A SCANNER DARKLY

Undercover Police Officer Fred walks a fine line between his real identity and that of his alter ego, drug abuser Bob Arctor. But overdosing causes Fred to lose his balance and fall headlong into the chaotic world of substance abuse in which his two personalities fight against each other. Paul Giamatti's raspy voice adds a definitive depth to this edgy novel about the codependence of law enforcement and the drug scene. He fully captures the characters in their various drug-induced states, juggling paranoia, irrelevant banter, and dazed vocal tones. While his female voices sound similar, they are still discernable enough, and his overall performance certainly makes up for this shortcoming. L.E. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 06]