Prepare to encounter some violence, hard-to-swallow coincidences, and non-PC epithets. Mystery buffs should like this presentation. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 02]