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The First Casualty

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The First Casualty

By: Ben Elton
Narrated by: Glen McCready
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About this listen

Flanders, June 1917: a British officer and celebrated poet, is shot dead, killed not by German fire, but while recuperating from shell shock well behind the lines. A young English soldier is arrested and, although he protests his innocence, charged with his murder.

Douglas Kingsley is a conscientious objector, previously a detective with the London police, now imprisoned for his beliefs. He is released and sent to France in order to secure a conviction. Forced to conduct his investigations amidst the hell of The Third Battle of Ypres, Kingsley soon discovers that both the evidence and the witnesses he needs are quite literally disappearing into the mud that surrounds him.Ben Elton's tenth novel is a gut-wrenching historical drama which explores some fundamental questions. What is murder? What is justice in the face of unimaginable daily slaughter? And where is the honour in saving a man from the gallows if he is only to be returned to die in a suicidal battle?

As the gap between legally-sanctioned and illegal murder becomes ever more blurred, Kingsley quickly learns that the first casualty when war comes is truth.

©2005 Ben Elton (P)2009 Random House Audio Historical Mystery Thriller & Suspense Crime Fiction Murder War Exciting Scary
All stars
Most relevant
The portrail of the characters by the narrator was exceptional.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which, although references the politics of the time, and allows the customary rant by Mr Elton, mainly deals with conscience and duty.
Absolutely brilliant.

One of Ben Elton's best.

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Probably the best book of Elton’s I have read or listened to great stuff
Very moving

What a great listen

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wow ben elton. fantastic writer. echoes/phrases of blackadder. loved it. u are a pure genius

brilliant

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A brilliant and gripping book. Beautifully read. I highly recommend it. Ben Elton is a fantastic author.

Tiz. United Arab Emirates.

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Somewhat far fetched but really enjoyable, covers a wide variety of opinions of war. The plot moves on at a pace and the discussions between characters is well developed. Would recommend.

Well worth a listen

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