SIMEON'S BRIDE

In a coastal city in northern Wales, Detective Chief Inspector Michael McKenna tries to solve a years-old murder, while coping with the disintegration of his marriage. Successful at the former, McKenna finds the latter a losing proposition. Steve Hodson's low, gravelly voice and measured pacing convey the depth of emotion of the taciturn detective with grace and subtlety. The many other characters in the story also come to life, inspiring frustration, fury, humor, or compassion. Particularly skilled at the local dialect, Hodson imparts a delightful realism to the novel's more provincial players, allowing us to see, as well as hear them. His presentation of the philosophical opening and closing passages frames the tale with elegance. R.P.L. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 02]