Watchers of the Dead cover art

Watchers of the Dead

Alec Lonsdale, Book 2

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Watchers of the Dead

By: Simon Beaufort
Narrated by: David Thorpe
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About this listen

December 1882. Attending the opening of the new Natural History Museum, reporter Alec Lonsdale and his colleague Hulda Friederichs are shocked to discover a body in the basement, hacked to death. Suspicion falls on three cannibals, brought from the Congo as museum exhibits, who have disappeared. But Alec discovers that three other men have been similarly murdered, and when he and Hulda discover a letter in the victim's home warning of a catastrophic event planned for Christmas Eve, they find themselves in a race against time. Who are 'The Watchers', and can the duo stop them before they strike again?

©2019 Simon Beaufort (P)2020 Oakhill Publishing Amateur Sleuths Detective Historical Mystery Fiction Suspense Africa

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All stars
Most relevant  
Preferred the other narrator from book 1, but this one was OK, i got used to him

Was OK

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Although real subjects, it so good to have a sense of humour there too & the great old British ways!!! well sometimes. l love Lonsdale & Hulba. Written & narrative both amazing, Thank you.

Another good book, Brilliant.

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I enjoyed it, perfect for lazy hot summer days. Nice and improbable with a cheery cast of characters.

Good fun

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After listening/reading and so much enjoying the first book in this series, I went straight on to reading the ‘Watchers of the Dead’. I felt this second novel was satisfactory and fits with most expectations of Victorian mystery thrillers, but it did not equal or exceed the wonderful achievement of ‘Mind of a Killer’. This second novel gave ‘flavours’ of the time and these could/should have been developed more and to better effect. The last few chapters may disappoint many with frankly incredible rather than improbable villains. Why this second novel is wanting is curious. There needed to better self-criticism by the authors and a more effective publisher's editor. In terms of the performance of this audio-book - I am so sad to say - I found it unsatisfactory. It is pale and overly demonstrative in comparison to the first novel’s superb performance by Jonathan Keeble. The performer of ‘Watchers of the Dead’ – David Thorpe - is employed extensively in the work of Susana Gregory (lead author in this Simon Beaufort partnership). He does not suit this narrative - in my view. The character voices used In Gregory’s Matthew Bartholomew series are ‘recycled’ too freely and is unrewarding. Added to that, the lack of sensible gradation in which the character voices are often presented simply does not suit and it tires. Too many sound angry or rough without need. A prudent recording producer/director might have made things better. When an author chooses to write under a different name, or in partnership/s with another author, it asks that the voice performer make the enterprise distinctive, and this is not. I say this with deep regret as I am an avid follower of both the Matthew Bartholomew chronicles and the Thomas Chaloner series (over 10 novels on my shelves) waiting to be read and listened to. Quibble: Iolanthe is pronounced with an ‘I’ not an ‘E’.

Looking Forward to a Third Novel - in Hope...

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It's a really fun story, intriguing plot, which weaves historical facts and information into a fun, intriguing and fast paced fictional story.

fun

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I was glad I persisted based on my enjoyment of Book 1. I shall certainly get the next one.

Slow at first

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I've listened to a lot of Susannah Gregory's books and really liked them all. Her characters are brilliant and such a light touch of humour. I was delighted to discover that Simon Beaufort is her and her husband. Please write some more soon. Lonsdale and Hulda are lovely.
I find David Thorpe an excellent narrator although he is different to Jonathon Keeble. I've met them both before on Audible and like both presentations.
Oh yes I know Stead was a real person but I love him throwing carrots at the bear he had in his office not to mention the hen on the bedpost. Marvellous!

Loved it! Story and characters!

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Only managed short time listening; as another reviewer said narrator gave him a headache, i agree. So annoyed as last Simon Beaufort read by Jonathan Keeble was so good

Very disappointed with narrator

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I cannot believe this audio book has been released. After two chapters, I have given up. A complete amateur plucked at random off the street may have done a better job. Irritating and puerile. I am surprised you are asking for opinions. Just listen to it! It is not in the same league as the first book.
I am so, so disappointed .

A dreadful narrator ….. completely ruined

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narrator gave me a headache totally spoiled it the last book was excellent with Jonathan Keeble

disappointed

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