TROPIC OF NIGHT

It is hard to characterize Michael Gruber's debut novel, which transcends the horror, mystery, detective story, and thriller genres. It opens with an encounter between two women; when one dies, the other feels obligated to raise the dead woman's 4-year-old daughter. Then a series of ritual murders occurs, and the investigation is assigned to Detective Jimmy Paz, who confronts a world far different from everyday Miami. Narrator Valerie Leonard reads with a low-key yet effective style that allows the story to unfold. With each twist, Leonard provides just the right tone and level of emotion. While the story is lengthy, listeners should enjoy Leonard's performance, and the story's ending is worth the wait. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]