Death Row

DEATH ROW. William Bernhardt. 2003, Read by Jonathan Marosz. 9 cds. No time listed. Books on Tape, 0-7366-9465-x, $72.00. Vinyl; plot notes. A

Ray Goldman, on Death Row, is given a temporary reprieve while his attorney Ben Kincaid renews his efforts to make it permanent. Goldman was convicted of brutally slaying all but one of an entire family. Erin, the one survivor, an indomitable 15-year-old at the time, was the eyewitness who accused Goldman. Seven years later she wants to change her testimony, but before she can make her legal deposition, she is killed in a way that makes it look like suicide. Kincaid won't give up and his police friend Major Mike Morelli is not convinced it's murder until his opinionated partner persuades him. Sidelights on the day-to-day existence outside the investigation of Morelli and Kincaid and insights into the food flavoring industry, organ banks, and fast foods sometimes slow things down but are interesting nonetheless.

The shuffled sequence of events rotates from character to character. Marosz cleanly and clearly keeps it all in order with his pleasant baritone voice, precise timing, and his ability to differentiate characters without resorting to strained accents. Mary Purucker, Beverly Hills P.L., Beverly Hills, CA

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group