TAKING THE FIFTH

Books on Tape is now recording some of the J.P. Beaumont mysteries. Set in Seattle, they feature a detective who is unorthodox, gruff, generous and emotionally vulnerable. None of these qualities really comes through in Connor O'Brien's clear but stilted reading. Gene Engene does a much better job with this series for Books in Motion. The story concerns a drug ring operating through a show business production company. Three murders occur, and it looks as if Jasmine Day, an ex-druggie pop star, might be responsible. So, listen for plot and some scenes (Day's concerts and an airplane-car chase come to mind), but don't expect gripping narration. J.G. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 98]