cover image Fear

Fear

Jeff Abbott, , read by L.J. Ganser. . Penguin Audio, $39.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-14-305897-7

If there was a drug that allowed people to forget the worst moment of their lives, how far would someone go to obtain it, given the potential profit? Such a drug, code-named Frost, lies at the heart of Abbott's latest novel. Miles Kendrick is in the federal witness protection program and also undergoing therapy for post-traumatic stress syndrome, a condition manifested by his being haunted by the "ghost" of his best friend, Andy. When his therapist is blown up in her office, Miles finds himself being pursued, along with two other PTS patients, by several deadly factions, each of whom erroneously believes that the trio possesses the priceless Frost. Ganser delivers a strong performance as narrator. His characterizations, especially the ruthless yet oddly sympathetic hit-man, Groot, and the annoying but funny phantom, Andy, are nicely delivered. But it is his sense of pace that keeps this audiobook moving. Ganser manages to convey the excitement, suspense and urgency of Abbott's thriller, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats through every chase and narrow escape. Simultaneous release with the Dutton hardcover (Reviews, June 12). (Oct.)