River of Darkness

Set in lovely green Surrey of 1921, this brilliant psychological thriller is not only a white knuckler but also a delight in the details. Detective Inspector John Madden, still affected by his time in the trenches, must catch a methodical killer who attacks country houses and bayonets the men and then lays out the wives as if a sacrifice on their beds. Chilling and totally engrossing, this should be on every brave someone's reading list. The immense loss of life during the war melds with the present horror to create an unforgettable listen. Christopher Kay narrates with an ease that makes him somehow invisible between the text and the listener. It is a wonderful job, as one is so breathless with worry and terror and pleasure and hope as to become truly entangled in the plot without the reader interfering with one's own imagination. B.H.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine

March 1, 2003
It is 1921, and Scotland Yard detective inspector John Madden believes that a serial killer with a military background is on the loose. Though his immediate superior agrees with him, others in authority do not. This thriller follows Madden's investigation as he collaborates with a local woman doctor, a psychologist, and several village bobbies, but he is hindered by bureaucrats and rivals. The point of view alternates between that of the police and that of the killer, creating tension and suspense. There is a real sense of time and place, providing the listener with a wonderful picture of post-World War I rural Britain; there is also a discussion of the effects of war on soldiers. Christopher Kay does a great job with a number of interesting characters. Entertaining and exciting to the end, this set is highly recommended for all collections.-Christine Valentine, Davenport Univ., Kalamazoo, MI

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