DON'T POINT THAT THING AT ME

Charlie Mordecai, a “degenerate aristocrat, amoral art dealer, seasoned epicurean, unwilling assassin, and acknowledged coward,” is our protagonist in this comic British crime series from the 1970s. In this one, Charlie encounters a stolen painting and takes a motor trip to New Mexico in a very special Rolls Royce. Mayhem, mischief, close calls, sex, food, and drink follow--something for everyone. The excellent Simon Prebble enjoys himself throughout as he mixes escapades with discussions of wine and fine cuisine. While his well-known range isn’t really tested, he does get to entertain us with American English of the Southwest, a host of British accents, and the occasional French accent. The listener’s attention will never wander. R.E.K. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]