PROVING GROUND

In this tense thriller, Natty Dresden is dealing with the murder of his father, a famous lawyer, and his own PTSD. Investigating the case is Detective Lourdes Robles, who is making a clean start with a seasoned partner. Ari Fliakos enhances an exciting story with his expert narration. He gives everyone a unique identity, differentiating them through varying tones, voices, and accents. Natty is quiet and steady, but his father's law partner is given a streetwise gruff tone. Natty's mother has a quiet, tired voice. Lourdes's slightly sarcastic voice is excellent, though occasionally a bit uneven. And the revolving door of characters is handled wonderfully; no one is given short shrift. Another example of a well-paced story that is significantly enhanced by a narration built on appropriate voices. M.B. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2017]