KILLSHOT

No one can really equal Leonard's ear for lowbrow criminal dialogue and behavior--or, for that matter, his ear for lower-class American accents. And Ryder Strong warms to the sizable cast of harebrained characters he must portray in this violent story. Early in his narration, Strong seems hesitant, but as the plot thickens and the crime duo of a gum-snapping punk and a taciturn half-breed follow their absurd and bloody path of robbery and revenge, Strong's voice and energy keep pace. By the last track, listeners will find they have experienced a classic American story of crime, a satirical IN COLD BLOOD shot by the light of a convenience store sign. D.J.B. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 06]