THE SKIN GODS

Philadelphia is being menaced by a serial killer who recreates-and films-classic movie murders, splicing them into VHS tapes and placing them on local video shelves. Montanari knows his movies, and figuring out which movie is being reenacted is as intriguing as Detectives Byrne and Balzano's search for the madman. Scott Brick's deep, ominous tones make the psycho-killer's first-person descriptions of the grisly murders bone-chilling. As the body count rises, so does Brick's intensity. He is especially convincing as the detectives deal with their own personal demons. Montanari's excellent new thriller and Scott Brick's performance make this a special treat for movie fans-and anyone else who loves a mystery that gets the adrenaline pumping. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]