Checkmate

Patrick Bowers is back, this time dealing with a psychotic killer from his past, family issues, and a pal whose wife is pregnant. Richard Ferrone does an adequate job with the narration. He gives Bowers an introspective identity at every turn, which is appropriate considering all that is on his mind. A partner has a deeper voice, a pair of vicious murderers keep a cold calmness in their tones, and his stepdaughter talks with a clipped, almost frustrated, voice. The only thing that is slightly missing from his narration is a more emotional edge to the protagonist as he frantically winds his way through the streets of Charlotte. But it doesn't mar the reading. M.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine