PAY THE DEVIL

Sick of war, Clay Fitzgerald takes leave of the dying Confederacy and, with his slave, Joshua, goes to claim an inheritance in Ireland. There he finds his trusty Dragoon pistol just as necessary to his safety as it was during the Civil War as he comes in conflict with the arrogance of England against her resentful Irish subjects. Higgins's venture into that era of history seems less assured than usual. As always, he presents good adventure and careful characterization, but, read aloud, the action stumbles with repeated phrases whose triteness even Richard Poe's steady voice cannot save. However, his accents are good, gender differentiations are respectful, and the pacing is excellent. It's still a gripping yarn. S.B.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 01]