The Exile.

THE EXILE. Allan Folson. 2004. Read by Erik Singer. Abridged. 6 cds. 7 hrs. Audio Renaissance. 1-59397-532-5. $29.95. Cardboard, plastic; plot notes. A

This abridgment begins on a relatively small scale, and ultimately develops and expands into a story with far-reaching and international implications. John Barron is a young idealistic cop and a new member of the elite 5-2 squad. During a bloody shootout, he discovers that the squad members execute criminals before they have an opportunity to go through the legal system. The leader of the 5-2 squad is killed, Barron is wounded and an especially vicious killer known as Raymond apparently becomes another victim of the 5-2's vigilante justice. Fellow cops blame Barron for their leader's death and he decides it's time to leave police work. He flies to London and assumes a new identity. When an old reporter pal is murdered, it appears that Raymond may still be alive. From this point on, the story expands and draws on Russian history.

Erik Singer reads well, and his accents are his strong point. French, Russian, English--they're all excellent. The abridgment is smooth. 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.