THE BRASS WALL The Betrayal of Undercover Detective #4126

Although this title is offered as nonfiction intended for true-crime aficionados, we hear too many conversations the author never heard to claim twenty-four carat truth and too many "F" words to call the report good literature. A relentless recitation of facts, places, and dozens of names without character development comprises this undercover arson investigation, which is compromised by an inside leak to the Mob suspects being infiltrated. Greg Salata reads as we imagine Italian gangsters would talk, with belligerent outbursts and tough accents. However, he maintains his angry voice throughout, exploding each sentence as if it stands alone. This impedes the smooth narration needed to maintain the listener's interest in a difficult-to-follow story. J.A.H.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 04]