The Betrayal of Trust: Simon Serrailler 6

Having read this series from the beginning, the characters are familiar and their
stories absorbing. Susan Hill uses them to explore the uncomfortable territory of
terminal illness, dementia and dying in a thought provoking and fair way. And woven
through this is a murder mystery. The book is an interesting, and satisfying listen, and
as with all this series, left me looking forward to the next instalment. I also find the
reader very competent. It is very pleasing that the same reader continues throughout the series.

The author manages to weave into the thread of the crime her obvious concern for terminal illness, health care, and euthanasia. Very skillfully worked, the crime novel in itself is convincing and well written, only revealing the perpetrators well towards the end of the book. And as for the reader, he is most excellent. I don't think it would be the same without him, I shall be looking for other "reads" with him, definitely.

I've followed this series of books and seen it go from strength to strength. It started as well-crafted and enjoyable detective stories but has developed into much more. This latest installment is not only a good detective story but is also a multi-layered novel that in an unforced manner explores the topical issue of assisted suicide v. palliative care and how relationships alter when one partner becomes mentally or physically incapable. Susan Hill deftly puts the various points of view and certainly made me think about these issues. DCI Serrailler is fine creation: he seems a real person with sensitive feelings who cares deeply about his work and whose relationships with his father and sister enrich the book.
Steven Pacey's narration is outstandingly good and added to my pleasure in this recording.

I have always enjoyed the Serrailler series and eagerly fall on a new publication. This had all the familiar and enjoyable characters and small town settings but it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "old age is not for sissies". Dementia, Parkinson's, old peoples' homes and assisted dying are all looked at without sentimentality. Susan Hill writes well and I was absorbed and appalled in equal measure - but not entirely entertained.

As this is the 6th book, I would recommend those new to this series to follow the series through from the beginning so you can understand and appreciate events in the lives of the Simon Serrailler and his close family, and the trials and tribulations they live through.

This book is not so much a murder mystery as a thought-provoking look into what it's like to deal with a life-changing illness and the consideration of assisted suicide. It is viewed both from the point of view of the sufferer, and in the case of dementia, from the viewpoint of those who must deal with it. It's different from other murder mysteries a compelling audiobook.

I’ve recently listened to all the Simon Serrailler novels in sequence, some I’d already listened to and some new to me. I was interested to find out how the familiar characters were getting along and intrigued with the new crime mystery. Knowing the detective, his family and those close to him makes the book more than just a formulaic crime novel and provides plenty of interest to keep you going. This novel deals with difficult moral dilemmas and I thoroughly enjoy Steven Pacey’s narration. Am waiting for the next episode!

Susan Hill's Betrayal of Trust is a pacey well written book that has the genuine feel of the life of a policeman trying to live with the grimy crimes he investigates. The author brings a dimension that can only be felt in Britain's bleak weather. Rainstorms, mud, damp and of course a body. The body belongs to a missing teenager and now the hunt for the murderer starts. A great listen with all the drama associated with unearthing a long dead corpse. Murder mystery at it best with great characterisation. I believed every minute of it.

I love all the Simon Serrailler books on audio. Not only are the plots and characterisation great, but the narration is excellent too. I can't imagine anyone else narrating them. This one did not disappoint.

This felt pedantic, ponderous and a bit patronising. I have absolutely loved the other 5 books so was rather disappointed. It followed on with the main characters although I felt there were some jumps in the story, especially the relationship between the step-mother and Serrailler. As usual it discussed current issues i.e. voluntary euthanasia, Parkinsons, policing of today etc. but it lacked the emotional punch I look forward to. I will not give up though and am looking forward to Number 7.

I enjoyed the hole series of books, but i found the end of this book a bit disappointing its as if there was unfinished business in the book.