Killing Rain.

KILLING RAIN. Barry Eisler. 2005. Read by Michael McConnohie. 8 cds. 10 hrs. Listen & Live Audio. 1-59316-068-2. $34.95. Cardboard; plot, author, reader notes. A

John Rain is a professional assassin known for making deaths appear to have been from "natural causes." He is hired by Israeli intelligence to take out a hated weapons dealer, but he botches the job because his newfound sensitivity won't let him kill the target in front of the man's young son. In the gun battle that follows, Rain kills two ex-CIA agents who were serving as bodyguards for the target. Now Rain is being pursued by both the CIA and the Mossad. McConnohie does a fine reading of this suspenseful thriller, creating different voices for the numerous characters. His accents include Filipino and other Asian dialects as the story moves around different locales in the Far East, including Manila, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Tokyo. He also does a fine interpretation of the Israeli agent Delilah, the only female in the novel with any dialog, who provides romantic interest for Rain. This is Eisler's fourth title featuring Rain, this time as a man with a conscience, setting the stage for a possible fifth title. The author's experiences as a lawyer who practiced international law in Japan add authenticity to the story. Librarians for YAs need to be aware that the tale contains a great deal of violence plus one graphic sex scene. Carol Kellerman, ret. Lib/Media Spec., Santa Fe, NM