KILLING RAIN

The idea of a tough-guy freelance assassin with a conscience seems farfetched. The protagonist of Eisler's series, John Rain, obsessively questions his work and the consequent rising death toll, all the while continuing to do what he does best. But Michael McConnohie is adept at pacing and suspense, and Eisler's plot has enough twists to maintain interest. The setting of exotic Manila adds to the drama. McConnohie is credible in his presentation of the Japanese-American Rain, who has been hired this time by the Mossad to take care of some Asian problems. The story's dialogue generally rings true, though the continual switching of point of view is especially challenging on audio. K.A.T. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]