DEATH AND THE DANCING FOOTMAN

A Ngaio Marsh mystery is a cut above most others, if only in the sophistication and erudition of her characters. Some of the best moments are the droll asides made by either Inspector Alleyn or his sidekick, Detective Fox. On a secluded English estate, a weekend party of eight visitors is soon snowed in. Their host has planned to stir up some emotions with the ill-assorted collection he has brought together. What he hasn't planned on is having dead bodies show up, spoiling his smoking-room ambience. James Saxon is an old favorite; picking up a tape with his name on it is a sure thing. He narrates as if this were a full-cast production, giving it the feel of a play. He gives each character nuance and emotional weight and an individual moment on the stage. This fast-paced performance allows listeners to easily lose themselves in the story. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]