ONE MAN AND HIS BOMB

To start a mystery with the death of one son and the mutilation of the other--both police constables--poses a problem for the author and listeners. It's difficult to believe that their mother, Detective Harriet Martens, could continue with her police duties after those personal losses. Because of her stoicism, she becomes a somewhat unappealing heroine. Given the story's emotional situation, it's also difficult for listeners focus on the investigation of the theft of a bio-weapon. However, Sheila Mitchell does such a masterful job with narration that, by the end, one does empathize with Detective Martens. But no matter how well read--and Mitchell does the job with panache--this is not one of Keating's best novels. B.H.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]