Those in Peril

March 21, 2011
Hot sex, ultra violence, rich beautiful women, brave handsome menâSmith (The Quest) delivers it all in this over-the-top thriller set largely on the high seas. Hector Cross, security chief for Hazel Bannock, owner and CEO of Bannock Oil, battles Somali pirates led by Adam Tipoo Tip and his grandfather, Sheik Mohammed Khan Tipoo Tip, who have kidnapped Cayla Bannock, Hazel's adored 19-year-old daughter. The Tipoo Tips also plan to capture Hazel and ransom her for several billion dollars as well as torture and murder Cross, with whom they have a longstanding blood feud. Cross isn't going to allow the bad guys to carry out their depredations on the Bannock women, especially after he and Hazel become lovers. The author's vast legions of fans should embrace the lurid action, the larger-than-life characters, and the heated prose with their usual enthusiasm.

While this story of revenge and bloodlust abounds with clichÄs and stereotypes, it should appeal to an audience looking for action. When Somali pirates hijack her yacht and kidnap and torture her daughter, wealthy Hazel Bannock, owner of Bannock Oil Corporation, turns to macho Hector Cross of Cross Bow Security to intercede. The power of audio is underscored in the graphic violence and rape scenes that become all too vivid. Narrator Rupert Degas superbly portrays a multitude of distinctive male characters, but his female characters are far less successful. Ultimately, they hinder the willing suspension of disbelief already demanded of the listener. M.H.N. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine