MEN IN BLACK

Novelist Sam Holland's personal life unravels just as his pseudonymous quasi-factual book on UFOs hits the bestseller list. Trapped in a mess of his own making, Holland spends the next weeks searching for his runaway son and placating his wife and ex-mistress while dealing with instant fame. There's a lot of moral ambiguity here, and 11 hours with Holland and McLarty reinforce this. McLarty's somewhat neutral approach to Holland is in contrast to other better defined characters. Spencer has a good sense of the ridiculous and an ability to create touching moments; these plus McLarty's smooth delivery will carry the listener easily to the end. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 01]