THE BALLOON MAN

In the end, this mystery is a collection of bizarre events in the life of the rich (and perhaps famous), all of which take on a sense of the everyday under the care of Mary Peiffer. Part of the Sarah Kelling and Max Bitterson series, this story relies upon strong personalities, which Peiffer plays upon. She presents each with distinguishing features that illustrate their class standing and family background. A touch of affectation here, a tad of condescension there, and the picture is drawn. Her narration is clear and moves at a nice pace, and she successfully conveys the eccentricity from which the series draws much of its appeal. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 00]