A RED DEATH

The time is 1953, the place is Watts, and the McCarthy-era red scare is in full bloom. Series regular Easy Rawlins gets entangled with a crooked IRS agent, a Red-hunting FBI agent, the local police, and several local church groups. Murders ensue, and Easy is a suspect. Stanley Bennett Clay's reading is convincing. Clay is at his best bringing to life conversations between powerful white officials and powerless black citizens. His pacing and rhythmic delivery keep the listener hooked despite a cumbersome plot. R.E.K. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB / MAR 03]