THE GREAT SECRET

This volume from Galaxy Press's new cache of Hubbard's golden age stories contains four adventures that take the listener from the treacherous jungle to the scorching desert to outer space. R.F. Daley narrates three, supported by a full cast and sound effects. He performs best when the story is action packed, like "The Beast." "Space Can" is a somewhat weaker entry, and even Daley and the supporting cast sound less engaged. On the other hand, Bruce Boxleitner handles the introspective first story, "The Great Secret," with a steady, rumbling, almost cinematic vocal swagger. The over-the-top performances may startle the listener who is accustomed to more subtle recordings, but it's part of the intended style. Just sit back and enjoy a nostalgic, old-fashioned listen, complete with extravagant melodrama. A.H.A. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 08]