AudioFile Reviews
In this post-WWII crime noir, a stand-alone, narrator Edoardo Ballerini takes us into the life of recently released ex-convict Aloysius Archer. Listeners will find Archer, as performed by Ballerini, an appealing character. Archer moves to a fictional city in the Midwest, where he encounters, not just one, but two femme fatales, and a host of other good and bad folks. Ballerini expertly differentiates the many characters, male and female. Baldacci has taken the noir aspects seriously, describing in detail, and with lots of metaphors, the features of every person Archer encounters. This tendency, along with the smart-aleck banter, slows down the action. Fans of Baldacci should be prepared for a different experience in story, pace, and delivery. E.Q. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Booklist Reviews
Fans will applaud bestselling author David Baldacci's latest, especially since a riveting new character's introduced—discharged, world-weary WWII vet Archer, unjustly incarcerated and recently released, speaking with telling pauses punctuated with sharp retorts. His Army training plus keen observation and analytical skills make him a perfect amateur sleuth; even Shaw, the hot-tempered Lt. Detective who suspects him for a small town murder, admits that. Characters grow, including hot-tempered Shaw, whose tightly-wound, mocking tones become respectful; initially full of free-flowing rage barely beneath his sharp-voiced, mean-spirited, gruff demeanor, learning of his family and kids somehow doesn't shock us, nor does his growing regard for Archer, clearly presented in Edoardo Ballerini's delicately nuanced vocal softening with hints of warmth. Archer's parole officer Crabtree develops from uptight old biddy-ish clipped speech of dislike to gentle appreciation of Archer; her evolving hospitality and kindness become frightened tones of concern as deaths multiply, spotlighting Ballerini's impressive talents. Readers will demand more Archer/Ballerini pairings. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.