THE SHANGHAI FACTOR

As listeners follow the adventures of an unnamed American spy who moves between China and the United States, it soon becomes apparent that the spy must find out whom he can trust in order to survive. Stephen Bowlby's laconic narration is perfectly matched to the lead character, whose dry wit, ability to roll with the punches, and phlegmatic acceptance of all that life flings at him create a likable character. His rich characterizations differentiate the other principals and add depth to the audio performance. A large portion of the story takes place in Shanghai, and Bowlby's authentic-sounding pronunciation of names helps to create a realistic backdrop for the story. K.J.P. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2013]