The Book of Souls cover art

The Book of Souls

An Inspector McLean Novel, Book 2

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The Book of Souls

By: James Oswald
Narrated by: Ian Hanmore
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About this listen

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of The Book of Souls by James Oswald, read by the actor Ian Hanmore.

Every year for 10 years, a young woman's body was found in Edinburgh at Christmastime: naked, throat slit, body washed clean. The final victim, Kirsty Summers, was Detective Constable Tony McLean's fiancée. But the Christmas Killer made a mistake and McLean put an end to the brutal killing spree.

Twelve years later, and a fellow prisoner has murdered the Christmas Killer. But with the festive season comes a body; naked, washed, her throat cut. Is this a copycat killer? Was the wrong man behind bars all this time? Or is there a more sinister explanation? McLean must revisit his most disturbing case and discover what he missed before the killer strikes again....

©2013 James Oswald (P)2013 Penguin Audio
Crime Thrillers Fiction Police Procedural Suspense Thriller Mystery Scary Christmas
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What listeners say about The Book of Souls

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Held my Attention throughout

my second James Oswald book. I like his style of writing, although I found the end a little flat. I cannot fault Ian Hanmore as a narrator and I now specifically seek him out when looking for a new book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Atmospheric

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are all pretty realistic, and although the lead is so unlucky it’s almost unreal, he is mostly believable and his motives are relatable. It did lose me a bit when it started to involve the supernatural, but not enough to spoil my enjoyment. The narrator is excellent. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

fantastic story.

loved it followed the story without any problems . the story teller was good .


grate book to read .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another great listen.

The second book in the series and equally as good as the first. A good detective novel made great with a twist of the occult.

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Another winnr

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A great story line which really rings true

Who was your favorite character and why?

Obviously the Inspector McLlean

What does Ian Hanmore bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

One is brought into the story as if one was there. He transmits the events and you image straight away the characters

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Could be true but hope not

Any additional comments?

Only critism was that in this second novel nothing was mentioned about the large inheritance that Inspector McLean had received in the first novel. A little strange.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The Second Inspector McLean story

James Oswald builds on the first story, following the career of the young inspector as he hunts a serial killer. His personal history becomes entwined with current events as he experiences challenges at work, in his personal life and generally.
I will be looking out for the next book in the series.

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An excellent sequel

Would you listen to The Book of Souls again? Why?

I'm unlikely to listen again. I never re listen to my books

Who was your favorite character and why?

Inspector McLean. Its hard not to enjoy the main character.

What does Ian Hanmore bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Ian Hanmore breathes life into the characters in a way I never could. Having the right accent for the Edinburgh location is a good start of course.

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

There isn't much to be moved by in a detective novel?

Any additional comments?

Overall this is an enjoyable read and an excellent sequel to Natural causes which it makes sense to read first.DI McLean is a well written character that gets further built upon from our initial introduction in Natural causes. A good and credible storyline topped off with an excellent performance by Ian Hanmore - roll on book 3!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Excellent!

Enjoyed this book more than the first and the author has now got me hooked on this series. Set in Edinburgh and with a serial killer on the loose inspector McLean has his hands full. Running alongside the main plot there are lots of little plots that all come together at the end. Throw in a little bit of the supernatural and you really do have an excellent book.

Cracking narration again by Ian Hanmore.

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Well written, engaging, great characters.

engaging characters, nice to have a more realistic portrayal of Edinburgh. good listen. Will def read them all.

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Gripping!

Great book! Pulled you in and kept you there. The story built very well and although part of a series could easily be read as a stand alone. The tone and accent of the narrator made the story even more authentic . Can't wait to read the next in the series .

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