Excellent choice of narrator in terms of Dutch.

I'm Scottish but have a Dutch father, and grew up speaking Dutch. Unfortunately there are few people that seem to be able to get even close to the Dutch pronunciations (in the version of 'the 1000 autumns of Jacob de Zoet' I listened to for example, the narrator didn't even do a quick Google check for the pronunciation of his main character's name!). Usually their attempts leave me bleeding from the ears.

So I was a little apprehensive about this book, but luckily, it all turned out ok. The narrator had a distinct South African accent, so I'm guessing he's either from there or has spent a lot of time there, and Afrikaans and Dutch are close cousins. I do understand that Dutch folk who speak English without a Dutch accent are somewhat hard to come by, so using a south African was a very acceptable compromise.

The story itself was a decent enough crime thriller. nothing Earth shattering, but perfectly readable. I'll continue the series as long as they keep the same narrator!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Good but disjointed and hard to follow

I struggled with this one. On balance I enjoyed it and the storyline was very good but I kept having to go back and try and piece together what was happening. Maybe better read than listened to and perhaps the Dutch names were more difficult to ascribe to characters, making it harder to relate to. I wouldn’t put anyone off but you need to concentrate!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Super characters

Very long novel but worth it. Had to listen carefully at times due to Dutch names. Great characters and lots of unexpected twists and turns.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant

Really enjoyed this - similar to the killing but thankfully not as long! I quickly got into the characters and cared about them and was listening avidly till the end and still kept guessing!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent narration....

....and a good story. Seems like the start of a series and worth it I would say.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

fabulous

amazing storytelling with great twists. Fully rounded characters and the narration is superb. I haven't enjoyed it book so much for a long while.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A cracking good read

Two fabulous new characters three if you include Sam which I do! I thought Mr Hewson would find it impossible to improve upon his previous hero's I was wrong and I am delighted to be so. I have already put the next in the series on my wish list but it will be saved until I have time to savour it properly because if it is as good as this it will be impossible to put down. the Narrator has utterly NAILED it is they day.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Very enjoyable Detective thriller

I enjoyed the story and the setting and all the characters. The narration was great and it would be a good holiday read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Superb! Gripped throughout.

Listened to this after the Killing series. Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. Good strong characters . Well read. Recommended.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Gripped throughout

Great book, filled with twists and turns. Full of Amsterdam atmosphere, with wonderful narration by Saul Reichlin. I've read the Pieter Vos series out of order but it hasn't detracted from the enjoyment. Would recommend.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!