Donohue, John. Deshi.

DONOHUE, John. Deshi. Read by Barrett Whitener. 9 cds. 10.5 hrs. Blackstone Audiobooks. 2005. 0-7861-8278-4. $55.00. Vinyl; plot, author, reader notes. SA

This exciting story of murder and marital arts will appeal to fans of the action/adventure genre, especially to YAs who are interested in Asian cultures, religions, karate, tae kwan do, et al. Listeners will also learn about the philosophy that lies behind the martial arts. The story begins in Brooklyn, where a Japanese-American businessman has been murdered. The police call in Connor Burke, an Asian scholar and serious student of the martial arts, as a consultant. Burke and two down-to-earth detectives (who could care less about the mysteries of the East) launch their investigation. Two more murders occur and the sleuths deduce that the key to the homicides lies in a missing piece of calligraphy. The story comes to a climax at a mountain temple in a "to the death" struggle. Award-winning reader Whitener provides an excellent, fully voiced presentation, portraying Connor Burke as the all-American hero, the detectives as serious but disinterested lawmen, and some Asians as scholars and others as evil. Lesser characters also have distinct voices and personalities. Prof. John E. Boyd, Jenkintown, PA

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

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.