Not quite worth five stars

A taut and pacy thriller, well up there with the others in the series. Excellent cast of familar characters, with all their faults and foibles, Putting Helen Weeks together with Thorne works superbly - and one hopes this is only the first of a series featuring them together (the ending seems to hint at this being on the cards).

Four stars only, however, for two reasons: first, the story unfolds in 'real time' and, while this is an interesting twist and different from earlier Thorne novels, from time to time it feels to me as if the plot has been a little forced to fit this format. Secondly (and sadly) I have to say that I think the author is not the best reader in the world . . . in particular, his interpretation of Thorne himself jars with my picture of him - but perhaps that's just one of those things.

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Good As Dead

Considering how ropey the previous installment of the long-running DI Thorne series was, this book was a real return to form. It was gripping from start to finish. Recommended.

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Really enjoyed this

What made the experience of listening to Good As Dead the most enjoyable?

The storyline was interesting, and knowing the author did the narration added to it

Which character – as performed by Mark Billingham – was your favourite?

Thorne

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

There were a few flaws in the plot which didn't feel right, but overall I really enjoyed this

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Could not Stop

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.

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3 people found this helpful

Unexpected outcome kept me hooked until the end

Mark has done it again, a great story, well researched, and twists and turns on the way to an unexpected outcome.

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Highly recommended crime

Would highly recommend this new Tom Thorne. Like some other reviewers I almost didn't download it as I too was put off by the fact that it is narrated by the author. However Mark Billingham does a fantastic job and I hope he continues to narrate this series. Like the rest of the series this is gripping and I could not stop listening.

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Non stop tension!

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.

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2 people found this helpful

Lots of twists and turns

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

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Good as it gets!

First rate story, this one with an interesting tight timeline.
As before the story is based in very realistic contemporary London, centred around a newsagent and his story intertwined with the ongoing Thorne and friends narrative.
Mark Billingham achieves some real empathy for all but the most despicable characters and explores the relationship between a justice and the law. Thorne is really pushing his luck this time and interestingly seems to have pushed it a little too far.
I agree with the other reviewer that Mark has done a pretty decent job on the narration. I think it always adds a dimension to hear how an author voices certain characters.
Fast moving and entertaining as with Mark’s other books it is not for the faint hearted or prissy but it is a very satisfying listen.

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I loved it - excellent narration!

I've read all of Mark Billingham's Tom Thorne novels and have also bought them as audio books. I have enjoyed them all and was a little disappointed when I learnt that Mark was to narrate Good as Dead rather than the excellent Robert Glennister. I need not have worried, Mark brings the characters to life like no-one else and his story telling was gripping and, at times, humorous! I smiled, cringed, shuddered, laughed and cried. I have listened to a lot of audiobooks and I have to say that this is my favourite so far. Well done Mark Billingham, I hope you will narrate all of your books in future!

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