212

With clear, sharp brushstrokes, Alafair Burke creates victims, suspects, and detectives, each as well drawn as series leading lady Ellie Hatcher, of the NYPD. “212” is New York City’s area code and the address of the penthouse where a bullet-riddled body is found. Hatcher and her partner, J.J. Rogan, begin an investigation that leads to entrepreneur Sam Sparks and a view of the lifestyles of the super-rich, a murdered NYU student and the chilling potential for invasive computer technology, and an exclusive escort service for uptown clientele. Eliza Foss offers a low-key performance that works well—Rogan’s “cop-speak” is especially realistic. The third in Burke’s Ellie Hatcher series offers a contemporary moral puzzle, and Foss makes listening easy. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2010]