THE REWARD

Peter Hoskins sounds rough enough and shrewd enough to be convincing as no-nonsense private detective Cliff Hardy. Hoskins also projects an understated charm, which allows Hardy credibility as the moderately well-rounded tough guy he's supposed to be. Hardy recycles wastepaper and protests the overdevelopment of coastal Australia, yet Hoskins's tone also projects the character's familiarity with violence, sex and the dark side of Sydney. The plot moves swiftly, and Hoskins wisely counters with an unhurried passage through it. New rumors about a suppressed ransom note point to possible police or family involvement in a woman's disappearance 17 years earlier. Can Hardy afford the reward? D.J. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 00]