THE BUCK STOPS HERE

Ruth Ann Phimister narrates another entry of the Million Dollar Mystery series with clarity and skill. She combines suspense, romance, and inspiration and provides Cajun accents for several characters. Her portrayal of Callie, a widow in search of information about her husband's mysterious death, is realistic as she uncovers complex intrigue on a national level. The portrayal of the loathsome thirty-foot snake that slithers out while she's driving brings shivers. Phimister uses pitch and tonal nuance with expertise, yet, as good as she is, her voice is not age-appropriate. She sounds like a senior characterizing 30-somethings, and it's a complete distraction. Also, this would have been better as an abridgment. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]