THE NEW ADVENTURES OF MICKEY SPILLANE'S MIKE HAMMER IN "OIL AND WATER" AND "DANGEROUS DAYS"

Mike Hammer has been in the detective business since 1947, so it's a bit odd to hear him instruct his trusty secretary, who must be in her 70s by now, to "Google it." This full-cast recording—with its references to MySpace and 9/11—is an attempt to bring the hard-boiled hero into the 21st century. Some of the detective's legendary traits—especially his sex appeal (the guy must be double-dipped in pheromones)—seem dated in these entertaining, though predictable, productions. Nonetheless, the sound design and acting are top-notch, making for a diversion that's perfect for two ninety-minute commutes. Stacy Keach, who's already embraced his inner Hammer on TV, does a solid job in the lead, and a nice job composing and performing the background music, as well. R.W.S. 2009 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2009]