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  • Songbird

  • Kings Lake Investigation Series, Book 1
  • By: Peter Grainger
  • Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
  • Length: 15 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (236 ratings)

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Songbird cover art

Songbird

By: Peter Grainger
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
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Summary

"He saw a bare arm first, the hand palm up with fingers curled inwards. Then he stopped and took a few breaths. He could hear the two constables making arrangements before they separated, one saying he'd bring the other some tape from the car, and then it was just the summer morning quiet again." 

Detective Sergeant Chris Waters got the call at 05.29 that July morning. This is it, said DCI Reeve, you'll be first there, it's all yours, you're the crime scene manager. Suddenly, after months of waiting and wondering, Waters finds himself in at the deep end, and alone at the scene of a puzzling murder.  

As the investigation proceeds, the detectives at Kings Lake Central find themselves visiting familiar places and talking to some familiar faces, while old enmities reappear in the incident room. Before this is over, Chris Waters will need to make a career-changing decision, and another member of the CID team will find herself facing an unexpected challenge. And Smith? Gone but not forgotten? Surely, he would say, you cannot write me off with a worn-out cliche like that....

©2019 Peter Grainger (P)2019 Tantor

What listeners say about Songbird

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Superb

Another wonderfully satisfying listen. The story is excellent and narration spot on. It’s told sensitively and with humour. A book I didn’t want to end.

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Another great discovery

I binge listened to the related series and by chance found this one when I had finished. This was really good and comes from the different perspective - we see him all grown up now. it was good to see the old gang together and how this series fits in with the other one. Yes the listen is very long and perhaps it could have been shortened but I learnt some interesting facts which I assumed I knew but didn't - for example the origin of the warning that you can remain silent but the impact that it has.
For me the narration really suits the story and characters.
When they went down one route it was handled very sensitively by one side and it was interesting when it wasn't. (Don't want to give spoilers)

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Loved it

I was so excited when I found out the series was continuing post-smith and the book didn’t disappoint. Loved the fact that DC is still such a major part of the team’s investigation processes and always there in the background!
Also really enjoyed this storyline, very clever way of linking the past with present having the caravan park be the main site.

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

Too Many Females

I think most of us loved the gentle, but masterful character of D.C. Smith, but this story had too many females, and personally I am tired of our matriarchal society.

Once I got past the first two thirds and then dialogues concentrated on police business, rather than romance, I went back to enjoying it as much as the D.C. Smith series.

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

different way to tell a police story

I liked the characters and the obvious knowledge of police procedures at all stages of the investigation

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Attention holding

Not too visceral. Nice touches of humour. Starts slowly but picks up pace. Will certainly read others by Peter Grainger.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good book

A good book a bit predictable but it kept me interested right to the end. The reader kept mispronouncing words this annoys me, I know I am being over pedantic but it was my listen and I found it frustrating and it kind of spoilt the over all experience, which is a shame.

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Simply Another Great Book

What can I say?
Good storyline but even better is the transition from the DC Smith series to Sargent Chris Waters. The character development is superb and the storyline sympathetically deals with several events on both a personal and work level.
Can’t wait to hear the next in the series!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Narration excellent

First time listening to Grainger book. Absolutely loved it. Good detailed story and excellent narration.

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brilliant

great story and brilliant narration

i do hope this the first book in a seried

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