KING'S RANSOM

In this 1958 vintage McBain, 87th Precinct Detectives Carella, Brown, and Cling are on a simple kidnapping-ransom case that turns complex. Instead of kidnapping the son of a wealthy businessman, the kidnappers mistakenly take his chauffeur’s son. The wealthy Douglas King is unwilling to pay the ransom. If he does, he loses a complex business deal that gives him control of Granger Shoe Co. Dick Hill narrates with impeccable timing. He portrays King’s dilemma with the ironic overtones of a man whose son is safe at home. His portrayal of the 87th detectives has the style of vintage radio shows. He also delivers nuanced characterizations, especially that of Kathy, a kidnapper’s wife who fears for the missing child’s life. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2012]