LAST DITCH

Set in small but cosmopolitan coastal villages in southeast England and northwest France, this Inspector Roderick Alleyn mystery centering on drugs and murder is as comforting and satisfying as a cup of Earl Grey tea. With the deft touch of a master, Marsh paints her highly visual English countryside sets and charming, gracious characters--mixing a broad canvas of upper-class aristocrats, Bohemian artists, channel-faring sailors and dock hands, with the odd village nutter thrown in for good measure. Nadia May is unfaltering in carrying off this wonderful work which, in its simplicity, is a throwback to a less complicated, more gently paced period. M.D.H. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]