JOHNNY AND THE DEAD

Here is an unusually rich work of young adult fantasy, with a mature message, believable characters and conflicts, and a satisfying ending. Briefly, the 12-year-old boy protagonist, discovers that he can see and converse with the dead. Like all Pratchett novels, this is loaded with pointed, good-natured humor. Richard Mitchley reads with the effortless ease of the veteran audiobook narrator, aptly capturing each character with pacing, intonation, speed and accents, the latter always British but not always from the same social class. No enhancements, but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless. D.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 98]