A CHRISTMAS BEGINNING

Perry plucks Superintendent Runcorn from her William Monk series and gives him an outing of his own. Runcorn, single, crusty, and a loner, decides to spend the Christmas season on a remote island off Wales. What are the chances he'll run into both a body and Melisande, a woman with whom he was once in love? Terrence Hardiman brings Runcorn to life with an age-appropriate voice and inflections that reflect his personality. Perry's descriptions of the barren landscape; proud, reticent villagers; and the sensible Melisande (the name just rolls off Hardiman's tongue) are expertly realized in audio. Despite his abrasiveness, listeners will hope Runcorn gets the murderer and the girl, thanks to a sympathetic portrayal and a good story. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2008]