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  • The Somerset Slayings

  • DI Haig Crime Thrillers, Book 1
  • By: David J. Gatward
  • Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart
  • Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (42 ratings)

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The Somerset Slayings

By: David J. Gatward
Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart
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Summary

Book 1 in the thrilling new crime series, by David J. Gatward, author of the DCI Harry Grimm crime series, and set in the hauntingly beautiful Somerset countryside.

©2024 David Gatward (P)2024 David Gatward
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What listeners say about The Somerset Slayings

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

Really enjoyed this book but unfortunately did not like the narration it sound frantic. I was able to get past this and look forward to the next in this new series.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Narration was too rushed

Wished I had read this rather than listened. Struggled to get through this and turned over to the radio a number of times. I listen on my commute and what is normally relaxing was quite stressful as I had to concentrate to keep up, the cadence was just too rushed. love David's books and was looking forward to this but missed Aubrey enormously. Lots of great voice actors out there like Nicola Victoria Vincent

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent, lovely to catch up with Gordie

Excellent book as always from Dave Gatward,
So nice to catch up with Gordie in her new life in Somerset. Even with the sad knowledge Anna is no longer with her.

First couple of minutes, my head couldn’t place the voice to Gordie, I’m currently on 1.25x speed. And the narration is fabulous, I like the voice and accent placement. There’s no little traits I’ve picked up (such as over pronouncing certain letters or leaving uneven spacing between words and sentences), which can often be found, even with VERY well known narrators. (And can not be ignored once noticed). I often listen at 1.45x speed, but reduced it for this as the reading speed is a better pace than many others.
Really enjoying it , and I think Ruth is a perfect fit for the book. 👌🏻
Even with some big expectations left by Aubrey Parsons on the Grimm series, I’m very pleased with Ruth’s work! Thank you!
(From an audible addict that pins everything on the narrator to make or break even the best book) x

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Narration awful

I really love this author but what on earth! The narration was shocking bad and really struggled to get into what is actually a great story. Fingers crossed for the next one😱

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous start to a new series

Having read the full DCI Grimm set of stories, followed by the Padre trilogy by David J Gatwood, and loved them, I knew this new series would have a lot to live up too.
A fabulously well written, heart wrenching and real storyline. I recommend this and ALL of David’s books to anyone.
I tend to listen on audiobooks and the narration is second to none - I have in the past had to turn other audio books off owing to the voice, accent, or the sound of the narrator sounding bored - Ruth - you nailed Gordy!! Keep up the good work David!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Somerset Slayings

I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this book. But when I got used to the new voice I got hooked and thoroughly enjoyed the new series. Really looking forward to number two. Janet from Kent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

amazing spin-off

David J Gatward does it again... not only does this have twists, turns, and a story line that kills, it is a tale of grief and the lengths we go to to survive...
Seeing DI Haig get her own stories and be the main character we all know she was born to be is fantastic, and having her be in Harry Grimms old stomping grounds and meeting characters we have met before makes this new series feel comfortable and complete.
I look forward to the next one.
The narrator did a great job, and whilst it took a bit of getting used to after having Aubrey Parsons great version of Gordy for so long, Ruth Urquhart did her proud and by the end of the book felt like she had always been the voice of Gordy.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Poor follow up

Not a patch on the Grimm story’s, almost as though written by someone else. Very predictable

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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New favourite female detective

I really enjoy a crime thriller audiobook especially when it’s driven by a strong female character so it was off to a great start from the get go for me. The other essential criteria is that the narrator and the writing fit together in such a way that I’m immersed. David J Gatward’s writing is engaging and structured but lacks a distinctive style, it could have been written by any of a number of crime writers of a similar level, however Ruth Urquhart’s narration really makes it stand out. She played all the many characters seamlessly and with real variety and has me completely hooked on the main character Gordy. She played her with such truth and lovely contrast of navigating grief and her work life. I really want to know what happens next for her. Found it jarring so many dedications to the book right at the start. To mention that many people works better afterwords in my opinion and by the writer themself

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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brilliant narration

This is my first audible , which I thoroughly enjoyed. I thought it was going to be someone reading a story but Ruth Urquhart brought the book to life as she expertly and seamlessly moved from one character to the next . Her accents were flawless ,her characters real and I can't wait for the next one .

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