THE TEETH OF THE TIGER

Although comparatively short on action and long on narrative, this is a provocative novel of espionage and terrorism. In typical Tom Clancy style, the heroes prevail, but this time justice is done outside the law by a secretly financed vigilante agency. The main character is Jack Ryan, Jr., with generously sprinkled references to his father's adventures in prior Clancy stories. Stephen Hoye's understated yet masculine voice is well suited to the novel, especially given Jack, Jr.'s, major role. But accents are not Hoye's strong suit; the Hispanic and British characters would have been better portrayed with subtlety. Another minor complaint: This complicated story requires slightly longer pauses between scenes. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]