A Ghost in the Machine cover art

A Ghost in the Machine

Midsomer Murders, Book 7

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A Ghost in the Machine

By: Caroline Graham
Narrated by: John Hopkins
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About this listen

For all its old-fashioned charm, Forbes Abbot is far from the close-knit community that ex-Londoners Mallory and Kate Lawson expected. In this village, everyday squabbles can quickly turn to murder.

As the couple begins to settle into their new life away from the big city, it isn't long until they're thrown into the horror and mayhem of a true Midsomer Murders mystery.

Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby has encountered many intriguing cases in his years on the force, but soon he will discover that the incident of the ghost in the machine is the most challenging of them all.

©2004 Caroline Graham (P)2023 Bolinda Publishing Crime Fiction Genre Fiction Movie, TV & Video Game Tie-Ins Mystery Police Procedural Tie-in Fiction Haunted

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Critic reviews

'[A Ghost in the Machine] allows us to admire the novelist's wit and her ability to create exasperatingly real characters before getting down to the policing.' (Sunday Telegraph)
'A mystery of which Agatha Christie would have been proud.' (The Times)

'Tension builds, bitchery flares, resentment seethes...lots of atmosphere, colourful characters and fair clues.' (Mail on Sunday)
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All seven of Caroline Graham’s books are in a league of their own, truly brilliant. The narration is also perfect. I only wish she had written more.

Exceptional

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Another excellent murder mystery with a cast of characters that either attract or repel; engage or horrify, and some unexpected twists.

Plots within plots

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i love all the Midsomer Murder series, A ghost in the machine is one of my favourites. A different feel to the others in the series. Brilliantly narrated, I really felt for the characters. i loved it!

A long but most enjoyable listen

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Although familiar with the long running TV series Midsomer Murders, this was my first foray into the writing of author Caroline Graham who originally created the stories; and such was my enjoyment I'm sorry that A Ghost in the Machine is her final DCI Barnaby novel.
Apparently, it wasn't adapted for television due to Barnaby & Troy's not being involved until over half-way though but that's fine as this a suspect driven mystery, entertainingly well written. The gentle meander into the tangled lives of the protagonists, the unusual nature of the first murder, the fake spiritualist and the final tying up of the threads, made for a relaxing listen, enhanced by narrator John Hopkins sounding so like actor John Nettles, the original & best tv Inspector Barnaby.

A gentle meander into Midsomer!

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The narrator John Hopkins sounds uncannily like John Nettles, though thankfully, the story is nothing like
the Tv version, Caroline Graham is both witty and at times quite poetic, and happily very devious, everything one hopes for
in an audible recording, nothing too alarming yet finally complete!! So much is left out in the TV drama, it is very revealing,

Utterly enjoyable

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Caroline yet again creates wonderfully nuanced characters. Masterful story telling.
Despite Barnaby being largely absent from the overall narrative, almost to the point of becoming an incidental character in his own series, the rich tapestry of the ensemble cast crested here is enthralling. This has been a high point in the series for me.

A most enjoyable story

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This is unlike previous Midsomer Murders books. It’s set in Midsomer and there are murders but nearly all the action focuses on the characters and their developing storylines. This gives the listener a deeper experience; a chance to get really involved in the story. There are a number of sub plots which adds to the depth.

Each character is fully fleshed out - even the minor ones. I enjoyed their stories no matter how unpleasant some of them were. There is redemption and resolution. The who-did-it aspect is there for those who love their murder mysteries. And it’s as satisfying a twist as you could hope for. But for me the strength of this book lies in the characterisation. Also great wit as well as insight.

And the narration is absolutely superb. Very highly recommend this audiobook.

Wonderful character and plot-driven story

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Love the stories, quite entangled with complicated peoples coming to justified conclusions. Narration always excellent

Midsomer mysteries

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The narration is excellent, so many different characters. Got lost at times but gradually got into the swing of it. Listened over 4 sittings.
I love the ending where there was a round up of all the "stories".
Waiting for the next one to be available on Audio.

Love it,complex and so different to the tv show .

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Incredible writing- plotting, characterisation all amazing coupled with gripping surprises! What a writer! And I’ve now read them all - what a disappointment- I’ll have to start again.

Amazing!

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