No surprises here

It’s good enough to pass time but grief-stricken-father-detective stereotype can take a detective story only so far. I would have to see the reviews before I can agree to listen to another story starred by this selfish and not-very-smart detective.

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1 person found this helpful

A fluent and beautifully crafted page-turner

This story flows with realism and pathos. It is clear that Chris has researched the subject matter and carries the voices of the characters with depth and believability. Get it, read it, share it!

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2 people found this helpful

Great listen

Really enjoyed the first book in the series, will definitely buy more, well read good story line.

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Enjoyable

I haven't read anything by this author before, and although I do have some criticisms, I think that I will try the second in the series.

My criticisms....... The narrator spoke very quickly in some places, and that, together with the strong cockney/Jamaican accents made it quite difficult to understand without rewinding.
Zac behaved very strangely for a police officer, won't specify for fear of making spoilers.

Overall, I am hoping that I have 'found' a new author to enjoy. I liked his characters overall, and that is usually a clincher for me as I need to care what happens to them.

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3 people found this helpful

Well worth a listen.

I will be listening to the other books in this series as this was a strong piece of fiction. Characters are compelling, the narrative is well paced and I never found myself wishing it would just end.

However, I cannot give it five starts because the connected story about the main character’s daughter’s murder, that I assume will weave across all the books, verges on the far fetched; and whilst the main story is completely believable, this part of the narrative did cause me to snort derisively on occasion.

But overall this is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes their police procedural novels.

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Good start

Great first book. Zac is an interesting character. I'm looking forward to reading more from Chris Merritt and following Zac's career. Great narration from Damian Lynch

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5 people found this helpful

Brilliant new detective comes to life

If you could sum up The Murder List in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, fast-moving thriller

What did you like best about this story?

I listened to this alongside the kindle version, and Damian Lynch's performance conveyed the different characters from all over south London beautifully. The writing is slick and Merritt keeps you guessing right to the end. You get totally invested in the hunt for Detective Zac Boateng's nemesis, and find yourself rooting for so many different people as the story goes on - even the bad guys....

Which scene did you most enjoy?

There are two that stand out from the Wimbledon dog track. You feel as though you're watching those greyhounds run!

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

Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

I'm preordering the next book in the series as soon as I can.

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4 people found this helpful

Great listen

Loved this story. The narrator was very good and the characters were believable and sympathetic. Definitely one to watch.

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6 people found this helpful

concentration needed but loved it

loved the book, and you will too. concentrate though!

downloading the next one

Michelle D

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5 people found this helpful

A Start of Considerable Merritt

I'm only too well aware that a single swallow doesn't make a summer so a good first book doesn't necessarily mean this will be a great series. However, with The Murder List Chris Merritt has certainly ticked all of the right boxes and could just be on the cusp of a fine career. A three book deal suggests his publishers think likewise . . . there will definitely be more to come!

His lead, Detective Zac Boateng is a man you can get right behind. A dedicated policeman, a student of the mind and a real family man trying with his wife to hold everything together after the tragic loss of his murdered daughter. Guilt and grief drive him to extremes and feed the flames of this well-paced story.

Merritt draws on his own considerable experience and knowledge having gained a double first at Oxford no less but the writing is sharp and direct. It's not burdened by theory or detail. The depth to the characters, which is considerable, comes instead by thought, action and deed. This is an author not afraid to blur the lines between good and evil, right and wrong as he delves into London gang culture with a hint of political intrigue.

Of course, when you have an audiobook involving tough characters in tough situations Damian Lynch is one of the go to narrators and he delivers with strength and his usual wide range of character voices.

The Murder List is a genuinely fine start to this series, the story forms a complete episode and sets up some potentially exciting strands for future development. I don't see detective Boateng getting an easy ride in the books to come!

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25 people found this helpful