ALIBI

Adam Miller, a war crimes investigator, is drawn into romance, murder, and political cover-ups amid the streets and canals of post-WWII Venice. Kanon gives great attention to historical details, but listeners may find it hard to identify with Miller, his girlfriend, and his moral dilemma. Some of this problem could have been avoided if the audiobook hadn't relied so much on explanatory dialogue among the characters--a stylistic (or abridgment) choice that causes the story to lose momentum. Holter Graham admirably voices Miller's world-weariness and delivers reliable accents, as well. But even quality acting can't put the thrill into this thriller. R.W.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]