TOO HOT TO HANDEL John Pickett, Book 5

The latest John Pickett mystery is as irresistible as its predecessors, thanks to Joel Froomkin's skilled delivery. Pickett is trying to avoid Lady Fieldhurst as she pursues an annulment to their "accidental" marriage, but he must ask her to appear with him in society to solve a flurry of jewel thefts. Froomkin's accents for those of all stations and personalities are charming, and his delivery of vibrant descriptions--particularly when a theater burns down--is engaging. Pickett is badly injured as he saves Lady Fieldhurst from the inferno. It's delightful to hear Fieldhurst and Magistrate Colquhoun (two of the author's best creations) work to solve the thefts, and a possible attack on Pickett. A blustering Russian prince adds curiosity. Listeners will also appreciate a bonus short story. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2018]