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Title: The Book of Souls

Subtitle: An Inspector McLean Novel, Book 2

Author: James Oswald

Narrator: Ian Hanmore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-01-13

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 14 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of The Book of Souls by James Oswald, read by the actor Ian Hanmore.

Every year for 10 years, a young woman's body was found in Edinburgh at Christmastime: naked, throat slit, body washed clean. The final victim, Kirsty Summers, was Detective Constable Tony McLean's fiancée. But the Christmas Killer made a mistake and McLean put an end to the brutal killing spree.

Twelve years later, and a fellow prisoner has murdered the Christmas Killer. But with the festive season comes a body; naked, washed, her throat cut. Is this a copycat killer? Was the wrong man behind bars all this time? Or is there a more sinister explanation? McLean must revisit his most disturbing case and discover what he missed before the killer strikes again....

Members Reviews:

Supernatural element makes the story

I bought this having bought the first in the series and really enjoyed the story and especially the supernatural elements. It kind of reminds me of Stuart MacBrides Logan McRae although not as vivid. I enjoy the character of Tony and supporting characters. The next book has not been released yet and there are some loose ends not tied up so hopefully they will be cleared I will definitely be getting the next book and would really recommend the series.

I felt the narrator was very clear and did not distract from the story.

Creepier and More Sinister . . . In A Good Way!

It was always going to be a big test for James Oswald to follow up on the excellent opener to this series. It's one I think he passes with flying colours and he doesn't pull any punches with another hard-hitting novel. This one puts a slightly higher emphasis on the supernatural element. Fortunately he doesn't make the mistake of neglecting his well rounded characters which were such a strong element of the first book. They are further developed and the lead is put under some intolerable pressure, hounded at every step of course by his less than perfect boss, Dagwood.

What brings these books up to five star status though is the narration by Ian Hanmore, he and Oswald are a marriage made in heaven. Hanmore's cultured Scottish accent literally purrs through descriptive text, chills to the bone when required and yet raises itself handily for some of the lighter moments.

So, an author and a narrator both of whom are well worth watching out for have created a genuinely immersive audiobook experience!

One strong recommendation on this series would be to read them in order. I think you could enjoy them individually but enough of the storyline is continuous to make it worth starting at the beginning.

Bravo Messrs Oswald and Hanmore!

Good series

I enjoyed this book where we are reunited with Inspector McLean and his team. The narration by Ian Hanmore is quietly hypnotic and draws you right in.

There are more grim murders and without giving anything away several novel twists with a paranormal spin.

The reason I gave this 4 instead of 5 stars overall was that I felt that the plot was slightly samey in one or two places however this did not stop my enjoyment of what is becoming a good series.

Fantastic follow up

If you could sum up The Book of Souls in three words, what would they be?

Gripping, intriguing and exciting.

What did you like best about this story?

As usual Mr Oswalds talent for writing shines through again.