THE MIDNIGHT ROAD

The main character, Flynn’s, passion for film noir gives narrator Donald Corren a splendid base for his storytelling, ably pulling listeners along the twists of this mystery. After a home inspection that reveals an unsuitable environment, the child services investigator is in a car accident—and dies for 30 minutes before being brought back to life by an EMT. As Flynn tries to untangle family secrets involving an innocent child and a murderous uncle, Corren moves deftly from dark humor to car chases to romance. A unique aspect of the story is that Flynn is also haunted by the bulldog in the other car, Zero, who dies and stays dead after the accident and who provides Corren with the opportunity for a wry, wonderful characterization. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2011]