TOM WASP AND THE NEWGATE KNOCKER

Terry Wale sounds exactly as we might expect a Victorian chimney sweep to sound—if that sweep were better read than most, and perhaps more thoughtful, with a more interesting inner life. Since that is exactly who Tom Wasp is, and Tom is the narrator of this book, that works out pretty well. Between voices and accents, Wale manages to keep the many characters straight, and his performance captures the genuine wit and pathos of the protagonist. The mystery is complex and well constructed, with enough surprises in the last few chapters to please any aficionado, and the human stories behind the mystery add emotional depth. Even those who don’t usually listen to mysteries may enjoy this. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2012]