FIREWALL

Three apparently unrelated deaths eventually prove connected to a plot to destroy the world economy, and Inspector Kurt Wallander must put the pieces together before it's too late. Dick Hill presents the latest in Mankell's detective series with extreme precision. Hill's exaggeratedly correct pronunciation of every Swedish name and place slows the story, rather than lending it authenticity. Hill enunciates every word in the narrative, sacrificing pace in favor of clarity. His portrayals of supporting characters render them cartoonish rather than realistic, especially the women. Overall, his performance, combined with clunky writing and predictable yet unrealistic plot twists, renders this production less than satisfying. R.L.L. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2009]