ALARM CALL

Oz Blackstone lucked out with the seconds his life offered him. A former "private inquiry agent," the Scot fell into a successful second career as a movie star, "the new Sean Connery." His second marriage -- to an impossibly wonderful beauty -- couldn't be happier. Yet into each life some rain must fall, and in Oz's case, the storm comes from his volatile ex-wife, who sorely needs his detective skills. His eighth published adventure delivers plenty of charm and humor, as well as suspense. Joe Dunlop's awkward narration actually helps by adding, through his Scottish accent and clunkiness, an endearing ingenuousness. Y.R. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]