In this Rain

Investigator Ann Montgomery and her former partner investigate three accidents at a New York City construction site. Together they uncover corruption that reaches into the highest levels of City Hall. Susan Eriksen gives an enthusiastic, vital reading. Occasionally, when doing character voices, she sounds as if she's pushing a little too hard, but mostly her reading is intelligent and easy on the ear. Rozan's insights into back-room politics, racial divisiveness, scandal-ridden administrators, and influence peddling make for a fascinating story. She draws listeners in by creating an assortment of indelible characters who resonate with credibility. Eriksen's animated narration adds color and energy to this well-crafted condemnation of New York City graft. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

October 16, 2006
Edgar-winner Rozan (Absent Friends
) draws on her experience as a professional architect in this complex thriller that focuses on New York City's construction and development business. Ann Montgomery, an officer in the New York Department of Investigation, shows up on former partner Joe Cole's doorstep with a file containing evidence pointing to a murder at a Mott Haven construction site. She needs Joe's help, but he's fresh off a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence connected to an earlier DOI investigation and wants nothing to do with the case. Meanwhile, the mayor of New York, Charlie Barr, is having problems with the press and political opponents who are questioning his dealings with big-time developer Walter Glybenhall, the mayor's pal and chief financial contributor. This is a New York story, steeped in political intrigue, ripe with descriptions of the city and its history. The payoff will be particularly rewarding for readers interested in big machines, both the kind that move earth and those behind political parties.