WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA HAM?

Count on entering a realm of intrigue and murder in the third of Phyllis Richman's chronicles of "Chas. Wheatley." Exquisite cuisine is the perfect backdrop for the superb plot. Wheatley, a renowned food critic for the WASHINGTON EXAMINER, becomes obsessed with his nemesis, co-worker Ringo Laurenge. Susan O'Malley shows her singular talent by lending seriousness and breadth to Wheatley's character, complete with deft "stage whispers" throughout the narration. Phyllis Richman deserves thumbs up for her serving of an excellent whodunit. M.F.D. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]