Larson, Erik. Thunderstruck.

LARSON, Erik. Thunderstruck. Read by Bob Balaban. 10 cds. 12 hrs. Books on Tape. 2006. 07393-3965-6. $72.00. Vinyl; plot notes. A

Larson takes two seemingly unconnected stories and puts them on a collision course with each other. One is about an invention that radically alters the world of communications, and the other story is about a murderer trying to escape with his disguised lover. In the first, Larson painstakingly details the development of wireless telegraphy by Marconi and details Marconi's personal life and the atmosphere of petty politics, jealousy, ego and nationalism. The second story is about an infamous murder that took place in London shortly after the Ripper killings occupied most of the headlines. Seemingly mild-mannered and well-liked physician Hawley Harvey Crippen poisoned and buried his wife in the basement of their London home. Crippen comes under suspicion from Scotland Yard and the intrepid Inspector Walter Dew, the lead investigator in the Ripper murders. The intertwined Marconi and Crippen stories make this a fascinating listening experience. Narrator Balaban gives a steadfast and earnest reading. 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.