WHEN THE SACRED GINMILL CLOSES

Ex-cop Matt Scudder does favors for friends, in this case, saloon friends. As he looks for information from barroom to barroom, the drinking life of Scudder and friends unfolds for the listener. Wrapped up in this alcoholic haze is quite a good mystery. Mark Hammer has the perfect voice for Scudder and his drinking companions. His gritty, low tones put the listener on the scene. Dialogue among boozy men offers considerable challenges, but Hammer aces the voices, the slurred speech and their languor. He captures the steel and integrity Scudder hides. For fans of Block, this audio portrait of Matt Scudder should not be missed. R.F.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG 96]