LEARNING TO KILL

This collection of McBain's early crime fiction is a mixed bag, with some pieces weak or dated, some still packing a punch. Stephen Hoye gives them all a top-notch effort. He lets the stories dictate his manner. He's effective at delivering the New York accents and the whine of 1950s' delinquents who are featured in many of the stories. He shifts his voice subtly and effortlessly to distinguish characters; at times, the listener will forget one person is reading. At his best, which is frequent, his understated acting increases the stories' impact. He's a reader to watch--or listen for. W.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]