YESTERDAY'S ECHO

Matt Coyle’s award-winning debut novel introduces Rick Cahill, a tough-talking disgraced ex-cop, currently co-owner of a restaurant. Rick has a deep, dark secret, a dodgy past, a strong sense of morality, and a soft spot for beautiful women in trouble. Narrator Nick Podehl’s interpretation of the edgy Rick is solid. He gives Rick an irresistible smart-alecky charm, so no one will be surprised when Rick lets his instincts rule his head as he intervenes to rescue a damsel in distress. He falls hard for the gorgeous aforementioned damsel, a reporter doing an exposé, and from there our hero faces a seemingly endless series of unfortunate events, including beatings, betrayal, and murder. Podehl’s upbeat performance makes Coyle’s well-crafted Chandleresque noir a delight for the ear. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2015]