KEEPING WATCH

In addition to two successful, critically acclaimed mystery series, Laurie King writes psychological thrillers, of which KEEPING WATCH is the newest. In it she juxtaposes an emotionally damaged Vietnam War veteran who saves abused children and a 12-year-old boy whom he rescues. Then she throws them into a nightmare situation that requires all their survival instincts and ingenuity to escape. Full of Vietnam War flashbacks, the story is vivid, involving, and suspenseful. Richard Ferrone has been acclaimed for his "voice noir" delivery, which he uses to full effect here. It's intense, at once gritty and nasal, with little variation in tone--a voice that some listeners love and others can't listen to for long. This reviewer finds Ferrone's lack of tonal variation tiring but admires his emotional reading and vocal characterization. It's worth a listen and is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. A.C.S. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]