UNDERTAKER'S WIFE

If you're a fan of "CSI," the psychological, historical, and scientific aspects of "restoring" the dead described in this macabre novel will intrigue you. Lucy Connable is the devoted wife of Richard, who practices the invisible, often misunderstood, art of embalming during the late nineteenth century in remote areas of Kansas, Montana, and elsewhere. Henry Strozier's narration is superb and leisurely. He uses unique, easily identifiable voices for the varied cast of characters. Wild Bill is dandified and dangerous, Russian Jew Sergei Rubyoff has an appropriate accent with hesitant pacing, and Lucy is soft-spoken and sensitive. Strozier smoothly adjusts to reading the rich period details, providing a unique, encompassing atmosphere for the poignant romance. S.C.A. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]