THE DROWNING PEOPLE

This new mystery from a 20-year-old Oxford student, Richard Mason, begins with the sound of waves lapping on the shore. THE DROWNING PEOPLE is reminiscent of THE SECRET HISTORY in that a cultured person informs us on the first page that he has killed someone. In this case, it's the 70-something James Farrell who tells us that he has just killed his wife of 45 years after making an unexpected discovery in her desk. It's not surprising that Golden Voice Martin Jarvis virtually inhabits the older James Farrell and creditably captures the youthful one. Further, through Jarvis's light, deft delivery of the beautiful American, Ella Harcourt, we understand the spell James has fallen under. If this isn't enough to lure you in, the black-and-white photo of the island castle, reminiscent of Mont St. Michel, on the package will surely capture your imagination. E.K.D. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 99]