THE BAD SAMARITAN

When the vicar’s wife loses her faith, it’s not surprising that the congregation is filled with dismay, but also with rumor, speculation, and irony. Things climax for Leeds’ Detective Peace (who is black) when a body turns up after the fellowship of a church fete! All are ingredients for a delicious mix of emotion, humor, gossip, and a fine audio presentation. Narrator Nigel Graham is outstanding as he unravels Barnard’s rich text and range of accents. As appearance and reality play out, the listener can’t help but say over and over, “Ah, yes, that must be it.” This is an excellent story for mystery fans, as well as for those who enjoy good characterization in modern fiction. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]