BLUE SMOKE

Beautiful Reena Hale, trained arson investigator and policewoman, is unlucky in love. The men in her life die tragically, often by fire. A series of fresh arson fires sets the stage for this appealing, suspenseful romance, which combines a large Italian family, their pizza restaurant, a new love interest, a mystery, and a pyromaniac with revenge on his mind. Joyce Bean delivers the goods with a cadence that matches the suspense. The secondary plot involving Reena's sister and her unfaithful husband is stellar, matching voice to mood with choking tears and harsh breathing. Bean's versatile vocal range skillfully portrays male and female parts without hesitation. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]