CARDS ON THE TABLE

Mr. Shaitana invites Hercule Poirot and six other guests to a dinner and bridge party and then dies during the evening--stabbed through the heart without anyone noticing the actual murder. Poirot launches an investigation, which uncovers secrets the other guests would prefer to keep hidden. Hugh Fraser hides none of his talents in his delightful performance. His pacing is perfect for every scene, whether a bridge game or the race to stop a second murder. And his characterizations are better than they’ve ever been--Poirot is oh-so-Belgian and mannered, the police are tellingly middle class, and the killer, when revealed, has been blindingly self-confident, had we known to listen for it. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]