THE CASE OF THE RELUCTANT MODEL

It's always fun to watch a "Perry Mason" episode on TV, and this audio adaptation of two of Erle Stanley Gardner's classic stories is a successful transition to the spoken-word. After all, Mason's clients are always innocent, no matter how guilty they seem. And there is a great pleasure in learning how Gardner's super-attorney solves the mysteries, usually with the guilty person confessing to the crime or being confronted with an overwhelming proof of guilt. This abridgment is well done, with sufficient detail left for the reader to follow and understand the twists and turns, despite their somewhat "incredible" solutions. William Hootkins does a fine job of narrating, varying his voice and speed to match each scene. Hootkins's storytelling keeps Gardner's stories moving at just the right pace. As usual, Perry Mason does not disappoint. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 01]