WORST FEARS

This ironic quasi-detective story of disquieting revelation reminds one of early Tom Stoppard, though the implications are even darker. The "veddy dry" British wit is as neat as a good martini. But not as dry as narrator Porter makes it. In measured cadences she proceeds with general comprehension of the characters and situations, suffers a few lapses in line readings and generally misses both the humor and the suspense. While a less-balanced approach may have erred in the opposite direction, certainly judicious timing and urgency would have given this deliciously mischievous, urbane novel more of what it requires. Y.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: NOV/DEC 97]