SWING

Holmes's mystery is saturated in noir ambiance and swing music, which, charmingly, contains clues. Patrick Lawlor's opening narration lulls the listener into the idyllic innocence of pre-WWII San Francisco, but war drums are beating in Japan and Europe, and we are one year away from the attack on Pearl Harbor. With subtle tonal changes, Lawlor introduces the harsh cacophony of discord then, with snappy dialogue, builds the momentum to a frenetic pace as we find ourselves hoping against hope that our hero will survive, get the girl, and prevent an international catastrophe. The mystery is great fun; the music terrific. K.A.T. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]