Kill the Messenger.

KILL THE MESSENGER. Tami Hoag. 2004. Read by Scott Brick. 11 cds. No time listed. Books on Tape. 0-7366-9757-8. $96.00. Vinyl; plot notes. SA

Jace Damon is trying to keep his private life private so he and his little brother can avoid the Children and Family Services people. They live with kindly, protective Madame Chen in her Chinatown fish market and so far they have been lucky. While he goes to school and ices down the fish for their "rent," Jace also works as a bike messenger in downtown Los Angeles. It's a tough job, especially in the pouring rain, and he's ready to call it a day when he gets a call for one last job for a low-life criminal attorney who needs a mysterious package to be delivered. From then on, it's nonstop action as Jace flees one assault after another. The lawyer is brutally killed, and Hollywood celebs involved in another murder, police politics, and blackmail create complications.

Brick, as always, narrates in a thoughtful, professional way, easing his way from one character to another so effortlessly that the listener forgets he is only one person. Exciting listening that fans of Michael Connelly will also appreciate. Mary Purucker, Beverly Hills P.L., Beverly Hills, CA

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.