AT RISK

In her first foray into fiction, former British MI5 Chief Stella Rimington has crafted a thriller about a possible Islamic terrorist attack in England. While the story has its ups and downs and the ending is a bit too pat, it succeeds because of the fine performance of Jennifer McMahon, whose British accent and timing are impeccable. In particular, McMahon captures the emotions of intelligence officer Liz Carlyle, illuminating her insights into both the world of terrorism and the male-dominated world of Britain's Security Services. McMahon realistically portrays the pangs of conscience that confront Lucy Wharmby, the British accomplice of terrorist Faraj Mansour. Not surprisingly, Wharmby learns quickly that murder is easier in theory than in practice. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE/JULY 05]