THE SHORT STORIES OF AMBROSE GWINETT BIERCE The Moonlit Road, One of the Missing, An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge, Parker Adderson, Philosopher

Named after a hanged felon, Ambrose Gwinett Bierce fittingly turned his literary gift to the macabre. In this he became the successor to Poe, adding to the master's repertoire a distinctly American style of gothic and the horror he witnessed on the battlefields of the Civil War. Charlton Griffin reads seven of his chillers here, including his masterpiece, "The Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." In a resonant and well-modulated baritone Griffin employs a curious detachment; though he skillfully negotiates some difficult locutions, he undercuts suspense and ignores a tale's trajectory. A smattering of music and sound effects gilds the lily rather than augments the performance. Y.R. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]