THE SACRIFICE

Holland valiantly and methodically narrates this murder mystery, set in Detroit's cleric community. Since a majority of the characters are men, it is sometimes difficult for listeners to differentiate the homicide detective, Tully; the retired detective, Koznicki; Father Robert Koesler, the main character of the series; and George Wheatly, the Anglican priest who wants to become a married Roman Catholic priest. Holland uses volume and pacing with dramatic pauses to give individual nuances to each of the many male characters. However, expository, and at times esoteric, asides weaken the plot; plus the many one-dimensional characters make it difficult to hold the listener's interest. S.C.A. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]