Always Time to Die

Genealogist Carly May is hired by elderly Winifred Castillo Simmons to research her Castillo family history. Carly makes the acquaintance of Dan Duran, a man with a haunted past and a mysterious connection to the Quintrell family. Sparks fly between Dan and Carly as the romantic tension heats up along with the suspense, for someone doesn't want Carly digging into the past. Narrator Maria Tucci adds authenticity to this novel with her expert pronunciation of the Latino surnames, as well as her subtle yet convincing nuances when speaking for the various characters. The intensity of her expression heightens the most suspenseful moments, providing listeners with a quality narrative. S.C.M. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

May 30, 2005
Ann Maxwell has written over 60 books in multiple genres; as Elizabeth Lowell (Die in Plain Sight
), she creates dialogue with immediacy and emotional coloration that sets her apart from the romantic suspense pack. Her 10th outing as Lowell begins with the tidy murder of "The Senator," the ill and infirm patriarch of a prominent Taos, N.Mex., clan. Carly May, a genealogist/historical researcher, is commissioned to write a family history by a disgruntled family member who hopes she'll dig up dirt. As Carly's research starts in earnest, she meets, among the Senator's many legitimate and illegitimate children, Dan Duran, a former CIA-like operative who, she finds out (but the reader knows all along), is the Senator's illegitimate grandson. Carly gets dire threats, she and Dan get close, and more people die. By combining new techniques of DNA testing with old-fashioned research and detective work (lots of appealing New Mexican history comes into play), Carly and Dan finally discover the truth about the family. But readers will care less about that than about their many charming exchanges, which Lowell crafts with sophistication and a sense of play. Quality and quantity may not be mutually exclusive after all.

Carly May has been hired by the aunt of an ambitious New Mexico politician to research the family history, but someone doesn't want that history written. Helping her sort out the genes and the scandals is Dan, a former Taos resident with a murky background. Incidents designed to discourage or even kill the pair alternate with cozy romantic dialogue. Carrington MacDuffie gives plenty of emphasis to the sexual tension as she brings out Carly's intelligence and Dan's wariness. An elderly relative on a ventilator is a special challenge well met. Careful listening to the DNA findings will help in understanding twists in genealogy and plot. A good reading of a popular author--this should fare well. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine