The Underground Man

In this noir mystery, Private Investigator Lew Archer is hired to track down a missing child but becomes embroiled in a baffling forest fire that threatens affluent Southern California communities. Among the ashes, Archer digs up murder and, of course, a list of colorful potential culprits. Tom Parker's reading is impeccable. Characters ranging from a dumb blonde to a mentally challenged middle-aged man are presented with delicate yet distinguishable differences. Even the child's voice is believable, with glimpses of youthful innocence, bravado, and fear. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine