THE LABRADOR PACT

Not just another dog story, Matt Haig's dark satire features Labrador Prince and the code of ethics, "the pact," that guides his role with his human family. Simon Jones is superb portraying an array of dog characters with voices that convey their characters as well as their species--for example, wise, brutish, or gregarious. The family's cat, Lapsang, gets a wonderfully languid voice that Jones nails with perfect ennui. Listeners will enjoy Prince's studies of "wag control" and "pleasure sniffing," delivered with impeccable timing and tone. The story takes a dark turn, as the hollowness of suburban life eats away at Prince's family. The dialogue and portraits of the teenagers are well done. Jones stays perfectly in tune as the story takes some unusual turns and the frolic ends. R.F.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]