THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT

Ralph Parrish is accused of killing his free-spirited, gay brother, Jonathan. Lawyer Matthew Hope, applying his personal code of justice, is certain that Ralph is no murderer. The titles in Ed McBain's "fairy tale" series offer lighthearted, fast-paced reading. However, the quick and easy pace of this book does not translate well in this production. Listeners will find themselves wondering how a book that requires a few hours to read could possibly take nine hours to hear. The problem is that Shay's reading is too serious and pondering for Hope's character. The reading is too flat, with no vocal changes or inflections used to indicate the different characters. J.L. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPT 92]