TWELFTH CARD

This installment in Deaver's series about quadriplegic detective Lincoln Rhyme is loaded with twists. Accomplished reader George Guidall capably brings a wide range of characters to life and maintains a heady pace. Guidall renders Rhyme's barely concealed impatience as reasonable, given that he must rely on less skilled police professionals to do his legwork. His gruff exterior is moderated by his sense of justice and his soft spot for the teenaged victim. Guidall presents credible voices for the crotchety Rhyme and his beautiful companion, Amelia Sachs, but falls short when portraying the 16-year-old Harlem student being stalked by a brutal murderer. His attempt at hip street talk is a distraction. N.M.C. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]