CITY OF THE DEAD

Ian Morson's new series introduces thirteenth-century Venetian merchant Niccolò Zuliani. Zuliani is a charming rascal who makes a hasty exit from Venice because of some shady dealings. Friar Alberoni, who is trying to track down the fabled Christian ruler Prester John, hires Zuliani to accompany him on a journey to Kublai Khan's legendary city of Xanadu. Narrator Gordon Griffin's enthusiastic approach is just right for the irrepressible Zuliani, who has a keen eye for the beauties of Xanadu—female, scenic, and material. While Zuliani imagines the riches of the Mongol empire filling his pockets, what he actually encounters is treachery, palace intrigue, personal danger, and murder. Griffin's assorted accents are completely satisfying, and his timing is perfect for the plot twists. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2010]