An Accidental Death
A DC Smith Investigation Series, Book 1
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An Accidental Death
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Narrated by:
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Gildart Jackson
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By:
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Peter Grainger
About this listen
The story opens with the apparently accidental drowning of a sixth form student in the Norfolk countryside. As a matter of routine, or so it seems, the case passes across the desk of Detective Sergeant Smith, recently returned to work after an internal investigation into another case that has led to tensions between officers at Kings Lake police headquarters. As an ex-DCI, Smith could have retired by now, and it is clear that some of his superiors wish that he would do so. The latest trainee detective to work with him is the son of a member of his former team, and together they begin to unravel the truth about what happened to Wayne Fletcher. As the investigation proceeds, it becomes clear that others are involved - some seem determined to prevent it, some seem to be taking too much interest. In the end, Smith operates alone, having stepped too far outside standard procedures to ask for support. He knows that his own life might be at risk but he has not calculated on the life of his young assistant also being put in danger.
©2013 Peter Grainger (P)2016 TantorListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about An Accidental Death
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Simon
- 27-08-16
Plodding In Fine Style!
Well I have just spent a pleasant few hours in the company of the oddly-named DC “DC Smith”, an interesting choice of initials for a detective constable if ever there was one. This is Frost rebooted, a gumpy old curmudgeon but with more of a human side and a considerably beefier background. There is a young protégé to add to the mix and as crime fiction so often has it the usual mix of doubting senior officers, competitive colleagues and local characters.
It would be wrong to write this one off as just another cliché though. The writing is clever and the characters are engaging. What this book also proves is that you can write a good crime novel without killing off half the local population and incorporating the worst of crimes. The central incident of this novel is an almost mundane seeming accidental drowning of a local teenager that is almost but not quite closed as just that rather than being properly investigated.
The narration by Gildart Jackson seems to fit these character to a tee. It’s not the most energetic of performances but it does breathe genuine life into the lead character. The story itself does develop significantly from its humble beginnings and the mental leap to the end from the starting mundane incident is a big one. The back story of DC Smith is also gradually revealed and he does surprise us with being quite a bit more than just another old cantankerous detective on the verge of retirement.
I liked it despite its brevity.
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14 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mojorunning
- 07-09-24
an engaging protagonist
I have tried a couple of Grainger's novels and have had to give up mainly because of the narrator's over sonorous tones. Maybe I'm just used to Gildard now but I enjoyed this one. DC is an engaging character and Waters, his young copper sidekick, made a nice foil. The story was twisty enough to keep the interest without being too far fetched.
A nice procedural, with gore free action. A pleasant listen
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Paul Loseby
- 23-08-20
Nicely paced, well thought out and good narrator
This is a well thought out book which goes at a nice pace and has a really good narrator. I must have thought it was good as I have now bought the rest of the series.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nicky W
- 29-08-20
excellent narrator
Good story. very well read and narrator voices were excellent. Hoping further audio book by this author available
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Penni Pitstop
- 15-04-24
Just a fabulous find - A warm, very witty, interesting story
Being from the north of England, I found DC's caustic humour hysterical. And all said with a straight face. I am so pleased to have come across this author. I am ow off to buy another one of his.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jayne Tomlinson
- 17-04-24
Brill
I was a bit unsure to begin with, but the story was great and the narrator was brilliant at the dry humour, even though it was a crime story,it was equally as funny, the main character is a detective and his quiet sarcasim was hilarious. Absolutely loved it
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- akendall
- 20-03-24
characters
Loved this book. Great narrating, became invested in the characters and their stories. The dry humour slightly sarky DC was brilliantly portrayed by the author and the narrator. Looking forward to the next book
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Neil
- 04-03-24
The character of D C Smith which was unassuming but fascinating.
I like the measured style of delivery which suited the character and the way the narrative developed.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- S
- 05-04-24
Gritty thriller with a difference
Loved this audio book. A great story which kept me interested, made me smile at times but best of all -no obscenities which makes a refreshing change for this genre. Thank you
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- MR T.
- 26-04-24
The moral of the story
To see and understand the experience of age and learn from those ahead in age and experience
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