Thoughts on 3 audiobooks : Dark Pines by Will Dean – The Other People by C.J. Tudor – The Man Who Died by Antti Tuomainen
As I mentioned in my previous “Thoughts on 3 audiobooks” a few weeks (months!?) ago, I’ve listened to a lot of audiobooks this year so far, some good, some disappointing. After talking about the ones that disappointed me, I figured it would be good to talk about the ones I enjoyed more!
Dark Pines by Will Dean
Narration : Maya Lindh
Genre : Mystery
Series : Tuva Moodyson, book 1
About the Book :
An isolated Swedish town.
A deaf reporter terrified of nature.
A dense spruce forest overdue for harvest.
A pair of eyeless hunters found murdered in the woods.
It’s week one of the Swedish elk hunt and the sound of gunfire is everywhere. When Tuva Moodyson investigates the story that could make her career she stumbles on a web of secrets that knit Gavrik town together. Are the latest murders connected to the Medusa killings twenty years ago? Is someone following her? Why take the eyes? Tuva must face her demons and venture deep into the woods to stop the killer and write the story. And then get the hell out of Gavrik.
My Thoughts :
I have a weakness for investigative journalists and atmospheric settings, so it’s no surprise I enjoyed Dark Pines. The first in a series, the book features a good plot and an interesting cast of characters. I did predict the ending, but despite that I didn’t think feel that the book was predictable.
I loved Tuva. She was a multidimensional character, who wasn’t only defined by being deaf, but it did play an important part in the story. I thought it was done well (but I’m not deaf, so take my opinion with a grain of salt!)
* * *
The Other People by C.J. Tudor
Narration : Richard Armitage
Genre : Thriller
Stand alone
About the Book :
Three years ago, Gabe’s family disappeared. Most people think they died. Some of them blame Gabe. Hardly anyone believes the truth — that Gabe saw his daughter the day she and his wife disappeared, smiling at him from the back of a rusty old car speeding down the highway. So even though it’s been three years since that day, Gabe cannot give up hope. Even though he has given up everything else. His home, his job, his old life. He spends his days travelling up and down the highway and sleeping in service stations, searching for the car that took her.
When the car that Gabe saw driving away that night is found in a lake with a body inside, Gabe is suddenly under suspicion–and in danger. In desperation, he turns to The Other People — an online group set up by people who have also lost loved ones — for help. Because they are good people. They know what loss is like. They know what pain is like. They know what death is like. There’s just one problem . . . they want other people to know it too.
My Thoughts :
This book was a bit crazy and over the top at times, but incredibly fun. If you’re looking for a thriller that’s fast-paced and full of twists, this is the one. Yes, the plot was nonsensical in places, and the book tried to do too many things at once; but I was never bored and really enjoyed the guessing game.
I can see why some people didn’t like the ending. There’s a maybe/maybe not supernatural twist to it (I’ll let you discover whether it’s there or not by reading it!), and that’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I didn’t mind it.
I’ll probably have forgotten almost everything about it a few months from now, except that I was entertained. It’s like a good action movie you watch when you need to take your mind off things. Sometimes that’s all you need!
* * *
The Man Who Died by Antti Tuomainen
Narration : Kris Dyer
Genre : Mystery
Stand alone
About the Book :
A successful entrepreneur in the mushroom industry, Jaakko Kaunismaa is a man in his prime. At just 37 years of age, he is shocked when his doctor tells him that he’s dying.
What is more, the cause is discovered to be prolonged exposure to toxins; in other words, someone has slowly but surely been poisoning him.
Determined to find out who wants him dead, Jaakko embarks on a suspenseful rollercoaster journey full of unusual characters, bizarre situations and unexpected twists.
My Thoughts :
If you’re looking for a thriller that’s somewhat different, The Man Who Died might be what you’re looking for. Mixing nordic noir et dark comedy, the books offers a solid plot that’s entertaining from start to finish. The story is intriguing and not too straightforward, with lots of twists and turns along the way. And the cast of characters was just weird enough to keep things interesting without overdoing it.
Bonus points : the book is actually quite short and the audiobook’s narration is really good, making it a good pick if you’re looking for something quick and entertaining.
They all sound good to me!