THE CHAMELEON'S SHADOW

In Minette Walters's latest suspense novel, Simon Vance partners with the author to create an amazing oral portrait of a British veteran of the Iraq War, who may or may not be a killer. Lieutenant Charles Acland returns from the war with a damaged face and a deep distrust of everyone. Just as he is making some psychological progress, he is implicated in a beating. Vance manages to create distinct, telling personalities for a huge cast that includes street kids, weary police, and lesbian bar owners. His gradually changing tone for Acland helps us understand the man's moods. And his pacing carries us through the slightly overlong doctor talk into the heart of the suspense. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]