THE CARDINAL OF THE KREMLIN

Narrating one of Tom Clancy's early novels is a tough job. They're long; filled with numerous heroes and villains, many of them foreign; switch abruptly from subplot to subplot; feature high-tech language; and usually reach nail-biting climaxes. This CD issue of Clancy's 1989 work, which has all of these characteristics, richly rewards listeners eager to marvel at Clancy's favorite hero, CIA operative Jack Ryan, who must rescue a Russian colonel, a longtime U.S. spy code-named "Cardinal." Michael Prichard is highly competent, though his matter-of-fact delivery sometimes fails to match the ever-increasing suspense. On balance, however, this is a creditable performance sure to please Clancy's fans. T.H.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 04]