Good As Dead

Until now, I thought that only Robert Glennister could convey Mark Billingham's stories in a compelling way (and I have to confess when I saw that the author was narrating the book, my heart sank a little, wondering whether it was some kind of ego project and thinking it would be a horribly wooden effort like some of the author-narrated stories I've listened to) but I was so so wrong... listening to Mark Billingham tell the story, with all the brilliant accents he can do, is a wonderful experience... a real treat.And the story itself is very gripping.

I have found Mark Billingham in the past to always produce superb 'hang on every word' crime fiction. I was disappointed with 'Good as Dead' as I felt it did not engage me in the same way as the others in this series.
Whether this was because the author was the narrator and despite his obvious talent for dialect, there were times when I found his delivery wooden and two dimensional, or that the plot seemed thin.
However I am the odd review out amongst the other reviews so it is ultimately up to the individual to decide.

The Members' offer of this book at a knock-dawn price tempted me to try a new author. I was rewarded by a gripping and well-crafted story that was excellently read by the author himself. It felt as if I was following an actual siege as it unfolded, getting to know the various characters, I became eager to find out what happened next. The outcome was not predictable which added to the tension as the story came to an end. I'll be looking out for more of this author's books having had this taster. Recommended.

Not a bad story, but it's the last time a purchase a book narrated by the author. Professional actors reading a book instil a sense of drama and create characters with different intonations and accents so the book almost becomes a 'play'. The author did not have this skill and therefore I felt I was missing something. Also, the speed of reading was fast and took some getting used to.

Having read all of Mark Billinghams books previously, I tried this and as it was narrated by Mark himself I thought I'd give it a go. The first attempt I thought Oh Dear not quite right and then I realised that as he wrote the book he new the characters and story line so well it allowed you to drift into the story as though you were taking part. Very brilliantly written yet again. Can't wait for the next book to be realeased.

Thorn is back and like Jack Bauer, the next 24 hrs are going to be rough!

A grieving father takes a police woman hostage, refusing to release her until Thorn discovers the true reason behind his son's apparent suicide.

This gripping story includes murder, hostage taking & yet another murder well told by the author Mark Billingham,complete with excellent accent changes. It just flows along from chapter to chapter that I could not stop listening, I finished this book in just 3 sittings. Can't wait for Mark's next book.

This is a good story that sweeps you along, but you really do have to suspend belief because no siege is managed by the police in the way that this one is and no police officer would be allowed to conduct an investigation or treat witnesses and suspects in the way Tom Thorne does in this story.

Excellent thriller. Lots of unexpected twists. Well read by the author. I strongly recommend it.

Not *the* best Thorne book but definitely up there (my 5 star being Lazybones). Mark Bilingham's narration I thought was excellent - a good fast pace (some audiobook narrators I've found are way too slow - only good for sending you to sleep!), good characterisation and a very passable attempt at accents. One of my first audiobooks, accompanied me at the gym and on walks as well as doing the housework - I would definitely recommend you try this author.