Beautifully read and excellent characterisation.

Essential to read or listen to The Various Haunts of Men first to become familiar with the main cast of characters and to understand the references to things which have happened in the past. Although these stories are based around crime and police procedure I find that these aspects take second place to the exploration of the moral and social decisions that the characters are forced to make and what we learn about those characters as a result. A previous reviewer was disappointed that, in their opinion, the book seemed to come to a sudden end. Things are left unresolved and that may dissatisfy some listeners but I thought it added a realism to the story particularly poignant in the light of recent news.
I tend to choose audio books, not just on potential content, but on the voice of the reader. Stephen Pacey is very easy on the ear. I like to listen as I walk for fitness and found myself covering a few extra miles each day as the story unfolded just to hear more. So, very highly recommended. I have already flagged the third book in the series as my next listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

40 people found this helpful

The pure in heart

I had already read the book but found revisiting it this way excellent.The reader is superb with just enough change of voice to keep the listener interested. Although I have also read the next book it will be my next one to listen . Can be thoroughly recommended for good writing and a cracking storyline Susan Hill is a master of the understated menace and surprising twist.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

Excellent read

Whereas this novel's predecessor was a page turner but had little depth, this follow-up turns the pages just as easily but also engages heart and brain. I came away from this book with a new admiration for the author as someone who not only has something to say through her stories, but does so with lightness of touch that thankfully doesn't punch you in the face.

The characters are full of life-like contradictions that play out in a compelling drama that never sets out to offer easy answers. What it does do intead is confront the reader with the uncomfortable reality that within every person, whatever their position in society, lies the capacity for both good and evil and that it is not always easy to tell the two apart.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Always unexpected

Like the last Simon Serrailler story, this one was unpredictable, with content, and an ending, that could only work set against a backdrop of well observed complex characters. Most authors stick to well recognised formulae, and only the best can get away with shocking or disappointing their readers with major plot points. But these stories, and the topics they address, are so satisfying in and of themselves that it works. Both books have left me wanting to spend more time with the people who fill them.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Wonderful narration, not much of a thriller

Where does The Pure in Heart rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

My usual genre are crime thrillers: This was, but not much, more of a story about the family and its relationship with each other, hence the three stars,. The subject matter was, as all matters regarding children, disturbing. Susan Hill has a very realistic approach to crime solving, and I think that good. However, the narration was wonderful, so as an audio book story three stars, narration 10!!

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

Well, I had a suspicion that it would end as it did, so I suppose this tells you that you Susan Hill had an excellent way of moving the story along. It was not a total give a way, so I still had the expectation I could have been wrong.

Which character – as performed by Steven Pacey – was your favourite?

I think Steven Pacey is just WONDERFUL, honestly, how does he do the variety of voices that he does?. In this book, although only a short piece, it was the Yorkshire policeman that I thought was brilliant. I chose that one because you asked, but I think all of this voices are just amazing. Just like listening to a play. I would buy a book with him reading just because I know it would be a good listen regardless of story content

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted too, but didn't. I like audio books in my kitchen when I am cooking ironing etc, makes the whole tasks much more enjoyable.

Any additional comments?

Susan Hill is new to me. I like her style. She does not use bad language, her characters are real, you can relate to them as people you might know. There are no macho in your face sort of characters. Her writing style is easy, engaging and well written. So all in all a good one for me to continue with.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Not sure

I was a little disappointed with this book, it seemed to be about nothing very much it went on and on and nothing really happened' it's seems to be a 12 hour introduction to the next book which I've just started. It was more about Simons life than he's job. I'm hoping that the next book is picks up pace. Trouble is you have to listen to this one to proceed with the next!! Very clever tactic!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great listening

This is detective fiction at a new level. Love the depth of the characters and the life/societal themes are skilfully woven into the crime plot giving the listener much to reflect on. It’s different and intriguing.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

An unusual mystery, an excellent book.

"The Pure in Heart," the second book of the Simon Serrailler series, continues in the atmosphere and style Susan Hill set up in "The Various Haunts of Men" - a rich, intricate, slowly developing story filled with fascinating people. Like with the first book in the series, I savoured Hill's writing and revelled in her mastery of characterisation and deliciously slow build-up.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A deep, engaging listen

I became as deeply engaged with this Simon Serrailler book as with the first.
Susan Hill creates complex believable characters. There are no trite fixes to the storyline. Although this works as a stand alone book it is greater for being part of a series & I am planning to get the next one
The narration by Steven Pacey is clear & well differentiated.
A gripping listen

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Excellent

Really enjoying this series. Loved susan hill as an author for a while but stumbled across these books by accident on a long drive for work. Am smitten!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful