RUBOUT

[Editor's note: The following is a combined review with THE PINK FLAMINGO MURDERS.]--The author herself reads these St. Louis-based mysteries about a maverick reporter from a second-rate local newspaper. Elaine Viets clearly has affection for her main character and enjoys the situations into which she places them. Her timing falters a bit occasionally, but in each case she recovers quickly and falls back into a smooth pace and voice. Adopting more of a narration style, instead of reading style, would add substantially to the quality of this production, but Viets reads with clarity and enthusiasm and does a more professional job than many authors who read their own work. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]