THE CUTIE

The "cutie" of the title isn't the revolver-toting redhead depicted on the cover of this 1960 noir adventure. Rather, the term refers to the gangster who framed two-bit junkie Billy-Billy Cantrell for the murder of a political bigwig's mistress. The story is told from the point of view of Clay, a young, college-educated Mob hit man who is developing a conscience. Stephen Thorne gives the lead character a wry smart-aleck attitude and smoothly delivers the dialogue of supporting characters, providing each—whether a stuttering junkie, a gorgeous model, or the tough detectives—with a distinct voice and style. Thorne lacks the edgy urban voice that would give more credibility to the book, but as the story progresses, he’s able to carry it successfully to its dark, twisted conclusion. S.E.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2009]