THE BRICKLAYER

Michael McConnohie's sturdy, self-confident voice is well suited to this thriller about a former FBI agent who is brought into a complex case because of his ability to understand the criminal mind—and his willingness to work outside the rules. Steve Vail left the bureaucracy of the FBI in favor of the independence of bricklaying. But he reluctantly agrees to track down the dangerous gang that is extorting money from the FBI and killing high-profile civilians. McConnohie's consistently masculine narration adds credibility to Vail's personal moral code, but his almost-completely straight delivery renders some of the dialogue confusing. Vail's impressive ability to overcome a series of twisted traps is somewhat implausible, but entertaining. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2010]