Slayground

If you've ever read the Dortmunder series of comic mysteries, you may be surprised to see here another side of author Donald E. Westlake, writing under a pseudonym. The lead character in his Parker series is a crook and serious tough guy, and while there are some touches of humor, there's also ruthless killing. In this book, protagonist Parker becomes trapped in an amusement park after a robbery, with the local Don and his men swarming through the place looking for him. It's a compelling listening experience, especially since Michael Kramer's flat American tones conjure each character with ease and believability. D.R.W. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine