DEAD CENTER

Grover Gardner's narrative style is clear but low-key, a style that fits Andy Carpenter, Rosenfelt's series hero. Andy's soul mate, Laurie Collins, has moved back to Finlay, Wisconsin, where two coeds have been brutally murdered. As acting police chief, she asks Andy to help discover who the killer is. Gardner's pleasant tones change pitch and inflection to accommodate the wonderful characters of various ages and idiosyncrasies. When he speaks as a native, he does fail to replicate a Midwestern accent, but his reading perfectly evokes the suspense and drama of a criminal investigation and the boredom of a stakeout. Dog lovers will enjoy Andy's faithful companion, Tara. S.C.A. 2007 Audies Award Finalist © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 06]