THE WORLD'S FINEST MYSTERY AND CRIME STORIES, Vol. I & II

This is a fine collection by top writers. Unfortunately, neither the packaging nor the individual cassette labels give any clue as to titles, authors, or readers. They are named orally, but a list for reference or re-visit would be helpful. Brief introductions precede each tale. Performance levels run from good to memorable--the Yiddish mother in Carol Gorman's "Death Cat of Hester Street" and the aging movie stars in Loren Estleman's " Man in the White Hat" are standouts. Scott Brick reading Doug Allyn's "Unchained Melody" captures the pain of lost love and whoever brings us J.A. Jance's "Flash of Chrysanthemum" turns in a fine performance as a dying woman contemplating suicide. My player picked up an occasional annoying echo. Reservations aside, this is definitely worth a listen, thanks to the favorable (if almost anonymous) blend of prose and presentation. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]