SHARPE'S FURY

Throughout 21 historical novels, plucky Richard Sharpe has been one of Wellington's most capable, albeit wayward, officers during the Napoleonic conflicts, and he continues in this latest. In 1811, Sharpe finds himself in besieged Cadiz, which is likely to fall to French forces unless our hero can save the English ambassador from blackmail by a beautiful prostitute. Musket balls, grapeshot, cutlasses, plotters, backstabbers, and a myriad of other dangers abound. Paul McGann, a former Dr. Who and a popular face on British television, has a youthful baritone, which he employs to deliver a serviceable rendering. One could wish that he had mustered up more vigor and personality--despite all the intrigue and adventure, he is without luster and a trifle tedious. Y.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]