SOMETHING IS ROTTEN

Soon after Detective Bert Hook reluctantly agrees to perform in a community theater production of Shakespeare, the director gets his throat slashed. Hook finds himself knee-deep in the investigation, and, naturally, the suspects include members of the cast, among them a petty thief, a violent criminal, and an adulterer. Narrator Gareth Armstrong maintains a somber yet pleasant tone. His even-paced delivery effectively portrays each character’s personality. Armstrong demonstrates great vocal range and skill with aristocratic and regional British accents. His performance avoids melodrama and allows the writing to speak for itself. A most satisfying presentation of a traditional mystery with an intriguing retinue of suspects. A.L.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2009]