Another good book, Brilliant.

Although real subjects, it so good to have a sense of humour there too & the great old British ways!!! well sometimes. l love Lonsdale & Hulba. Written & narrative both amazing, Thank you.

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Good fun

I enjoyed it, perfect for lazy hot summer days. Nice and improbable with a cheery cast of characters.

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Looking Forward to a Third Novel - in Hope...

After listening/reading and so much enjoying the first book in this series, I went straight on to reading the ‘Watchers of the Dead’. I felt this second novel was satisfactory and fits with most expectations of Victorian mystery thrillers, but it did not equal or exceed the wonderful achievement of ‘Mind of a Killer’. This second novel gave ‘flavours’ of the time and these could/should have been developed more and to better effect. The last few chapters may disappoint many with frankly incredible rather than improbable villains. Why this second novel is wanting is curious. There needed to better self-criticism by the authors and a more effective publisher's editor. In terms of the performance of this audio-book - I am so sad to say - I found it unsatisfactory. It is pale and overly demonstrative in comparison to the first novel’s superb performance by Jonathan Keeble. The performer of ‘Watchers of the Dead’ – David Thorpe - is employed extensively in the work of Susana Gregory (lead author in this Simon Beaufort partnership). He does not suit this narrative - in my view. The character voices used In Gregory’s Matthew Bartholomew series are ‘recycled’ too freely and is unrewarding. Added to that, the lack of sensible gradation in which the character voices are often presented simply does not suit and it tires. Too many sound angry or rough without need. A prudent recording producer/director might have made things better. When an author chooses to write under a different name, or in partnership/s with another author, it asks that the voice performer make the enterprise distinctive, and this is not. I say this with deep regret as I am an avid follower of both the Matthew Bartholomew chronicles and the Thomas Chaloner series (over 10 novels on my shelves) waiting to be read and listened to. Quibble: Iolanthe is pronounced with an ‘I’ not an ‘E’.

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4 people found this helpful

fun

It's a really fun story, intriguing plot, which weaves historical facts and information into a fun, intriguing and fast paced fictional story.

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Ruined

Such a letdown after the first book. I loved the first one and was very excited about the release of the second. I have had to stop listening after half an hour because of the AWFUL narration by David Thorpe. I really hope that the book will be re-released with the incomparable Johnathon Keeble, once again narrating.

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5 people found this helpful

Very disappointed with narrator

Only managed short time listening; as another reviewer said narrator gave him a headache, i agree. So annoyed as last Simon Beaufort read by Jonathan Keeble was so good

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disappointed

narrator gave me a headache totally spoiled it the last book was excellent with Jonathan Keeble

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A dreadful narrator ….. completely ruined

I cannot believe this audio book has been released. After two chapters, I have given up. A complete amateur plucked at random off the street may have done a better job. Irritating and puerile. I am surprised you are asking for opinions. Just listen to it! It is not in the same league as the first book.
I am so, so disappointed .

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