ORCHID BEACH

Narrator Debra Monk has a knack for characterization, even with the superficial variety in detective thrillers such as Orchid Beach, in which adrenaline-pumping plot twists rule. In this thriller, the beautiful (natch), smart (double natch), intrepid (ditto) heroine, forcibly retired from the military, becomes police chief of the title Florida community, where she investigates the death of her predecessor with the help of her new lover, her old father and her Doberman. Monk gives every walk-on some subtle touch, some nuance of authenticity, some humanizing characteristic. Her Chief Holly Barker sounds appropriately strong and solid, like a former army officer, though feminine enough for credible love scenes. Here's a novel definitely more rewarding in the listen than in the read. Y.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 99]