JUNKYARD DOGS

Would this mystery, set in rural Wyoming, be as funny and beguiling without George Guidall’s astute narration? I doubt it. Guidall is just a master at finding the subtleties and making the most of monosyllabic teenagers, a smart-mouthed deputy, or the long-suffering Sheriff Walt Longmire. A family-run junkyard is diverting enough; then add a modern-day land dispute, wily characters, and plenty of small-town gossip. We’re grateful for a gifted and perceptive narrator who delivers these colorful locals, describes hilariously absurd situations, and still keeps the suspense intact. A fun series to follow—there are five others. Listeners who loved Guidall’s readings of Tony Hillerman’s stories will find some echoes here. R.F.W. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2010]