HONOR'S KINGDOM

Though the presentation of the sanctimonious, naive, and self-serving protagonist, Major Abel Jones, often borders on parody in this Civil War mystery, this audiobook still merits listener attention because of the superb work of reader Paul Boehmer. Jones is sent to England in 1862 to thwart British interests in supporting the Confederacy. There he encounters and solves several grisly murders, some with confusing links to the previous three books in this series. Boehmer's narration is exceptional. Boehmer renders a motley cast of mostly British characters about as well as it could be done. He varies pitch, dialect, pace, and excitement in a fine performance. T.H. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB / MAR 03]