Not the most satisfying of crime novels

I bought both The Pure in Heart and The Risk of Darkness in a 2 for 1 offer, and was very glad as The Pure in Heart would have been an unsatisfactory novel on its own, ending with an unresolved case. The case is picked up again in The Risk of Darkness. After 3 books I still don’t feel that I know Simon Serrailler and feel quite indifferent about him. He is obviously a loner for whom only work gives satisfaction; a typical characteristic of crime novel detectives. Much of his character still is quite blank to me and I have no mental image of him beyond that of a man in charge. Even at the end of The Risk of Darkness the overwhelming feeling is still unsatisfactory, particularly concerning the perpetrator. It could be that the author was aiming for a more true to life feel. I sometimes felt this with inconsequential events that were distracting. But, this IS a novel and that allows room for filling in the blanks even if it is really only speculation disguised as explanation. Not the best of crime novels I have listened to, and I don’t think I will continue with the series.

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2 people found this helpful

Too many strands not properly completed

Story started well, however, too many side stories introduced and then not properly finished off. Main character good and narration well done. Because of the unfinished details ended by being on the disappointing side.

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1 person found this helpful

best so far

this the third of the series and best so far. The narration from Stephen Pacey continues to entrance and engage. The story is beautifully crafted and akin to Scandinavian fiction deals with the relationships between the characters rather than the linear plot -I hghly recommend this.

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Brilliant!

So many narratives! The individual stories of each character are so skilfully, intimately and realistically interwoven with the central narrative.
There is a wonderful cinematic quality to get writing.
I simply can't get enough of her writing!

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Better than the last one

Steven Pacey is an excellent narrator; I enjoy the emphasis he places on the different parts of the story. This story is sad due to the subject matter but well written and you get more of an insight into Simon's disfunctional relationship with women. The family relationships are complex but still need to know what makes him tick with women.

Enjoyed this book.

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The Risk of Darkness

Good deal of variation of story lines within the book but, never the less found to be a good listen. Narration improved as the book progressed.

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Simon's neuroses knows no bounds

Where does The Risk of Darkness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not the worst but not the best in the series so far - narrated wonderfully as usual by Steven Pacey.

Would you recommend The Risk of Darkness to your friends? Why or why not?

It closes off the first three books so if you've listened to the others you'll want to hear this one. It was really quite frustrating though. Simon seems to have the ridiculous habit of falling for unattainable women and mistreating the ones that like him.The main story was a bit of an anti-climax - revealing the murderer quite early on. Characters made some very stupid decisions that will leave you shaking your head.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Any scene where Kat (Simon's sister) told him off for his stupid behaviour.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The dark underbelly of the English countryside.

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Enjoyable & interesting

I'm becoming a definite fan of this series - and I do like that there are no predictable endings to the books, which is far more reminiscent of real life. I'm also a fan of Ms Hill's cast of characters, who are all plausible with many fascinating layers. Tbh I'm not totally sure whether I like Simon S as a man - but I'd love to meet him to find out!

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Another great listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this book, again the author takes you on a journey bringing different characters along the way very descriptive .Loved it

Any additional comments?

Nothing more to say than read or listen to it

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YET ANOTHER PAGE TURNER

Susan Hills books are fast becoming my addiction! Great storyline, i personally love the juxtaposition between personal life, family and the crime. im onto the next !

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