THE RISK AGENT

Two kidnappings on the streets of Shanghai in broad daylight set up the nonstop action in Pearson’s new series. Rutherford Risk, a firm that specializes in kidnap negotiations and extractions, hires John Knox, a civilian expert trained in special-ops combat, and Grace Chu, a former Red Army intelligence agent, to rescue the men. Narrator Todd Haberkorn elevates pitch and volume for the Chinese voices, and his transitions between Shanghainese and Mandarin speakers are seamless. Haberkorn’s subtle inflections make the women gorgeous, the villains despicable, and Knox a satisfying real-life hero. Each densely plotted layer takes the listener deeper into the twisted streets and back alleys of the complex mystery, exposing torture, embezzlement, bribery, and government corruption. Haberkorn’s sensational performance places this Chinese puzzle among the top suspense thrillers around. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2012]