THE BURYING PLACE

Jonathan Stride, a Duluth, Minnesota, police detective, finds himself dealing with two concurrent mysteries, the kidnapping of a prominent local doctor’s toddler and a serial killer who preys on women. Joe Barrett’s rendition of Edgar Award winner Freeman’s latest effort perfectly captures the suspense of this engrossing mystery. His voice, low and breathy, suggests secrecy and danger, along with a hint of world-weariness that is especially appropriate for the burned-out Stride. Barrett handles the Minnesota accents with restraint, but some of his female characters border on caricature. That’s a minor quibble, however, as his performance should keep listeners intrigued as the mysteries unravel. M.H.N. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2010]