MIND SCRAMBLER

Author Chris Grabenstein returns to his popular mystery series with this fifth installment of the John Ceepak saga, which finds the New Jersey detective and his easy-going partner, Boyle, investigating a murder involving Atlantic City illusionists. Grabenstein's characteristic twists and turns are present throughout; they work because his characters are so likable and strangely believable. Narrator Jeff Woodman delivers a worthy reading that manages to capture the author's intent. Though Woodman never seems to truly lose himself in the story, he delivers a pitch-perfect performance that infuses his own personable touches into the well-crafted characters. L.B. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2010]