THE BOMBMAKER

Andrea Hayes, suburban wife and mother, is also a retired IRA bombmaker. Life is good until daughter Katie suddenly disappears. Kidnappers hold Katie hostage to force her mother to build the biggest bomb yet, big enough to destroy a London high-rise. Sean Barrett is splendid as narrator. His delivery is comfortable, well paced, and seemingly custom-tailored for the assortment of victims, thugs, cops, and undercover agents who fill this thriller. Best of all is Barrett's childlike presentation of 7-year-old Katie, locked in a basement cell, understandably frightened, but still scheming for escape. Barrett delivers this story with the comfort of well-worn slippers. T.J.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 01]