CURE

Robin Cook’s thriller focuses on global corporate espionage in the field of medical research. Its most valuable asset is a cultured reading by George Guidall. Treating each character as an individual, he puts careful stress on single syllables, allowing his accents to vary and remain dignified while never descending into stereotype. Much of the book deals with the Yakuza (organized crime—Japanese style), and Guidall frequently delivers the narration in a rhythm that suggests Japanese intonation. His delivery of dialogue, regardless of nationality, is highly animated, and, fortunately, there's quite a lot of it. An overabundance of medical details often interferes with the story, so Guidall's voice brings welcome humanity to the numerous characters and credibility to the many action scenes. A.Z.W. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2010]