ASSASSIN

John Shea skillfully handles even the outlandish aspects of this entertaining thriller, a follow-up to the 2003 bestseller HAWKE. Shea projects ironic admiration during scenes involving the villain's team of beautiful female assassins and realistic tension when the focus shifts to acts of terrorism. Shea's range is also impressive as he creates compelling voices for an aged English butler, a blustery Scotland Yard inspector, an African-American ex-NYPD detective, and the main character they all look up to: dashing millionaire adventurer Alexander Hawke. Like Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, this series is a mix of over-the-top thrills and grounded characterizations. The mix is well served by Shea's efforts. J.P.M. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]