THE LAST HOSTAGE

Though the drama builds nicely in this thriller, employing its author as the narrator detracts from the listening experience. Nance rushes his delivery and has some vocal flaws that draw attention from his carefully planned novel. The author is best as protagonist Ken West, an airline pilot whose plane is apparently being hijacked by a clever maniac with explosives in the belly of the plane. Though the plot smacks of future multiplex fare, this audiobook begs for another reader or a larger cast, and some background music to help drive the action and accent the tension. D.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]