MURDER IN MIND

Lyndon Stacey is known as the "Queen of West Country Crime." Perhaps narrator Jonathan Keeble should be credited with a complementary mantle for his performance of this mystery. Stacey's murder investigation in rural England involves jockey Matt Shepherd. Keeble brings him to life with seeming ease. He also shifts his accent to become Matt's Irish friend, Jamie, who is accused of murder, as well as Matt's girlfriend, arrogant aristocrats, and various characters in the dark underworld of equestrian sports and steeplechasing. Keeble's keen interpretation invites listeners along as horses and jockeys negotiate terrifying jumps, falls, and other thrills of the race course. The suspense builds right to the climax, when Matt is forced to realize that friendship and loyalty can exact a lethal price. A.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2008]