Darker Than Night.

DARKER THAN NIGHT. John Lutz. 2005. Read by Scott Brick. 10 tapes. 14.5 hrs. Books on Tape. 1-4159-1780-9. $96.00.Vinyl; plot notes. A

In this novel, a clever serial sexual predator/ murderer is targeting Manhattan couples. Former cop Frank Quinn is assigned to the case, despite having been thrown off the force because of a bogus child-rape charge against him. He'll clear his name if he can stop the killer. Quinn's alleged rape victim, learning that he's connected with this high profile case, seeks vengeance against him. Working in tandem with a tough woman cop and a good-natured slob of a veteran policeman, Quinn throws himself into the investigation.

Author Lutz plays the listener to the hilt as he provides many possible candidates for the killer. Quinn and his two associates are real, honest, likeable yet flawed people. There's even some romance for this unfairly maligned cop. With myriad serial killer stories out there, this one stands out. Author Lutz and reader Brick make a winning team. Few read with Brick's power and clarity, his marvelous pacing and his skill with dialects and accents. Miles Klein, Frisco, TX

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.