WATCHERS OF TIME

Describing this book as an English countryside murder mystery is factually correct but doesn't do justice to its writing or narration. This is a multilayered, slowly unfolding work whose author has taken the time to create real people with real motivations. Even the main character, Ian Rutledge, makes very real mistakes. Narrator Samuel Gillies is more than up to the task. His pacing and diction are terrific, and he brings the characters to life with superb shifts of his voice. Gillies keeps the book on an even keel, never getting maudlin or excessively emotional as he nears the solution. Todd has written an intelligent book; Gillies's narration reinforces its thoughtfulness. R.I.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]