The Lewis Man

Although this book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel, you'll get more from it if you listen to the first part of this trilogy of books largely set in the Outer Hebrides. Many of the characters from the first novel re-appear in the Lewis Man in which their lives are moved forward in time. As with The Blackhouse, though ostensibly a detective novel, that aspect of the narrative is just the back-drop to life stories that switch between the 1950s and the present day. There's lots of atmospheric writing about the scenery and weather (!). Along the way we learn more of how life on the islands has changed and social attitudes altered.
Peter Forbes is an excellent narrator who really brought the characters alive for me.

Peter May continues to conjure up the atmosphere of the beautiful Outer Hebrides in this excellent sequel to The Blackhouse. It is a crime novel with a difference and so much more. His portrayal of the character with dementia is sympathetically and realistically drawn. There are parts which are highly emotionally charged. It is extremely cleverly written and the narration is first class. Also I was so happy about the ending. Please listen to The Blackhouse first to get the most out of this book. Can't wait for The Chess Men.

Another powerful story with Finn using his Detecting skills once again set on the Island of Lewis.

Characters from his previous novel appear once more but even gentle souls have a past. The writing is superb and switches us back from the past to present with ease and also a shudder or three.

Another great read with bucket loads of atmosphere of the islands. hope we shall hear more from Finn soon.

A big swirling tale, beautifully grounded in it's location. There is a startling history here as well as a fine story. A word for the narrator too - Peter Forbes reads this story perfectly. He gets the voices of the characters just right.

Beautifully written isn't usually a term I'd except to use when describing a murder mystery. This book so knowingly descibes the land and lives in the Hebrides, tenderly gives an insight into dementia whilst simulateously builds to the tension expected of it's kind. I listened to the first half on my 300 mile south and the second half on my 300 miles north again the next day. The journey melted away. What a beautifully written murder mystery!

Great book thoroughly enjoyed could almost smell the sea air, Finn was a central character and I look forward to reading more

Peter May really captures the feeling of the islands. He draws very strong characters which are brought to life brilliantly by Peter Forbes. Looking forward to the next one.

I have just finished listening to 'The Lewis Man'. After listening to 'The Black House' a few months ago I knew that I was in for another absorbing listen and I was not disappointed; in fact the author surpassed even my high expectations. Peter May can not only tell a cracking good story, he also has the gift of a truly beautiful literary style, combined with an insight into human nature that renders each character completely believable. His vivid descriptive passages of the islands and their ever-changing weather patterns were able to transport me instantly and effortlessly from wherever I happened to be listening at the time: a warm and sunny garden, crowded tube train or my comfy bed. This is a wonderfully crafted story - intelligent, thrilling, poignant and life-affirming. Peter Forbes' narration is exemplary, doing great justice to all May's well-drawn characters. This is worth far more than the maximum 5 stars allowed for a review. Thank you, Mr May and thank you to Audible for bringing such quality writing to our ears.

A great listen, really well read. Really enjoyed listening to this whilst on holiday in Harris and Lewis.

Having read the Black house by Peter May I was expecting a well written, beautifully descriptive style and I was not disappointed. The narration by Peter Forbes is outstanding and I would urge you to listen to this if only for the contrast between the soft lilting island accents and the harsher mainland Scots. The descriptions and perceptions of a man in the throes of dementia are well researched and thought provoking and at times quite sad. The loss of youth and the rise in nostalgia as you get older resonate in many of us.I would recommend this wholeheartedly.