Dr. No

Wala Kitu is a math professor whose specialty is nothing. John Sill is a villain who wants to break into Fort Knox to steal a box containing nothing. He employs Kitu to assist in this caper. Everett (Booker-shortlisted for The Trees) delivers this clever story brimming with math humor. Narrator Amir Abdullah skillfully differentiates characters, while sounding confident in his understanding and portrayal of nothing. He nails the witty dialogue—including conversations with a one-legged dog who talks to Kitu in his sleep—with the right mix of seriousness and absurdity. This madcap romp may remind listeners of a James Bond film. Logic and math prowess are not great tools for a conflict with an evil criminal, but what Kitu lacks in experience, he makes up for with a photographic memory, allowing him to tap into every book he’s ever read (a librarian’s dream!). Will Kitu safely get out of the heist, or is he in too deep?