MISSING JUSTICE

Deputy D.A. Samantha Kincaid makes a second appearance in Burke's suspense series, this time after being promoted to the Major Crimes Unit in Portland, Oregon. A local judge is murdered, and powerful people demand a quick investigation. Through Betty Bobbitt's agile voice and the tangled events of the high-profile murder, Samantha's integrity and street smarts come to life. Unfortunately, Samantha is sometimes presented in a whiny tone that doesn't match her no-nonsense dialogue, but many side characters are drawn with depth. Bobbitt's intriguing accent just hints at her years in Australia. Portland listeners will be delighted at the rich references to their city but disappointed at Bobbitt's mispronunciation of several geographic names. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 06]