THE DOUBLE

Prolific George Pelecanos's latest novel is a welcome return to the adventures of ex-Marine Spero Lucas, a man who is trying to keep the monster inside him in check. Pelecanos says that if he had his way, Dion Graham would perform all his books. It's easy to see why. Graham's delivery is exciting and breathy, a style that matches the book's nonstop action. While his occasional overemphasis on unimportant words can be a bit distracting, overall Graham brings Lucas to life as a troubled man who earns a living finding missing items and people, while suppressing his urge for violence. The title has a double meaning, referring to the stolen painting Lucas is hired to find and also to the man who stole it--a heartless killer who could be Lucas's twin. M.S. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2013]