The Last Policeman cover art

The Last Policeman

The Last Policeman, Book 1

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The Last Policeman

By: Ben H. Winters
Narrated by: Peter Berkrot
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About this listen

As Seen on Today with Hoda & Jenna

“A genre-defying blend of crime writing and science fiction.”—Alexandra Alter, The New York Times

Winner of the 2013 Edgar® Award for Best Paperback Original!

What’s the point in solving murders if we’re all going to die soon, anyway?

Detective Hank Palace has faced this question ever since asteroid 2011GV1 hovered into view. There’s no chance left. No hope. Just six precious months until impact.

The economy spirals downward while crops rot in the fields. Churches and synagogues are packed. People all over the world are walking off the job—but not Hank Palace. He’s investigating a death by hanging in a city that sees a dozen suicides every week—except this one feels suspicious, and Palace is the only cop who cares.

The first in a trilogy, The Last Policeman offers a mystery set on the brink of an apocalypse. As Palace’s investigation plays out under the shadow of 2011GV1, we’re confronted by hard questions way beyond “whodunit.” What basis does civilization rest upon? What is life worth? What would any of us do, what would we really do, if our days were numbered?

©2012 Ben H. Winters (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Dystopian Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense

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All stars
Most relevant  

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, the pace and narration was great, as was the central idea of an asteroid on a collision course- and how people reacted.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Somewhat 'meh'

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

No, but his narration style grows on you

Was The Last Policeman worth the listening time?

Yes, but only just. Tempted to get the second one, but not sure

Any additional comments?

Given the pre-apocalypse tone, time would have been a little better spent fleshing out the story with how other people are dealing with it. Perhaps the odd news snippet here and there (unrelated to the main story, but good background).

Great premise, not such a good story

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This is clever, entertaining detective story is made unique by the imminent earth destroying meteor

Perfect pandemic reading

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Good story and characters with interesting setting. Excellent narrator. Will be buying the second book

Good story well read

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Brilliant. Didn't know what to expect but throughly enjoyed it. Really intriguing detective novel set against the interesting premise of solving the case whilst the end of the world looms large. Great narration! 100% Armageddon the next part of this trilogy immediately

A friend recommended and I'm recommending to You

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I found the premise really original. I love detective stories with a significant context (like Foyles War). This one felt highly credible and really well delivered. Loved this book and started on the second

Why are more people not aware of this book?

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The narration of this 'quirky' story is excellent once I started I couldn't bear to stop spent hours at a time it's a detective novel a thriller a whodunit a bit of everything great entertainment

Quirky storyline

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Asteroid Maia is about to destroy life on Earth in 6 months time. And rookie Detective Hank Palace is investigating a suicide case, which he believes is a murder.

First part of a story, coming armageddon is quite interesting, and the only reason I am giving The Last Policeman three stars instead of two. If Winters would have focused more on this part of the story, it could have been excellent novel.

On the other side, it is very week murder investigation. A mistery novel where you don't care about finding a murder (and in the meantime guessing it half-way through) is not really something where you should spend your time. Also, characters are uninteresting and undeveloped, so besides interesting premise, you don't get much else...

Nice premise, but poor mystery

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I thoroughly enjoyed this - the protagonist, Hank, was not at all what you expect from a detective novel, and all the more interesting for it.

Peter Berkrot did a great narration on this one, with a sensitive, understated performance.

Can't wait to listen to the next one.

Excellent pre-apocalyptic mystery

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I was intrigued by the premise of this book, a detective story set before we are about to be hit by a giant asteroid. I wouldn't be the biggest detective novel fan but am a sucker for apocalyptic fiction. In that regard I really enjoyed it. Much of the enjoyment of these books (I've listened to all three now) comes from the societal collapse that's happening all around the main character as he goes about his business of being a police man. It's slightly cosy catastrophe in that it's doesn't get as dark as I think the world would go in that situation but there's enough interesting ideas and engaging characters that this approach really works.

The detective stuff worked for me too, not being too complex like a James Ellroy book or something but enough to keep me guessing to the end. The narrator is excellent adding a lot of humour and pathos with his performance. Recommended!

Very entertaining trilogy (spoiler free review)

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I found the characters forgettable. I thought the premise was a great idea. The performance and characters didn't grab my attention sufficiently.

Not for me

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