SALT AND BLOOD

In SALT AND BLOOD, Peter Hosking demonstrates the importance of a good narrator. Corris's novel is generally entertaining, and the dialogue is good at times, but the story remains a bit of a stretch. Policewoman turned private investigator Glen Withers, reunited with her ex-lover, is hired to deal with the case of Rodney St. John Harkness, an alcoholic recently released from a mental hospital who may have a heinous past. Overcoming some long-winded passages, Hosking brings life to the story and keeps the pace brisk. Just as the right ingredients can transform a mediocre recipe into a culinary masterpiece, Hosking's style takes a good book and makes it a far better listening experience. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]