PROTECT AND DEFEND

Though the title makes this book sound like a police procedural, this eighth Mitch Rapp thriller turns out to be a timely reflection of the current international scene. With George Guidall behind the microphone, listeners get a dependable narration that fails to generate excitement in only a few instances. Present here is the destruction of Iran's secret nuclear facilities, the possible involvement of an Israeli spy, the sinking of an Iranian ship, and the attempted rescue of Rapp's boss, who's been abducted in an ambush. Guidall's even voice brings depth to the suspense. But because his voice is a bit ponderous, he sometimes fails to ratchet up the exciting moments. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]