ON SECRET SERVICE

The shadow war between the Secret Services of the Federal and Confederate governments provides the backdrop for this story. Jakes, as usual, adroitly interweaves a cast of fictional and historical characters, placing them in historical places and events. His research is more than cursory; however, it does seem that the Confederates are a bit more nasty, more villainous, than their Federal counterparts. Michael Kramer's steady voice moves the exciting plot, with all of its twists and turns, at an even pace. He is especially good with the narrative portions. Whether he's describing drunken soldiers in Washington or the New York City Draft Riots of 1863, one can picture the action taking place. Vocal characterizations are, in the main, competent, with male Northerners the strongest and female Southerners the weakest. Overall, Kramer gives a fine reading of a thrilling story. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 01]