SOUTHERN CROSS

Police Chief Judy Hammer and Officers Virginia West and Andy Brazil have moved from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Richmond, Virginia, to overhaul the city's police department. A string of ATM murders and the resentment of locals tests their skills and fortitude. Thanks to a strong narrator and judicious editing, this production will keep listeners interested. Roberta Maxwell's narration is strong and sure, fitting the mood of the story and effortlessly falling into natural cadences of speech for all the characters. She gracefully handles the many shifts of scene and characters, being precise without being rigid. It's not Kay Scarpetta, but it's a satisfying "listen." M.A.M. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 99]