CHAPTER AND HEARSE

There's something peculiarly satisfying in a quick bit of murder neatly solved. Add a dash of laughter and you have this collection of short stories by one of England's best-known mystery writers. Catherine Aird offers traditional village mysteries that include wry social commentary. Bruce Montague gives this one perfect voice. He understands Aird's take on the mystery as a mini-morality tale, which he delivers in a well-paced, thoughtful voice. He also appreciates Aird's sly humor, which he offers deadpan, often catching the listener by surprise. One thinks that Aird would approve; we certainly do. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE/JULY 05]