DR. DEATH

But for John Rubinstein's versatile performance of the new Alex Delaware mystery, the listener would succumb to boredom long before the plot takes off. What begins as an intriguing tale, the murder of a Kevorkian-type character in a van by a death machine, no less, bogs down in much talk, recovering only toward the end. Until then, Rubinstein's solid characterizations and upbeat style support, and even bolster, this whodunit. As suspicion for the good doctor's death focuses on the family members of one of his former "patients," Rubinstein's slightly gravelly, slightly nasal voice makes Delaware come alive. This is one thriller that's better because of the reading. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]