THEY EAT PUPPIES, DON'T THEY?

Buckley’s latest involves a DC lobbyist who wants Congress to approve a secret weapons system, a plot against the Dalai Lama, and Communist Party power plays—all topped off with mile-deep cynicism. Narrator Robert Petkoff captures the satire from the first word and does a good job projecting the author’s acerbic wit. His voice can best be described as deep and pleasant, and while he doesn’t overtly commit to any accents, he shapes voices effectively for the myriad characters that inhabit the book. As the novel wears on, though, his voice begins to flatten out, which diminishes his energy and pacing. Overall, the book is worth a listen for its humor and attitude. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2012]