EQUIVOCAL DEATH

If equivocal means uncertain or confusing, then this thriller is aptly titled. Not only is the plot obscure and obvious at the same time, but so are the characters. This legal thriller is saved only by Amy McWhirter's spunky reading. A fledgling lawyer in a carnivorous New York law firm is caught up in the murder of one of the firm's female partners, whom she resembles. As she blunders from suspect to suspect and finally encounters the real killer, the listener confirms what was obvious from the start, including the fact that all the lawyers in this plot are bankrupt of character. But for McWhirter's pleasant voice and capable handling of dialogue, and character accents, this book would have emphasized the other word in its title. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 01]