The Inquisitor

Ari Fliakos delivers skillful narration in this engaging audio edition of Smith’s debut thriller about the professional torturer-for-hire Geiger. This socially awkward, politely articulate, but nearly monosyllabic protagonist—who is perfectly portrayed by Fliakos—is the go-to guy for those in need of extracting information from people unwilling to share voluntarily. Though he seems to have no moral qualms about performing his job, Geiger does live by a strict set of rules, one being that he doesn’t torture children. When a powerful and ruthless client pressures Geiger to use his talents on a 12-year-old boy, he rebels against his employers, rescues the boy, and goes on the run. Fliakos’s clear, confident reading enhances this already darkly suspenseful story, keeping listeners glued to their headphones until the very end. A Henry Holt paperback. (Apr.)