A GOOD WALK SPOILED

Gareth Armstrong distinguishes himself well with his adept handling of Gregson’s somewhat convoluted mystery. The story, which starts with a corporate executive being poisoned at a company golf tournament, is the latest involving English detectives Hook and Lambert. Murder suspects—too many to keep track of—include animal rights activists, rape victims, and corporate moles. Yet somehow the story is enjoyable, and Armstrong’s ability to use inflection and a bit of understatement are an important reason why. While listeners must pay attention to follow the book’s twists and turns, with Armstrong at the mike, it’s easy to do so. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2011]