THE DREAMING DETECTIVE

This is Keating’s fourth venture into the working life of Birchester Detective Superintendent Harriet Martens. Dubbed "The Hard Detective" for her no-nonsense dealings with crime, Harriet has a new boss, Chief Constable Newcomen. He sends her off to solve a thirty-year-old murder using 21st-century technology--DNA testing. Harriet believes "Mr. Newbroom" has it in for her, even if she is his top detective. Clearly, she’s in a no-win situation. If she solves the cold case, her boss will claim the credit. If she fails, her reputation will suffer. Narrator Sheila Mitchell’s voice swoops and soars in Keating’s latest police procedural. As Harriet’s energetic imagination puts the pieces of the puzzle together, Mitchell’s pace and tone keep things lively. Her enthusiastic performance makes this a worthwhile listening experience. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE/JULY 05]