by
Nevada Barr
ISBN: 0-7887-3465-2 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com
A good, tense mystery with sympathetic characters and involving narrative style is slightly compromised by a predictable plot.
Reviewed by David on January 09, 2002
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Liberty Falling.
Anna Pigeon, a law enforcement ranger from the National Park Service comes to New York City when her sister falls gravely ill. Unable to work and tense, Anna stays with a friend at the National Park at Liberty Island. Despite her concern, Anna's instincts to explore the nature and crumbling buildings on Ellis Island, and her curiosity uncover some puzzling developments.
A suspicious death turn Anna's attempt at distraction into a frantic investigation, as Anna's insticts signal deadly danger.
Full Review: Anna is a sympathetic, intelligent and nosy character and her distress at her sister's dalliance with death is realistic and poignant. Other characters are well portrayed, too, and the environment—the bustle of New York City and the serene, frequently lonely park in the harbor—is solid and three-dimensional.
The mystery itself appeared rather obvious, if grimly plausible, The sympathy for Anna and her friends, and the well-paced narrative continue to involve the reader. With the glints of humor and pithy observations the main character is well suited to the plot, and provides enough sympathetic tension to one on the edge of the seat.
An entertaining and pleasant book, this is a worthy member of the series, while quite capable of being read on its own.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 5;
Copyright date 1999, Recorded Books, 1999, Audio cassette, 9 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-3465-2 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com