FAULT LINE

Rob Shapiro narrates a mystery involving a conspiracy in Silicon Valley. His portrayal of attorney Alex Treven and his brother, Ben, a black-ops assassin, makes their seven-year estrangement fully believable. After a client of Alex’s is murdered, he discovers that an innovative encryption program has been compromised. When a patent clerk involved with the product dies and Alex is attacked at home, he is forced to ask Ben for help. Shapiro fully portrays Alex’s desperation as he is forced into hiding. Even his portrayal of Alex’s legal associate, Sarah Hosseini, is gritty and realistic. But even though Shapiro's narration is excellent, it can’t make up for a disappointing plot. The novel’s combination of high action and portraits of family dysfunction distorts the story and confuses the listener. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2009]