Loving Smith/Colgate

I wasn’t sure about this book to start with but I love how the author has developed and shared DC’s back story and history. Younger readers may read this as I would a story around WWII - but for the generations who remember the ‘troubles’ it is a whole different read. Found myself wondering If some characters are based around current real figures - nothing as strange as the truth! Another great story - I am now addicted to this series - on to the next.

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5th book from this series, great.

I have really enjoyed listening to this story from this series. The author, characters and narrator were great as usual.

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This one let the series down

I know and love the DC series and the following series featuring Waters.

But this book really left me feeling that it was just a filler. I suppose we should care about DC’s past life, but when it came up, I found I didn’t. I don’t care about his previous lives (and the scene in the attic, 2 days post surgery… and then we find out for the first time, about DC’s other identities; so weak. Almost as weak as a knee, 48 hrs post surgery).

It’s let the whole series down. Very poor.

Luckily the narrator can do a passable Belfast accent, or this book would be a complete disaster. I’d like my credit back.

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Politics , history but most of all humanity

Another intriguing plot that shows yet another aspect of the main character. The narrative and narrator are just perfect.

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The past is always with us

Liked the sense of place the portrayal of a complex society in Northern Ireland which is not completely distant from the troubles and the pain caused by the recent past events
Good narration. Accents ok but occasionally slipped.
Love DC and this was all about him not look forward to his return to the smithfits in the next in the series

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Cleverly written

A difficult subject to write about. DC is on his own and only has his wits to guide him. Really liking this set of books x

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Another fantastic book in the series

Perhaps my favourite so far. I'm listening to all the books in order on audible, and absolutely love them. Gildart Jackson's portrayal of DC Smith is fantastic. At first I wasn't sure, but it only took about 50 pages of the first book for me to be convinced he's absolutely the right man for the job! His characterisation is spot on. Smith is a witty, dry, lovable and very clever man who I'd love to sit and have a pint with! Or maybe that should be a single malt. The books would make a great TV series-but Gildart Jackson would have to play the lead!

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Fantastic series

This is such a great series from a writer I hadn’t come across before. The hero is an older policeman, and has the stoicism and humour of you can’t get enough of. He is patient and kind, but stands up for himself in any dangerous situation. Self-effacing and honest, I wish I could meet him!
The one I’ve just finished is mid-series, and is one of the best.
A great narrator too. Highly recommended.

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Masterpiece

These are detective stories of originality and great character. This book in particular is beautifully written and is worth reading. I can’t wait to listen to the next instalment. Thank you Mr Grainger

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So moving

I started listening to this as have enjoyed all the dc Smith books leading up to it. When I realised it was set in Northern Ireland, I nearly bailed out, having grown up in the ‘70s seeing the the NI violence everyday. However, I soon became hooked, and have to say this might be the best book in the series I have listened to so far. Very moving. Interested to see where the is goes… great narration too.

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