ACT OF REVENGE

Here is a satisfying addition to Tanenbaum's popular crime thriller series. Chief Assistant D.A. Butch Karp heads what must be the most unconventional family in crime fiction. His private-eye wife noses into old Mafia secrets, and his 12-year-old daughter becomes the target of a Chinatown Tong. The resulting web of gang conflicts is masterfully plotted. Tanenbaum crams the book with memorable characters, lots of humor, and almost encyclopedic information about Asian-American lifestyles, language and customs. This kind of writing might benefit from a more spontaneous reading. Arthur Addision's delivery is capable and correct, although some listeners might wish for more vocal variety and a brighter pace. S.P. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 00]