THE ANGEL OF DARKNESS

It is 1897 in New York City, where the 14- month-old daughter of a Spanish embassy official has been kidnapped. No complaint can be made, however, because of the explosive nature of our relations with Spain, so Dr. Lazlo Kreizler, familiar to readers of Carr’s first novel, The Alienist, investigates with his team of oddly assorted friends. Foremost among these is the narrator, Stevie Taggert, whose colorful language and acquaintances pepper the narrative. George Guidall reads Stevie’s rough street talk with the same ease he shows with the elegant probing of Dr. Kreizler. He even manages startling cameo performances of Teddy Roosevelt and Clarence Darrow. Most impressive, however, is that Guidall finesses Carr’s vast background detail to pique suspense rather than weaken it. Carr and Guidall have teamed to produce a gripping thriller rich with historical and human interest. P.E.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]