SKELETON JUSTICE

Even Michele Santopietro's valiant narration effort cannot hide the weak plot, excessive medical details, and unlikely conclusion of this forensic mystery. While New York City’s Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Jake Rosen is investigating assaults by a villain who siphons blood from his unconscious victims, his lawyer girlfriend is defending two private school students charged with bombing a mailbox. Believe it or not, the police have labeled these kids "terrorists." Thanks to Santopietro's reading, the dialogue comes out clear, the accents are formidable, and the pace is just quick enough. Nonetheless, even with Santopietro's expertise, it's hard to suspend one’s disbelief. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2009]