An entertaining read.

Any additional comments?

I have to comment about the narrator first because he was brilliant! He made this book so much better. He gave each character their own voice and it was easy to follow who was talking. Being Irish, I know a good Irish accent when I hear it and boy did Wayne Farrell do it perfectly. So well done to him and I will definitely be checking out more narrated by him.

Character wise, I loved DCI Brendan Moran. He had that typical weary Irish attitude. He is intent on finding out what happened at the Abbey, despite the closed ranks of the monks. He has been through the mill and wont be made a fool of. He was smart, cranky and an all round descent human.

The plot was fairly fast paced. There are many layers to the story, that unwind throughout. Some I saw coming but plenty I didn't. I loved that it was set in December too because nothing screams creepy like a snowstorm in an old Abbey!! Speaking of, I loved the Abbey setting. Priests have always been something that are unapproachable and secretive, so to have it set in an Abbey really ramped up the tension.

In all, this was a gripping and entertaining read. It had plenty of twists and kept my attention throughout. I really hope we see more from the cranky Irish detective!!

*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

5 people found this helpful

Very Clever Outstanding Narration

This is a great mystery. The author is careful to develop the characters. I think it is important to have read or listened to this book first. I really loved the twisted ending. The narrator is great. He makes it easy to follow the different characters. This book is a keeper and I look forward to other books in the series as they become available on audible.

1 person found this helpful

Wayne Farrell

I got this book because I’ve heard Wayne Farrell narrate two great international spy thrillers by Kathryn Guare, Deceptive Cadence and The Secret Chord. This book wasn’t nearly as good a story as hers, but I love the narration.

1 person found this helpful

A great listen

I enjoyed very much! My phone would not let me give 5 stars. Ok yes it did. Loved the brogues. N

1 person found this helpful

Hope this becomes a series

Despite being a little confused by the beginning and having to rewind, I was soon immersed in the story. For a short listen there's a lot going on, there's old murder and new murder at the Abbey school to be solved by DCI Brendan Moran and his sergeant, Phelps, they are getting on with the job when office politics come in to play and Phelps is replaced by a man who sneers at age and experience. At first I expected him to be won over by the lugubrious but clever Moran, but my goodness, did the author have other things in mind for the readers!
That wasn't the only time I was to be proved wrong either, I was convinced of one of the characters' involvement in the dastardly doings, almost to the very end and when I discovered the truth I was actually relieved. Yes, I did get involved in the story!
It's a little difficult to explain without spoilers, but I'll have a go, solving the actual crime wasn't too difficult, what proved to be a real puzzle was the how and why along with working out who was actually involved, there are some many threads to unravel. The story also draws in Morans' friends and his troublesome family, and as Moran is still suffering the ongoing adverse physical effects of an accident, he has many burdens to bear one can't help but feel sorry for him.
I really enjoyed the wonderfully descriptive writing of this story and I look forward to the sequel. This book does make mention of "The Troubles" which may be distressing to some readers.

Narrator
An outstanding narration by Wayne Farrell who has just the voice for mysteries. No overacting here, just telling the story in the way a good narrator should, with perfect timing and pace. Each character was clearly defined and as I never noticed the gender changes, that tells me they were good too. Wayne is now on my favourites list.
This audiobook was provided by the narrator, at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

1 person found this helpful

Too many story lines

The characters in this book are likeable but there are too many story lines. They come together a little too neatly.

Good story

Took a bit to get into but once I did it was a good story

DI Moran

Liked the story line…. But found it hard to follow the events and characters at times

it's a no.

I didn't like this book at all. The narrator should be narrating children's bedtime books.

Black December

Any additional comments?

This book sucks you in and the ride is great...right up to the end.Actually I'm still not sure about the end.A Monk is killed at a Monastary.In the search for his killer old misdeeds and revenges are made new again.
This is narrated brilliantly by Wayne Farrel.
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."