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Desolate Sands

Detective Alec Ramsay, Book 5

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Desolate Sands

By: Conrad Jones
Narrated by: Mil Nicholson
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About this listen

When well-known community activist, Lacey Taylor goes missing whilst walking her dog, the police are at a loss to find any evidence as to where she is. A local man finds the collar, which belonged to her dog near Crosby Beach, home of the eerie Iron Men statues (Anthony Gormley's 'Another Place') and DI Annie Jones calls in the canine units to aid the search. What they find shocks even the most hardened detectives on her Major Investigation Team.

©2014 Conrad Jones (P)2014 Conrad Jones International Mystery & Crime Mystery Police Procedural Fiction Scary Suspense

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Conrad Jones does it again but be prepared this is a particularly gruesome one (which I love not sure what that says about me). It’s an exciting audio with great narration and full of twists and turns at all times. This does not disappoint.

He has done it again

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Would you consider the audio edition of Desolate Sands to be better than the print version?

Not remotely

Who was your favorite character and why?

Annie Jones, she's a great character who bounces back from adversity

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The only thing I liked about the performance (in terms of narration) was that it was NOT narrated by Paul Holbrook, I disliked the fact that it was narrated by Mil Nicholson who, did at least attempt a British accent (unlike Paul Holbrook in earlier novels) , but still sounded stiff and stilted, the pronunciation of many words and phrases was distinctly off-putting she sounds like an old lady out of puff after running for a bus who then has to re-adjust her dentures when she stops for breath

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were several moments that made me stop and think but nothing that particularly moved me, although I was extremely impressed with the way the story continued well after the point that I felt certain would be the End. I was delighted to discover that there were another 2 hours to go after what I had imagined would be the finale. Mil's narration was pretty bad but not bad enough to distract from what is, at the end of the day, a rather brilliant storyline.

Any additional comments?

This is an excellent addition to the Alec Ramsey series, if you enjoyed The Child Taker and Criminally Insane you will love this (although, to be clear, it does NOT feature Tank)

Excellent novel shame about the narrator

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What a fantastic story writer Conrad Jones is, this book has lots of twists and turns and moves along at a good pace. There is some gruesome violence - so if you like your books dark, you'll love this!

Dark and Gruesome - just how I like them!

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I say emotional because I feel as though I have been turned in a washing machine emotionally. Disgust, horror, sadness tinted with a little happiness. I loved it. It held me throughout. Reading some chapters before sleep is not recommended. It did not deter me. I shall never look at pictures of the statues on Crosby in the same way again.
Brilliant,

An emotional book

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A fantastic roller coaster of a book with many twists and turns and has you hooked quickly and eager to know more and more. Some really great characters and I thoroughly enjoyed this listen.

Twists and turns

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Liked the fact it centred around Crosby Beach as i know the are well so I could visualise it more.

Prawns

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Desolate Sands is a gripping story with several twists and a few surprises right to the end all in all a very good read.

gripped

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What did you like most about Desolate Sands?

An intricate plot, never sure who did what until the end. A lot of unexpected happenings too. A bit too graphic in parts so I had to move forward.

Have you listened to any of Mil Nicholson’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No I haven't. I did find some characters voices confusing as to who was speaking. Still not sure if Mil is male or female.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes but I can't give it away

Any additional comments?

A good listen, but be aware of the language and gory descriptions.

Plenty of twists and turns

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Conrad Jones is one of my favourite writers but keeping that aside this book kept me listening far into the night and most of the day!
The book starts of ,as usual, with an explosive plot. A girl goes missing while walking her dog near the Iron Men statues on Crosby Beach. A local man finds her dog’s collar and comes forward. Detective Alec Ramsay is in charge of the case and when other bodies are found buried the layers of this very cleverly thought out plot start to unfold.
It is not often that I just surrender to the twists and turns of plots without trying to guess but this author allows me to listen without thought and enjoy the rollercoaster ride.
Yes it is a gritty and sometimes an uncomfortable read but it really is a great plot.
Definitely one I would recommend

Another Great Thriller from Conrad Jones

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Oh my! Conrad Jones has excelled himself this time! I've read several of his books and loved them all, but this is definitely one of the best. What a twisted mind Mr Jones has. The way the poor victims died gave me the creeps!

The storyline is so cleverly constructed, and the characterisation is brilliant. I loved the setting of Crosby beach and the Iron Men. I haven't visited this area (even though I lived in Liverpool for a few months several years ago) but now I really want to visit.

If you like well crafted thrillers with plenty of gore then this is a must read!

I listened to the book on Audible, and was slightly disappointed by the narrator who mis-pronounced some words, but that didn't spoil an excellent book.

The best in the series .... so far!

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