DEATH BENEFITS

The clever title and ironic tone of the narrative belie the seriously intriguing plot of this suspense story, which involves life insurance fraud. In a voice heavy with life experience, Michael Kramer embodies the character of special security consultant Max Stillman, who is hired by McClaren Life and Casualty to solve a problem in their Pasadena office. Kramer finds an earnest, reliable-sounding voice for John Walker, the data analyst Max commandeers to help him search for an employee who signed off on a $12-million death claim she knew was fraudulent. For reasons of his own, Walker doesn’t believe she did it. Kramer delivers the dramatic denouement at a pace that matches the breathless events taking place in a small New Hampshire town. A surprising plot and luminous narration make a perfect combination. S.C.A. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2009]