Plots within plots

Another excellent murder mystery with a cast of characters that either attract or repel; engage or horrify, and some unexpected twists.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A most enjoyable story

Caroline yet again creates wonderfully nuanced characters. Masterful story telling.
Despite Barnaby being largely absent from the overall narrative, almost to the point of becoming an incidental character in his own series, the rich tapestry of the ensemble cast crested here is enthralling. This has been a high point in the series for me.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Wonderful character and plot-driven story

This is unlike previous Midsomer Murders books. It’s set in Midsomer and there are murders but nearly all the action focuses on the characters and their developing storylines. This gives the listener a deeper experience; a chance to get really involved in the story. There are a number of sub plots which adds to the depth.

Each character is fully fleshed out - even the minor ones. I enjoyed their stories no matter how unpleasant some of them were. There is redemption and resolution. The who-did-it aspect is there for those who love their murder mysteries. And it’s as satisfying a twist as you could hope for. But for me the strength of this book lies in the characterisation. Also great wit as well as insight.

And the narration is absolutely superb. Very highly recommend this audiobook.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A long but most enjoyable listen

i love all the Midsomer Murder series, A ghost in the machine is one of my favourites. A different feel to the others in the series. Brilliantly narrated, I really felt for the characters. i loved it!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A gentle meander into Midsomer!

Although familiar with the long running TV series Midsomer Murders, this was my first foray into the writing of author Caroline Graham who originally created the stories; and such was my enjoyment I'm sorry that A Ghost in the Machine is her final DCI Barnaby novel.
Apparently, it wasn't adapted for television due to Barnaby & Troy's not being involved until over half-way though but that's fine as this a suspect driven mystery, entertainingly well written. The gentle meander into the tangled lives of the protagonists, the unusual nature of the first murder, the fake spiritualist and the final tying up of the threads, made for a relaxing listen, enhanced by narrator John Hopkins sounding so like actor John Nettles, the original & best tv Inspector Barnaby.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Beautifully read

A book I know well from reading. This audio version could not be better. Excellent.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Masterful storytelling

i grew up on the series and picked up this audiobook as it was on promotion. I did not expect how deep and intricate the narration and character development would be. This was really excellent and the narration is top-notch.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Good story but not much 'murder'

About half this book sets the scene for the single murder in the book and there is a some solving of the murder. Most of the book, however, seems to involve non- murder subplots. These are quite fascinating in themselves with well drawn characters but if you are expecting lots of Tom Barnaby solving murder(s) you could be disappointed. A great story but the murder is only one part of it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Enjoyable

I love the Barnaby series, however he was hardly in this story and wasn’t particularly his barnaby self in my opinion. Good, enjoyable listen and I’d listen again, but just not my favourite in the series.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Very enjoyable

Really enjoyed this book. Fleshed out the characters Well narrated . Will read others in the series

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!