THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD

Ron Hansen's novel chronicles the lives and times of Jesse James and Robert Ford, the sycophantic young outlaw who eventually shot Jesse in the back. In Hansen's quest for period accuracy, the early chapters are slow going, but G. Valmont Thomas's narration is strong enough to overcome the heavy exposition. Thomas's shaded characterizations provide fascinating human insights into the legend of Jesse. The author reveals details of the gunslinger’s personality—he used potions, and was superstitious and vain. Jesse’s relationship with Zee is described as well—from courtship to marriage. Hansen's habit of "verbing" nouns gets annoying ("wristed with lace," "snailed across the road"), but Thomas's performance is so appealing—with his mellifluous tones; honest, uncluttered delivery; and perfect diction—that listeners won't mind. Thomas makes this an audiobook you won't want to miss. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]