DEATH DANCE

Unlike many recurring mystery characters, Assistant D.A. Alex Cooper is clear-eyed and relatively unencumbered by demons from her past. So this latest mystery by Fairstein, focusing on the New York City theater district, is a fun listen. And with Blair Brown making strong vocal choices for all the characters, we can really see the colorful suspects as they prowl the backstage worlds of ballet and Broadway. We know where we're headed as our heroes tiptoe along darkened catwalks, bound and berated by prematurely triumphant killers. (Why do villains always use up valuable escape time detailing their crimes to those pursuing them?) Still, this abridgment makes for a diverting evening's listening. A.M.D. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]