Devil's Kitchen cover art

Devil's Kitchen

An Inspector Drake Prequel Novella

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Devil's Kitchen

By: Stephen Puleston
Narrated by: Richard Elfyn
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About this listen

A tragic accident or a murder on a mountain? Inspector Drake’s first investigation takes him to the middle of Snowdonia, but can he uncover the truth?

When two bodies are found sprawled at the bottom of the Devil's Kitchen in the mountains of Snowdonia, it looks like a murder-suicide. But something doesn't feel right to Detective Inspector Ian Drake, and his gut instinct has never let him down before.

Drake suspects at least one of the deaths could be suspicious, but who would kill such an ordinary couple, and why? This might be Drake's first murder inquiry, but his years as a detective have taught him one thing - every murder has a motive, and every killer leaves a trace.

If you enjoy crime mysteries, then you’ll love this prequel novella in the eight-book Inspector Drake series. If you enjoy clever, well-plotted mysteries with engaging characters, then don’t miss Stephen Puleston’s Inspector Drake novels.

©2016 Stephen Puleston (P)2018 Stephen Puleston Crime Detective Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Murder

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Listener received this title free

As a fan of the inspector drake series this particular story was of great interest to me as it’s set prior to the novels of the series. We join the action as Ian Drake is given his first murder case as a newly promoted Detective Inspector. All the hallmarks that make the series so good are all present in this story despite it’s relatively shorter length. Drake faces the usual difficulties finding evidence that will lead him in the right direction. It’s a well constructed story with a very plausible cast of characters. I, as is usual for me, did not work out what had happened. Always great writing from Stephen Puleston and this novella maintains his high standards.
Richard Elfyn once again does an absolutely top class job bringing the story to life. His tone and skill have come to represent the Drake series for me. The pairing simply could not be better.

A Perfect Pairing Of Story & Narrator.

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Devil’s Kitchen is a 70 page / 2 hour 21 minute novella prequel to Stephen Pulestone’s five Inspector Drake novels, set in fabulous north Wales. I listened to this via Audible, and it just happened to be the perfect length for my weekly drive to Wales. And the perfect setting too! Although this is a relatively short novella, the story is very complete, and never feels rushed, and there are enough twists, turns and dodgy suspects to keep fans of police procedurals very happy. Stephen’s writing is very crisp and clean, and his descriptions, brought to life for me by excellent narration of Richard Elfyn, paint a very vivid picture of the mountainous terrain of north Wales. I think releasing a prequel novella is an excellent idea to give potential readers a decent idea of a writer and their protagonist. And with Devil’s Kitchen, this pays off very well; I for one am keen to read more in the series.

A great introduction to the series.

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I wish the whole series of Stephen Puleston books were available on audio books!!! I would buy them all.

More Please!

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This is a good story based in Wales. Good realistic characters with interesting plot twists. I look forward to reading the series now i have had the introduction to the characters. I struggled to get into the narration a little bit, but this didn’t have an impact on the enjoyment of the story. Well worth a listen/read.

A novella introducing Inspector Drake

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Listener received this title free

I read the book but got the opportunity to listen to the book. I enjoyed listening to it. Recommend to listen to or even read.

Good listening

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Although this is a short novella Stephen Puleston has packed lots of action into this story. Ian Drake is a newly promoted DI in charge of his first case as SIO when two bodies are found. We learn that Drake is conscientious almost to the point of being OCD. His sidekick, DS Caren Waits, is his opposite - a bit of a slob. The case looks initially like a murder/suicide but Drake isn't convinced.

The story is set in Snowdonia, an area I know from family holidays, and I like books set in familiar locations, which were described well.

I listened to this in one sitting, and although short the story draws you in and there were several twist to keep you guessing. I haven't read anything by Stephen Puleston before but I will definitely try one of the full length Drake novels.

Nice introduction to DI Drake

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A great full packed story. A cop who wants to be thorough and do a good job. Determined to sort this case out. Superiors who would make do. But guess what, this is getting sorted.
Enjoyed the pace and narration. Story was great. Jam packed in a short time.
One to listen to

Fast packed story

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Enjoyed listening to this book. My first of the Inspector Drake series. Procedurally it was correct (as an ex police officer this can be frustrating with many police crime dramas) but it was all a bit rushed and consequently a bit short. Perhaps because it was the first book so looking forward to reading the others to see what I really think.

Good story but a bit short

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Listener received this title free

I haven’t listened to many audio books this is my third one but this one was good albeit quite short and is about a two bodies or hikers found sprawled at the bottom of the “Devil’s Kitchen” in Snowdonia. This is the prequel novella about Inspector Drake and his first murder case and is a good old British crime thriller. It starts off as a possible suicide until one if found with a knife in their back. Then it becomes a murder investigation. The clues come slowly but Drake wants to get his first case right and won’t be pushed or rush into a wrapping things up without an answer. The story is quite believable and obviously set around Wales.
The book is narrated by Richard Elfyn and he does an excellent job telling the story.
It is enjoyable from the start to finish and a surprising end.

A Tragic Accident or a double murder?

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We listened to this on one of our frequent trips around Wales. The location of the story was Snowdon which is familiar to us. The book certainly gave a sense of the rugged terrain. This novella is a prequel to the other Drake stories. The crime was interesting with a satisfying denouement. Looking forward to the other Inspector Drake stories after this great start.

A great listen

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