The Drowned cover art

The Drowned

Strafford and Quirke, Book 4

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The Drowned

By: John Banville
Narrated by: Stanley Townsend
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About this listen

THE BRAND NEW STRAFFORD AND QUIRKE MURDER MYSTERY FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF SNOW. A CHILLING MUST-LISTEN.

'Banville is one of my favourite writers alive.' REBECCA F. KUANG
'Haunting . . . compelling.' DAILY MAIL
'Richly atmospheric.' IRISH INDEPENDENT
'Suspenseful.' OBSERVER
'A brilliant detecting team.' IRISH EXAMINER

He had seen drowned people. A sight not to be forgotten.

1950s, rural Ireland. A loner comes across a mysteriously empty car in a field. Knowing he shouldn't approach, but unable to hold back, he soon finds himself embroiled in a troubling missing person's case, as a husband claims his wife may have thrown herself into the sea.

Called in from Dublin to investigate is Detective Inspector Strafford, who soon turns to his old ally - the flawed but brilliant pathologist Quirke - a man he is linked to in increasingly complicated ways.

On UK bestseller list w/e 13/11/2021-27/11/2021 for Paperback Fiction

©2024 John Banville (P)2024 Faber & Faber Crime Fiction Historical Mystery Police Procedurals Thriller & Suspense Marriage

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All stars
Most relevant
I love these Strafford & Quirke books. They have interesting, fully realised characters and good plots and are all beautifully written. Banville's Benjamin Black series is also excellent for anyone not familiar with them. Stanley Townsend is a really talented reader and has a wonderful voice.

Wonderful!

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I enjoyed this book. Thought it was well written. It's dark in places but at the same time a light enough read/listen. Entertaining and funny in parts even tho the subject matter is sometimes v sad. Loved the portrayal of Prof. Armitage, the cad!
On the negative side I found the whole business about the sad, strange and pitiful "child" and their behaviour around and towards him a bit unclear and confusing. It was an unnecessary side story. There were also a couple of untidy loose ends. For example what happened to Wymes or should we not care?!!
On the whole I loved this book and I looked forward to my car drives so that I could listen to it. The narrator has a great voice, rich and expressive.

Great holiday read!

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Excellent narrative . Tight plot and written in perfect English . Fine , clear and sensitive voice in narration

First class

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Banville is just a master of this stuff. Well paced, thoughtful and a terrific listen, as ever.

Beautiful prose, intricate plot, well crafted characters

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Beautifully written as always. Characterisation brilliantly done. A joy to listen to as the narrator has a soothing and engaging tone.

Perfect Banville

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