AUDIO

The Comedy Is Finished

by Donald E. Westlake
9 CDs. library ed. unabridged. 10¾ hrs. AudioGO. 2012. ISBN 9780792784005. $64.95; 9 CDs. retail ed.; Playaway digital; digital download. MYS
COPY ISBN
A group of radicals figure they can influence the government into freeing several of their jailed members by kidnapping Koo Davis, a fading stand-up comedian famous for entertaining the troops with his USO tours. The story shifts among the kidnappers, Koo, and an FBI agent leading the rescue effort. What follows is not a mystery so much as a tangle of unintended consequences. The story is fascinating and compelling as can certainly be expected from Westlake. Narrator Peter Berkrot's flat California accent is well suited to the action. His pacing moves the story along, and his characterizations are terrific—especially his voice for the kidnapped comic.
VERDICT Although the 1970s setting seems dated, the writing is crisp, and the story moves quickly. Westlake's (1933–2008) numerous fans will be thrilled to have this final novel. A fine addition to 20th-century mystery collections. ["The characters are well drawn, the dialog flows, and the chapters speed by, making for a breezy, solid read," read the review of the Hard Case Crime hc, LJ 2/15/12.—Ed.]
Reviewed by Barbara Valle, El Paso P.L., TX , May 15, 2012
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

The Kiss Countdown
by Easton, Etta
MEDIA

I Know She Was There
by Sadera, Jennifer
MEDIA

Holy City
by Wise, Henry
MEDIA

The Instrumentalist
by Constable, Harriet
MEDIA

A Gentleman and a Thief: The Daring Jewel Heists of a Jazz Age Rogue
by Jobb, Dean
MEDIA

Tiny Threads
by Rivera, Lilliam
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?