A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES

Here is Rendell's multilayered psychological suspense. Teddy, an unloved child, grows into an amoral young man who covets Francine, an overprotected shop girl who witnessed her mother's murder. Throw in Harriet, predatory housewife, and Julia, sicko psychiatrist, and the chances for a happy outcome diminish. The characters' control over others is important here, and Pigott-Smith expresses this with his ability to manage speed and dynamics. In one spot laughter echoes, and he makes you hear it. He also tells a lot about a character by mere insinuation. The story line is clear, but several subplots make careful listening to the abridgment a must. J.B.G. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 00]