CANNONS OF THE COMSTOCK

In California during the Civil War, rancher Tom Dawson becomes drawn into a plan to defeat the plan of an underground Confederate group to steal Union gold. The pedestrian and over-enunciated reading by Pat Bottino does little to enhance the story. His characterizations of minor characters (including Confederates and Chinese) rely on stereotyped vocalizations. The listener must also be quick to recognize changes between subplots, as pauses are not employed at these places. Although the main characters are interesting, they're overshadowed by predictable plot elements and an uninspired narration. M.A.M. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]