Chasing Midnight

January 30, 2012
Technology buffs will enjoy the cool gadgets in bestseller White’s 19th Doc Ford novel (after 2011’s Night Vision), but those looking for emotional depth should look elsewhere. Ford, a marine biologist and sometime investigator, infiltrates a gathering of black market caviar kings held on a private Florida island. Suspecting something illegal in the Russian host’s yacht, Ford slips out of the party for an underwater look. When he surfaces, the island’s power is cut and communications with the mainland are blocked by eco-terrorists with troubled personalities and murky motives. At first, Ford is alone, combating purely physical dangers. When victims and perpetrators finally appear, it’s difficult to care about any of them, except Ford’s old hipster friend, Tomlinson, while Doc’s inner life is supplanted by self-congratulation on his expertise, bravery, and physique. White always delivers intelligent writing and thought-provoking facts, but series fans may hope for a more character-driven story next time around. Agent: Esther Newberg, International Creative Management.

One advantage CHASING MIDNIGHT has over many other audiobooks is its narrator. They don't come much better than the distinguished George Guidall. And this book needs every advantage it can get. But even when it falls prey to overwriting and slows to a crawl, Guidall is there to save the day. The hero is the wise Doc Ford, a marine biologist who is out to stop a plot to corrupt the world's caviar supply. Listeners will learn more about sturgeon and caviar than they ever wanted to know in this novel--with its contrived plot and unrealistic characters. Guidall's delivery elevates the book, but it's weak tea compared to the author's earlier works. M.S. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine