THE COLOUR OF BLOOD

Readers have been pressing AudioFile to substitute the word "perform" for "read" when describing what narrators do. If all voice talent performed the way Steven Crossley does here, AudioFile would make the change. He virtually inhabits this thoughtful thriller about a kidnapped prince of the church in a volatile Eastern European nation. Acutely aware of every resonance and subtext, he expresses these values in creative ways--for instance, he creates tension, not by tensing up, but by adopting a slow, ominous tone. Where the writer nods, Crossley covers for him. Further, every supernumerary gets an authentic sound of his or her own. He delivers dialogue in a way that suggests action, as well as character. This is tough to do sitting at a mike in a small, sterile room. What distinguishes him from a "reader" are the sights, smells and thoughts he conjures with just tone of voice. He has turned a good grown-up book into a superb audiobook. Y.R. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 98]