A good read but not his best.

Our gritty hero is here again but alas the story doesn't do him justice.

I think the detail could have been stronger and I thought the whole thing remained fairly flat and too matter of fact.

Mark Billingham is not the best reader of his works. His delivery could do with more animation to put some excitement into what was a fairly dull story.

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How it was meant to be read!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Bones Beneath to be better than the print version?

No, not better than the print version but equally as good! I am a recent convert to Audio Books and the previous ones I have "read" have been read by people who aren't the author and this put a different infection onto the characters. Where this one is read by Mark Billingham himself, then you know it's exactly how he intended it to be read.

What other book might you compare The Bones Beneath to, and why?

This is the next book in the series about Tom Thorne and is of course similar to them. There's the twists and turns that you would hope for from Mark Billingham and the wonderful descriptive scenes he sets

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Has to be the climax really, I don't want to be giving spoilers but definitely the exciting ending was my favourite.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes given the time!

Any additional comments?

I was thoroughly impressed that this was read by the Author, I felt I was getting exactly what he intended the reader to get. I shall be looking out for more novels read by their Author in future.

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A thought evoking setting

A thoroughly gripping read! I’m familiar with Wales and it’s coastline which added to the setting for me.

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A great story line that keeps one guessing!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Bones Beneath to be better than the print version?

It must be as it holds ones attention and the Narrator is great!

What other book might you compare The Bones Beneath to, and why?

Dead Simple by Peter James

Have you listened to any of Mark Billingham’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Read most of them. This is different but a great story

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

Come to a new holiday island! if you dare

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Another masterful tale

Excellent storyline, well narrated by the author. I like the way that the characters and their interlocking lives are developed in each successive volume. A gripping story that I found hard to put down. Makes me want to listen to the next book asap.

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Too Long

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It wasn't a bad book by any manner of means, and so no, the time wasn't wasted (I listen to audio books when I'm exercising to take my mind off the sheer misery of that particular activity), but it just went on too long. I think Mr Billingham is very taken with the Nicklin character and I feel he spends too long with him.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Just made it a bit shorter - missed out some of the extraneous stuff - the flashbacks weren't entirely necessary, or at least not so many of them. I realise that there was a build-up taking place, but it was too ponderous.

What about Mark Billingham’s performance did you like?

He obviously knows his characters and knows what they are thinking, and so he breathes life into them. I particularly like his Tom Thorne.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

Probably not. It doesn't lend itself to a film.

Any additional comments?

Overall what I've said sounds negative and it really isn't supposed to be. As I say, this is far from being bad. It's just a little over long and perhaps a little bit self-indulgent. I enjoy the Tom Thorne novels and this certainly won't stop me reading them again in the future. I just wonder if we're coming to the end of Tom as a character.

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Slow and ponderous

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

This wasn't up to his usual high standard. I have really enjoyed all of this authors previous work.
The author usually keeps the tension high and the action coming. The very end was the only time this book got going for me.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Predictable and ensures a further book with the same characters.

What aspect of Mark Billingham’s performance might you have changed?

Don't ever narrate your own books!

Do you think The Bones Beneath needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It will get one without doubt due to the ending.

Any additional comments?

I was disappointed. Previous work has been exceptional.

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Great Book Superbly Narrated by Mark Billingham

If you could sum up The Bones Beneath in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, well written, rounded characters and superbly read by Mark Billingham himself.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Thorne is always my favourite character but Stuart Nicklin, the main bad man is great.

What about Mark Billingham’s performance did you like?

Mark reads well and reads the story with the same passion it is written.

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not the best thorne story but still enjoyable

I love thorne novels with their gory crime and touches of houmoir. this wasn't one of the best but was well read and overall enjoyable.

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The bones beneath

What made the experience of listening to The Bones Beneath the most enjoyable?

A good story with pace.

What other book might you compare The Bones Beneath to, and why?

The burning girl is still my favorite of his books.

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