DEAD IRISH

David Colacci's effortless-sounding narration complements Lescroart's easy-going writing style overall. While Colacci tends to drop his voice at the end of sentences, which makes listening in traffic difficult at times, he professionally dramatizes a diverse group of characters, including brooding Irishman Dismas (Diz) Hardy, a San Francisco ex-cop, now a bartender, who is investigating the murder of his friend Eddie Cochran. Other well-depicted characters include Father Jim Cavanaugh, a friend of the Cochran family; Frannie, Eddie's widow; and Jane, Diz's ex-wife. Diz is an engaging hero, and this outstanding whodunit has an unexpected ending that will surprise listeners as much as it does Colacci. S.C.A. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]