THE SECOND PERIMETER

A low-level Navy bureaucrat insists there's something fishy down at the shipyards but is fruitless in his efforts to convince anyone in his organization that an investigation is needed. Instead, his connections with the Speaker of the House provoke a cursory inquiry from troubleshooter Joe DeMarco. When the whistle-blower is killed, DeMarco and his sidekick, Emma, a retired DIA agent, suspect an espionage ring. Reader Scott Brick demonstrates his skill with political thrillers, nimbly depicting DeMarco's multilayered determination and insecurities. Brick reads cool-but-competent Emma with starch and determination. The story's fast pace is intermingled with understated depth of character for DeMarco and Emma. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]