VALLEY OF BONES

Compelling and layered, Gruber's second outing will require near-addictive listening. Detective Jimmy Paz, of the Miami PD, works a murder case that will totally change his life as it introduces him to psychologist Lorna Wise and suspect Emmylou Dideroff. The suspect's past involves the Sudan, oil, child abuse, a paramilitary community, a Catholic nursing order--and more. Interpreted by narrator Nick Sullivan, Gruber's novel is pitch-perfect throughout. Sullivan creates truly authentic voices for Paz (a Cuban-American), Emmylou (a rural Southerner), and all the other characters, incorporating emotions with just the right shading. One wants to discover the ending yet doesn't want it to end. M.A.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]