SHOTGUN ALLEY

As a reader of his own works, Klavan is not bad. This latest in the Bishop-Weiss private eye partnership series has a double plot. Bishop, the rogue, must infiltrate a motorcycle gang to retrieve the daughter of a politically ambitious mogul. Weiss, more laid-back, is asked by a feminist to find out who's been sending her racy but literate email. Nothing turns out as expected. Klavan gives each story an even reading, expertly setting scenes with his pen and then bringing them out with his voice. Whether it's a meeting of self-important graduate students or the carnage of a robbery gone wrong, you are THERE. Occasionally, there are first-person segments from a neophyte investigator; these might have been done in an individual style by a professional actor. On the whole, however, if you like your mysteries rough around the edges, this will satisfy you. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]