Library Journal
Blackstone Audio deserves a round of applause for bringing back to life a series of Kaminsky's mysteries written in the 1970s and early 1980s. Although the author has moved on to darker and more convoluted plots in his more recent books, his Toby Peters series was a delight. They were written with more than a dash of humor and featured a variety of improbable real-life characters, ranging from the Marx Brothers to Judy Garland and - in this circus murder mystery - famed clown Emmett Kelly. Just for fun, Alfred Hitchcock also shows up...as a suspect! Someone is wreaking havoc on a small circus; an elephant has been killed, and Kelly narrowly escapes death. Toby reluctantly revisits the town of Mirador where he had a previous run-in with a corrupt sheriff and his violent deputy. In short order, Toby finds himself standing over another dead body, almost gets trampled by yet another elephant, and winds up locked in a cage with a killer gorilla. Reader Tom Parker is an absolute master of voices - his police chief sounds like Strother Martin on Ecstasy - and brings the circus scene to life. A fun, light-weight book for all mystery fans. Recommended for all libraries. - Joseph L. Carlson, Lompoc P.L., CA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

AudioFile
Toby Peters, the scruffy but suave private eye, becomes entangled in a series of mishaps and murders in a traveling circus. The smell of the greasepaint and roar of the crowd, not to mention to seedier side of circus life, are brought to life as Peters comes to the aid of the consummate clown, Emmett Kelly. Reader Tom Parker provides distinct vocal characterizations but resists exaggeration-an impressive feat given the menagerie of personalities ranging from dwarf actor to giant wrestler, and Jewish dentist to eastern European lion tamer. Even Alfred Hitchcock makes an appearance in a voice easily recognized. Parker's pace and articulation are perfect, allowing the listener to become immersed in the wacky story and glimpse the clown's thrill at making people laugh. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine