BADLANDS

Scott Brick, who almost always gets high marks for narration, is at his best when he's a serial killer. He's plotting, maniacal, creepy, and just plain evil. That's what's called for in this latest from Richard Montanari. As it develops, this is the story of a relentless search by two Philadelphia detectives for the killer of several young women. The cops are charged with deciphering obtuse clues left by the madman, which lead them to the next body—or body part. This evildoer is not just smart—he's brilliant. He presides over what amounts to be a house of horrors—with a victim dedicated to each room. Brick keeps you chilled to the bone. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2009]