The Ambassador's Son.

THE AMBASSADOR'S SON. (Sequel to The Keeper's Son.) Homer Hickam. 2005. Read by Stephen Hoye. 11 cds. 14 hrs. Books on Tape. 1-4159-1685-3. $79.20. Vinyl; plot notes. SA

The first book (reviewed in KLIATT, January 2004) is about German U-Boats off the North Carolina coast in the early days of WW II. This time it is 1943. Coast Guard Commander Josh Thurlow and his crew are in the South Pacific in the Solomon Islands. Thurlow is ordered to find a Marine lieutenant from a prominent family who has skipped with an attractive native girl. The orders suggest that the Marine may be brought back dead or alive. Thurlow's second-in-command is a jaundiced, malaria-ridden Navy lieutenant commander whose name is John E Kennedy. Thurlow and Kennedy steal a PT boat from supply officer Richard M. Nixon and head north. Rocket scientist Hickam, best known for Rocket Boys, skillfully turns almost every chapter into a cliffhanger.

Hoye's fully voiced presentation is a definite asset. He handles English, Japanese, and native accents with ease. His tone changes from serious to light as the scene demands. There is action, humor, violence, and sex. It may be a bit too long for some; and there are unresolved issues that make the story unsettling. 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 are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.