DEAD DAYS OF SUMMER

Annie Darling, owner of the Death on Demand bookstore on an island in the Atlantic, and her husband, Max, are plunged into a murder case when Max is suddenly arrested. Kate Reading's narration captures Annie's terror, blunting the unbelievable (and unexplained) elements of why the wealthy and socially prominent Max could have been chosen as the fall guy in a murder setup. Reading does an especially good job of making Darling's cohorts--from mystery writers and fans to local cops--come to life, but there are few South Carolina accents. Annie in disguise as a Chicago friend of the victim is a little too flat--but a terrific distinction from her chipper self. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]