THE MALTESE FALCON

Perhaps better known as a movie than a book, The Maltese Falcon set a standard for tough-guy detective whodunits. This presentation is more radio dramatization than audiobook reading. The stage is set by the soulful tones of a tenor sax lyrically painting a mournful picture of fog-bound San Francisco, steeped in death and deceit. Reader William Dufris is a one-man band, covering the entire cast of diverse characters with unbelievable ease. His shifts from tough Sam Spade to the damsel in distress to any of a host of bad guys is just short of amazing. Some may find his presentation of the leading lady close to overacting, and he does stretch to find unique voices for the minor players, but, overall, this is a top notch presentation. T.J.M. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 98]