SHATTERED

Francis's novels always teach the reader something. Usually it's some aspect of the horse-racing business. This time the topic of glassblowing in all its complexity and danger is added to the racing milieu. Gerald Logan, who is rising in the glass industry, gets a video of potentially great value from a jockey friend who is promptly killed in a riding accident. As those determined to get hold of the video imperil Gerald, events lead to a violent episode at a glassblowing furnace. Fiacre Douglas does a well-voiced reading; his portrayals of the widow and her mother, in particular, stand out. However, the rapid pace throughout the production is best suited to its climactic finish. This said, there's no way listeners will be bored with this audio thoroughbred. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]