From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-Audie Award winner Edward Hardwicke's dramatic reading of these classic detective stories ("The Sussex Vampire," "The Creeping Man," "The Speckled Band") grabs listeners' attention and doesn't let go. He portrays Holmes with an intensity characteristic of the detective's sharply keen powers of perception and passion for solving cases. As he cross-examines the earnest-sounding witnesses to determine the facts of each case, the program sounds like an intriguing courtroom drama. Once arriving at the truth, he enthusiastically explains how he solved the case. His triumphant, ecstatic tone rings loudly and convincingly. Dr. Watson, narrator of the stories, has an objective tone which lends credibility to the uncommon tales. But even his excitement can't be contained as the plot thickens. Hardwicke appropriately quickens the pace of narration as each story reaches its climax. It's an open and shut case-Sherlock Holmes Tales of Suspense is a winner for YA mystery lovers.
Mark Phillips Tierney, ITP Resource Center, The World Bank, Washington,
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Mark Phillips Tierney, ITP Resource Center, The World Bank, Washington,
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From AudioFile
Edward Hardwicke, the fine British actor who played Dr. Watson to the late Jeremy Brett's Holmes on PBS, reads three stories with chilling suspense. His deep, colorful voice perfectly captures the sinister atmosphere of Conan Doyle's stories. No matter how many times the Holmes stories are produced, there will always be an audience for a new rendition. Hardwicke's readings of "The Sussex Vampire," "The Creeping Man" and "The Speckled Band" are the finest to come along recently. They will be the perfect accompaniment to a long, rainy driveÐespecially in the dark. B.V. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
