LOWLAND RIDER

Narration by authors is always a chancy proposition, but Chet Williamson pulls it off smoothly. This mystery involving the inhabitants of the subways of New York focuses on Jesse, who exiled himself after his wife and child were murdered. Now he’s wanted for questioning by the police for what appears to be an act of revenge. Williamson gives Jesse a flat, unexpressive voice until he finds a mission that may offer redemption—and an opportunity to care about something again. At this point, his voice takes on energy and color. Williamson presents his other underground characters with sensitivity, clearly conveying the complexities of their emotions and motivations amid their underground lives. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2010]