HEART OF THE HUNTER

Simon Vance turns in a stellar performance narrating the story of a former assassin and anti-apartheid warrior now struggling to find his way from the violence of his past to peace with his common-law wife and her son. Vance beautifully captures the rich voice of the oversized protagonist, Thobela "Tiny" Mpayipheli, a KGB alum who goes on the run when a favor for a friend runs afoul of the South African government. Vance convincingly creates the accents and rhythms of South African speech and moves effortlessly between major characters, including a rage-filled male soldier, an angst-filled female reporter, and a little boy. Deon Meyer's well-turned story and Vance's top-notch narration make this a compelling listen. G.S.D. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2013]