WOLVES EAT DOGS

Smith’s latest Arkady Renko book, a solid mystery centering on Chernobyl, gives fascinating information about the disaster and what the area is like now. Henry Strozier’s voice is perfect for the story: dark-toned, gravelly, with an edge of worldly wise sardonicism that never becomes unsympathetic or despairing, just like aging Moscow cop Renko. Strozier strikes the right note of wistful cynicism and humorous weariness, imbued with Renko’s essential decency and doggedness. However, Strozier is not strong at different voices; while one always knows who’s speaking, better differentiation would improve the listener’s experience. But Renko’s tone is his alone. The bottom line: Some people simply have voices you want to listen to, and Strozier is one. W.M. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]