CRITICAL MASS

V.I. Warshawski’s latest case spans both decades and continents as the private detective attempts to track down a missing person. Instead, she finds secrets and lies that go back to Austria in the years leading up to WWII. Susan Ericksen, who has narrated several books in this series, gives V.I. a serious, level-headed tone, even as she faces off with Homeland Security and drug dealers. The many German and Austrian-born characters have just the right hesitation in their accented English, and Ericksen adeptly handles the German dialogue. Series regulars Mr. Contreras and Lotty Herschel make appearances in this 16th installment, and Ericksen takes the opportunity to soften V.I.’s tone in her interactions with her close friends. E.N. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2013]