THE GUTTER AND THE GRAVE

Ed McBain's novels are like a comfortable pair of shoes-they fit well, and by the end of the day you're still glad you chose them. This one features Matt Cordell, a down-and-out former detective trying to put his life back together, who finds himself in the middle of a murder. Like the book, Richard Ferrone's reading is comfortable. Ferrone's style is all business, with a paced staccato delivery reminiscent of a classic radio program. The result is a performance in which the novel remains on center stage. And because this title is less than five hours long, it's ideal for short trips or a light listen on the beach. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]