Catch a Falling Clown

Toby Peters, the scruffy but suave private eye, becomes entangled in a series of mishaps and murders in a traveling circus. The smell of the greasepaint and roar of the crowd, not to mention to seedier side of circus life, are brought to life as Peters comes to the aid of the consummate clown, Emmett Kelly. Reader Tom Parker provides distinct vocal characterizations but resists exaggeration--an impressive feat given the menagerie of personalities ranging from dwarf actor to giant wrestler, and Jewish dentist to eastern European lion tamer. Even Alfred Hitchcock makes an appearance in a voice easily recognized. Parker's pace and articulation are perfect, allowing the listener to become immersed in the wacky story and glimpse the clown's thrill at making people laugh. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine