Not the most satisfying of crime novels

I bought both The Pure in Heart and The Risk of Darkness in a 2 for 1 offer, and was very glad as The Pure in Heart would have been an unsatisfactory novel on its own, ending with an unresolved case. The case is picked up again in The Risk of Darkness. After 3 books I still don’t feel that I know Simon Serrailler and feel quite indifferent about him. He is obviously a loner for whom only work gives satisfaction; a typical characteristic of crime novel detectives. Much of his character still is quite blank to me and I have no mental image of him beyond that of a man in charge. Even at the end of The Risk of Darkness the overwhelming feeling is still unsatisfactory, particularly concerning the perpetrator. It could be that the author was aiming for a more true to life feel. I sometimes felt this with inconsequential events that were distracting. But, this IS a novel and that allows room for filling in the blanks even if it is really only speculation disguised as explanation. Not the best of crime novels I have listened to, and I don’t think I will continue with the series.

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1 person found this helpful

best so far

this the third of the series and best so far. The narration from Stephen Pacey continues to entrance and engage. The story is beautifully crafted and akin to Scandinavian fiction deals with the relationships between the characters rather than the linear plot -I hghly recommend this.

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Too many strands not properly completed

Story started well, however, too many side stories introduced and then not properly finished off. Main character good and narration well done. Because of the unfinished details ended by being on the disappointing side.

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Another gripping instalment beautifully read

For those who were frustrated by the unresolved ending of The Pure in Heart, the second novel in the series, this third book brings matters to a conclusion. Very easy to get into, if you have listened to or read the previous two, as the central characters, DCI Simon Serailler, DI Nathan Coates and Dr Cat Derebon have become very familiar. However, I found this an altogether darker book than the previous two. An air of danger, menace and general moral decline pervade the story. Some extremely unpleasant crimes are committed, some by people who are pure evil, some seeking retribution and others by people who have been brought to the edge by tragic events. As before, I found the novel more about the exploration and development of the characters: the difficulties they face, the opportunities which are presented to them, the choices they make, rather than a concentration on police procedure. Once again, Stephen Pacey?s reading is impeccable. Very highly recommended.

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34 people found this helpful

decent

not as exciting as the other books but nice to round off the trilogy. not sure how i feel about reading the rest. but left open for more stories with these characters

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riveting

had to listen to all three continuously. brilliant imagery. suspenseful plot. will listen to them over and over

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Another excellent Serrailler book!

I have just got into these books, and they are really good. Leaves you wanting more, so of course I’ll read the next one!!

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Brilliant!

So many narratives! The individual stories of each character are so skilfully, intimately and realistically interwoven with the central narrative.
There is a wonderful cinematic quality to get writing.
I simply can't get enough of her writing!

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Better than the last one

Steven Pacey is an excellent narrator; I enjoy the emphasis he places on the different parts of the story. This story is sad due to the subject matter but well written and you get more of an insight into Simon's disfunctional relationship with women. The family relationships are complex but still need to know what makes him tick with women.

Enjoyed this book.

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The Risk of Darkness

Good deal of variation of story lines within the book but, never the less found to be a good listen. Narration improved as the book progressed.

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