SHADOWS STILL REMAIN

Peter de Jonge, coauthor of three bestsellers with James Patterson, makes his solo debut with this taut, dark mystery. NYPD Detective Darlene O’Hara doesn’t think the prime suspect in her first homicide is the real murderer, and she’s not above breaking rules or stepping on toes to find the truth. As Darlene uncovers sordid facts surrounding the murder victim’s secret life, narrator Tina Benko’s minimal approach leaves listeners wishing for a more animated reading. Vibrant, brainy, and beautiful, Darlene has enough personal problems to make her interesting, but Benko’s restrained narration doesn’t do her justice. Even so, de Jonge’s crusty old cops, creepy criminals, and stunning plot twists make this absorbing story well worth a listen. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2009]