DEAR MR. M

Following in the style of his renowned book THE DINNER, Koch's novel is a slow-paced, multilayered story. An aging writer in the Netherlands confronts his fading career and the novel--based on an actual unsolved crime--that rocketed him to fame. Narrator Luke Daniels is in tune with Koch's approach and delivers it effectively, teasing out the distinctiveness of the characters and leaving listeners questioning the unreliable narrators while surrounding them with the rich atmosphere. However, Koch's plodding narrative arrives at its anticlimactic plot twist far too slowly and indirectly, so even Daniels's fine performance can't resuscitate the suspense. It's dead on arrival. Fans of Koch may appreciate this, but those looking for a thrilling audiobook can pass. J.F. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2017]