A bit too dark and depressing for me

Unlike the other reviewers here, I found this one quite a struggle - not only to get into the story but to keep going with it. I agree that the sense of time and setting was very well done, and the principal character is interesting in his fortitude to seek out the truth. The narrator was fine too. Alas for me, though, it was all a bit too grim and rather depressing, so I never finished it.

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3 people found this helpful

Not my cup of tea

Any additional comments?

The parts where perfect: historic detective story, Scotland, good reviews.

For me though, it took to long to get going and eventually when it started I was long gone. I still listened to it all. I also could not get used to the voice, it had the same tone as the book I listened to of Robinson Crusoe and that was also a disappointment. I feel it unfair to give it less than 3 stars as it's more my opinion rather the it being not up to standard.

The SJ Parris book are much more to my taste story wise and narrator wise.

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Good performance

Good story teller. Boring story ,slow moving and not my cup of tea . Only enjoyable bits were references to Banff An area which I had some knowledge off. Definately will not be listening to this again

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Excellent narration of an excellent story

Superbly written story with a good plot and some wonderful characters with whom it is easy to bond. I loved the dialogue- very evocative of the time and the narrator did a great job with the accents and expressions.Looking forward to the rest..In contrast to another reviewer I found I enjoyed this more than Damien Seeker although I haven’t read either series through yet and may be judging prematurely.

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Brilliant.

I thought this was a great story. Lots of historical details about Banff and the religious constraints. The narrator is brilliant and I found it hard to stop listening. Really good listen

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Enjoyable But Slow Burner!

Have to disagree with CJ Sansom's 'pageturner' reference. It is anything but!

Depth of character/era is disappointing.

However, at times, this is really well written. It had potential to have been an absolute classic.

I fear the 'rush' to 'mass-produce' has struck again.

Overall, I would recommend for relaxing listening.

Narration is simply wonderful.

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3 people found this helpful

Surprisingly enjoyable!

Not usually my genre of historical fiction, but, for want of anything else to read I started this book. It did not take me long to become wrapped up in the genuinely likeable Alexander Seaton's sad adventure. Guilt ridden yet still not quite taken to the pits of despair, Alexander takes us through a perfectly described 17th century small Scottish town, it's people and it's, sometimes, darkness. The narration was up to my very particular and pedantic standards, which to me is top priority when reviewing a book.
I have written this review without checking, but I really hope this is a series, and not the last I hear of Alexander Seaton.

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2 people found this helpful

The first of Shona Maclean's superb series

I urge anyone who is not familiar with Shona Maclean's books to listen to this fine audio version of the first book in her Alexander Seaton series .

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1 person found this helpful

A happy surprise

I was unfamiliar with this author and I am so glad I found her. The writing is a pleasure,the material fascinating and the presentation excellent.

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Annoying

Not really my type of novel. Others say well rounded, I found long winded, and there were some factual inaccuracies that just annoyed me.

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