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The Distant Echo

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The Distant Echo

By: Val McDermid
Narrated by: Tom Cotcher
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About this listen

On a freezing morning four drunken students stumble upon the body of a woman in the snow. Rosie has been raped, stabbed and left for dead in a cemetery. The only suspects are the four young men now stained with her blood.

Twenty-five years later the police mount a cold-case review of Rosie’s unsolved murder, and the four are still suspects. But when two of them die in suspicious circumstances, it seems that someone is pursuing their own brand of justice....

©2003 Val McDermid (P)2004 Recorded Books Inc Crime Crime Thrillers Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Detective Cold Case Exciting

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Critic reviews

"A classic.… McDermid pulls out all the stops. Impeccable." ( Guardian)
"A few more sly, old-fashioned whodunits like this and she’ll join the sturdy ranks of the queens of crime, on course to become Dame Val or Baroness McDermid." ( Sunday Times)
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Loved this novel, like most I have read by this very talented author. This one was superbly narrated by Tom Cotcher. I loved the fact that the book, set in Fife where I grew up, was narrated by a Scot. Seemed to make the story all the more believable for me. Loved at the suspense and mystery that this novel creates and, surprisingly, I didn't see the final twist coming which improved this novels enjoyment for me. I have downloaded many of Val McDermid's novels, and almost all I have very much enjoyed. A recommended read.

Wonderful novel which is so well narrated

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Would you listen to The Distant Echo again? Why?

I really enjoyed The Distant Echo. The story was interesting and kept me listening late into the night, well past my bedtime! I don't typically re-read (or listen again) to my books, but there would be nothing to keep me from it. I really enjoyed it! The twisted ending blew my socks off!

What did you like best about this story?

The development of the characters from young men in university to grown men with careers, wives, and children. The end of the story was shocking to me, and it's hard to catch me out. I usually have the "whodunit" figured out by the conclusion. I didn't with this book!

What about Tom Cotcher’s performance did you like?

His accent. Otherwise, I didn't really enjoy his performance. I thought his various voices of the main characters were strange--especially Rev."Weird."

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, neither. It just kept me on the edge of my seat.

Any additional comments?

I'm going for the next book in the series now.

Well written, great ending

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Great writing with a very surprising ending. Audio was very good - nice voice - but some of the accents were a bit odd! Overall very enjoyable.

Val McDermid never fails.

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The plot was pretty good but the end a bit rushed, enjoyed the Scottish accents.

Different!

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Excellent on all counts. The story kept me gripped . To use a cliché, I couldn’t put it down. Author and narrator, a great team. The book, and all its characters came to life in the recording .

A Wonderful Listen.

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I was immediately hooked and wanted to keep listening. I liked the characters especially when they developed more in the second half. I did work out who the culprit was but still enjoyed the twists and turns.

one of the best

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Enjoyed this narration, good story too and nice to know I'd worked it out.

Authentic Scots dialogue added depth.

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Absolutely loved this, couldnt put it down.
Gripping story, fab narrator and a twist you dont see coming ! A Masterpiece.

TREMENDOUS

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This was my 1st McDermid book. I read it with Audiobook. I was very impressed with the writing and the reader was a delight to listen to ... excellent.

Loved it!

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Very clever and exciting. Story 5 star although unable to click 5 stars! Satisfactory ending.

Gripping

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