THE BURGLAR DIARIES

King's offbeat books are popular in England but not as well known here. American listeners of this collection of loosely joined episodes in the life of a burglar are in for a pleasant surprise. The story is fun--often humorous, filled with true-to-life characters, and punctuated by a philosophy compatible with a life of petty crime but with some surprising morality. In audio its strength is also its challenge. Narrator Dave John complements a text written in the first person with a superb, seemingly effortless, monologue. He's perfectly at home with the working-class English accent, cadences, and attitude. However, Americans will have to listen more carefully than usual to stay with the story. Those who do won't be disappointed. S.K. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]