ROT AND RUIN

Like the unrelenting pace of oncoming zombies, Brian Hutchison keeps a steady, even tone to tell Maberry's tale of two brothers who are searching for a lost girl among the rot and ruin. When naïve Benny and bounty hunter Tommy venture beyond the confines of their fenced village, they encounter all sorts of evil perpetrated by the living and the dead. Hutchison's straight narration dampens the horrors while maintaining the suspense. However, the decision not to use distinct voices causes confusion when listening to dialogue. Except for a slight change in range, Benny and Tommy are nearly indistinguishable, but it doesn't matter. The action is nail-biting, and the listener will desire to know what happens next like a zombie craves brains. M.M.O. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2012]