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A Death in the Parish

By: Reverend Richard Coles
Narrated by: Reverend Richard Coles
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Summary

THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE NO.1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF MURDER BEFORE EVENSONG

CANON DANIEL CLEMENT IS BACK...

It's been a few months since murder tore apart the community of Champton apart. As Canon Daniel Clement tries to steady his flock, the parish is joined with Upper and Lower Badsaddle, bringing a new tide of unwanted change. But church politics soon become the least of Daniel's problems. His mother - headstrong, fearless Audrey - is obviously up to something, something she is determined to keep from him. And she is not the only one. And then all hell breaks loose when murder returns to Champton in the form of a shocking ritualistic killing...
©2023 Reverend Richard Coles (P)2023 Orion Publishing Group Limited
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Critic reviews

The best of the new writers to have emerged from the "cosy crime" boom... with a pleasingly idiosyncratic, allusive style (Jake Kerridge)
Gloriously astute on the details of village interactions... [this is] charming, cosy crime. (Alison Flood)
Full of intrigue, this is a thoroughly entertaining sequel. (Susan Watson)
A good holiday read, with much gentle humour peppered among the village characters. (Hannah Stephenson)
First-class entertainment but with more of an edge than most "cosy crime" books. (Jake Kerridge)
Praise be!.. Fans still in withdrawal after Coles's withdrawal from Radio 4's Saturday Live can once again bask in his wit, wisdom and insight. (Rose Shepherd)
A book to appreciate as well as enjoy. (Jeremy Black)

What listeners say about A Death in the Parish

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Just as good as the first

Brilliant depiction of English
village C of E world of the 1980s. I just love the humour, the woven strands of Rectory life, seasonal country life, crime, friendship and puppies… really, what more could anyone ask for? Apart from… more please Rev Richard!!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable.

I liked the story but I think it would be better with more narrators. The characters voices were too similar and I couldn’t tell who was who in the conversations (especially Daniel’s and Neil’s) and I had to keep rewinding to listen again.

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

Enjoyable, but up to the depth of the first one

An enjoyable listen as Richard Cole’s calm tones lead us through the events. Although the Anglican parts are as interesting as the first, the rest does not reach the depths of the first. Perhaps the third offering will put that right

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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The rector goes from strength to strength

I don’t know if it’s because the characters are more familiar in this second book but I enjoyed it more than the first. The writing is more assured. The story is quite shocking in a way but I did guess the culprit. I also enjoyRev Coles narration although it isn’t a polished thespian depiction of characters. More in the style of a round the fireside storyteller.
I think his experience as a priest adds authenticity and the background information is fascinating. Bonfires. Who knew.?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Just loved it.

Beautifully written and told, so glad to have found your last two books! Thank you.

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Wonderful, again

I love this world, Daniel’s musings, his ‘very C of E’ commentary and the gentleness of this very cosy crime book. Beautifully written and well observed. Can’t wait for the next one.

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Can’t wait for the next book !

I liked the first book although I did agree with some of the reviews that the characters could have been better drawn but not so in this book. This is a real development of style I think. I care about these people and want to hear what happens next!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Another fabulous mystery

Absolutely fabulous storyline and a totally unexpected revelation at the end ! Can't wait for the next book !

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Church as we know it

This book has been written by a person with in depth knowledge of one of our countries mysterious institutions, he has cleverly woven a story set in the nearly present day around the seemingly immovable church of England. He explains the truths and doctrines of Christian faith unapologetically but with warmth and humour. The murder bit is almost incidental as we have insights into the rector his mother and their two adorable dogs. It is never boring but keeps up the pace with details about village life the big house and the church year. Richard Coles reading is an added bonus and makes this book a real treat.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A Death in the Parish

I read the first book myself and was slightly put off listening to this one on Audible as there were quite a few adverse comments about Richard Coles’ narration on the first one. However I have enjoyed his voice and calm narration except that I found it difficult to always work out, in male to male conversations, who was who particularly in the case of Daniel and Chris and Daniel and Neil (which was particularly important in the very last paragraph of the book!) Overall I enjoyed the story and will certainly read the next one.

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