THE LIGHTHOUSE

This latest by the reigning queen of British mystery translates wonderfully to audio, thanks to a keenly adept rendering by the marvelous Charles Keating. Keating takes on the larger-than-life mantle of poet and super sleuth Adam Dalgliesh and makes it a perfect fit. James’s remote setting, an island off the Cornish coast, comes complete with a select group of possible culprits and a victim you’d just as soon murder yourself. Soon tension is at a fever pitch. Factors making James such a well-loved author are the complexity and richness of her plots and characters, attributes that Keating mines to the fullest with his textured interpretations of personality and his perfect timing. About as close to perfect as they come. D.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]