ONCE A SPY

Charlie Clark is an unsuccessful gambler whose father has developed Alzheimer’s disease. Danny Campbell narrates his story in the mature, raspy voice that one would expect of a man of Charlie’s age and experience. As far as Charlie knows, his father, Drummond, was an ordinary appliance salesman. So Charlie is surprised to learn that Drummond was also a Cold War spy who is now being hunted by political friends and enemies. Drummond knows too much, and his mental state presents unique problems for the cloak-and-dagger community. A combination of realism, whimsy, and spy tradecraft makes this story is fun to listen to. Campbell’s voice works well as Charlie finds himself unexpectedly regarding his father with awe. N.K.L. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2010]