A Murder of Promise.

Robert Andrews. 2002. Read by David Daoust. 6 tapes. 8 hrs. Brilliance. 1-58788-994-3. $69.25. Vinyl: plot, author, reader notes. A

Frank Kearney and Jose Phelps are prime examples of the modern urban homicide detective. They use all of the available technological techniques to help them solve their cases, but their greatest strengths are their knowledge based on 25 years' experience and their excellent teamwork based on their long partnership as detectives in Washington, D.C. Generations of important Washington players and events are crucial elements in the resolution of the mystery and they are familiar with all of them. When an investigative reporter is found murdered in Rock Creek Park, they connect the murder with an unsolved case of a few months before. When another woman is found dead a week later, they realize they have a serial murderer to deal with and must call on all of their resources to solve the cases.

Daoust has the voice of a tough, middle-aged cop and his reading has a tinge of cynicism as well as a heavy layer of understanding that probes beneath the stereotypes. His familiarity with the Washington locations is obvious as the place names roll off his tongue. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL