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  • Devil's Kitchen

  • An Inspector Drake Prequel Novella
  • By: Stephen Puleston
  • Narrated by: Richard Elfyn
  • Length: 2 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (48 ratings)
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Devil's Kitchen cover art

Devil's Kitchen

By: Stephen Puleston
Narrated by: Richard Elfyn
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Summary

A tragic accident or a murder on a mountain? Inspector Drake’s first investigation takes him to the middle of Snowdonia, but can he uncover the truth?

When two bodies are found sprawled at the bottom of the Devil's Kitchen in the mountains of Snowdonia, it looks like a murder-suicide. But something doesn't feel right to Detective Inspector Ian Drake, and his gut instinct has never let him down before.

Drake suspects at least one of the deaths could be suspicious, but who would kill such an ordinary couple, and why? This might be Drake's first murder inquiry, but his years as a detective have taught him one thing - every murder has a motive, and every killer leaves a trace.

If you enjoy crime mysteries, then you’ll love this prequel novella in the eight-book Inspector Drake series. If you enjoy clever, well-plotted mysteries with engaging characters, then don’t miss Stephen Puleston’s Inspector Drake novels.  

©2016 Stephen Puleston (P)2018 Stephen Puleston

What listeners say about Devil's Kitchen

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

A great introduction to the series.

Devil’s Kitchen is a 70 page / 2 hour 21 minute novella prequel to Stephen Pulestone’s five Inspector Drake novels, set in fabulous north Wales. I listened to this via Audible, and it just happened to be the perfect length for my weekly drive to Wales. And the perfect setting too! Although this is a relatively short novella, the story is very complete, and never feels rushed, and there are enough twists, turns and dodgy suspects to keep fans of police procedurals very happy. Stephen’s writing is very crisp and clean, and his descriptions, brought to life for me by excellent narration of Richard Elfyn, paint a very vivid picture of the mountainous terrain of north Wales. I think releasing a prequel novella is an excellent idea to give potential readers a decent idea of a writer and their protagonist. And with Devil’s Kitchen, this pays off very well; I for one am keen to read more in the series.

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2 people found this helpful

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

Nice introduction to DI Drake

Although this is a short novella Stephen Puleston has packed lots of action into this story. Ian Drake is a newly promoted DI in charge of his first case as SIO when two bodies are found. We learn that Drake is conscientious almost to the point of being OCD. His sidekick, DS Caren Waits, is his opposite - a bit of a slob. The case looks initially like a murder/suicide but Drake isn't convinced.

The story is set in Snowdonia, an area I know from family holidays, and I like books set in familiar locations, which were described well.

I listened to this in one sitting, and although short the story draws you in and there were several twist to keep you guessing. I haven't read anything by Stephen Puleston before but I will definitely try one of the full length Drake novels.

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2 people found this helpful

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

Great introduction to the series

This is the first book in the DI Drake series that I have read/listened to and it is a brilliant start.

The book follows DI Drake as he investigates a murder in Snowdonia where two hikers have fallen to their death, one of whom as a knife sticking out of their back.

The book is a brilliant read set amongst the mountains of Wales and the way the police investigate the murder makes it a very believable story. I really loved the fact that Drake kept on at it despite being told to stop and the book kept me guessing right to the end as we only find out key facts when he does, making it impossible to guess who did it, why and how

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1 person found this helpful

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

A great listen

We listened to this on one of our frequent trips around Wales. The location of the story was Snowdon which is familiar to us. The book certainly gave a sense of the rugged terrain. This novella is a prequel to the other Drake stories. The crime was interesting with a satisfying denouement. Looking forward to the other Inspector Drake stories after this great start.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Exciting short story

Really enjoyed this detective story and especially loved the Welsh setting being a Welsh girl. This story kept me hooked and I devoured it in one sitting.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • TG
  • 26-09-18

great quick listen

Really enjoyed this police whodunnit. As always, a few red herrings in this type of book and this has a satisfying conclusion.
The narrator was very easy to listen to and the story flowed well.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Fast packed story

A great full packed story. A cop who wants to be thorough and do a good job. Determined to sort this case out. Superiors who would make do. But guess what, this is getting sorted.
Enjoyed the pace and narration. Story was great. Jam packed in a short time.
One to listen to

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Listener received this title free

A Perfect Pairing Of Story & Narrator.

As a fan of the inspector drake series this particular story was of great interest to me as it’s set prior to the novels of the series. We join the action as Ian Drake is given his first murder case as a newly promoted Detective Inspector. All the hallmarks that make the series so good are all present in this story despite it’s relatively shorter length. Drake faces the usual difficulties finding evidence that will lead him in the right direction. It’s a well constructed story with a very plausible cast of characters. I, as is usual for me, did not work out what had happened. Always great writing from Stephen Puleston and this novella maintains his high standards.
Richard Elfyn once again does an absolutely top class job bringing the story to life. His tone and skill have come to represent the Drake series for me. The pairing simply could not be better.

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

Good story but a bit short

Enjoyed listening to this book. My first of the Inspector Drake series. Procedurally it was correct (as an ex police officer this can be frustrating with many police crime dramas) but it was all a bit rushed and consequently a bit short. Perhaps because it was the first book so looking forward to reading the others to see what I really think.

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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
Listener received this title free

Great listening

I had read the book but was interested to hear the story. It was read extremely well and it was good to hear the correct pronunciation of the Welsh place names. Was disappointed when it ended. Such a relaxing way to hear a story. Well done Stephen Pulleston and Richard Elfyn.

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