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  • The Risk of Darkness

  • Simon Serrailler 3
  • By: Susan Hill
  • Narrated by: Steven Pacey
  • Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,204 ratings)

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The Risk of Darkness

By: Susan Hill
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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Summary

Following on from the child abduction in her previous novel The Pure in Heart, Susan Hill explores the crazy grief of a widowed husband, a derangement that turns to obsession and threats, violence and terror.

You should listen to Susan Hill's brilliant Simon Serrailler trilogy in the correct order which is as follows:

  • Book 1: The Various Haunts of Men
  • Book 2: The Pure in Heart
  • Book 3: The Risk of Darkness
©2006 Susan Hill (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
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What listeners say about The Risk of Darkness

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant!

So many narratives! The individual stories of each character are so skilfully, intimately and realistically interwoven with the central narrative.
There is a wonderful cinematic quality to get writing.
I simply can't get enough of her writing!

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

Better than the last one

Steven Pacey is an excellent narrator; I enjoy the emphasis he places on the different parts of the story. This story is sad due to the subject matter but well written and you get more of an insight into Simon's disfunctional relationship with women. The family relationships are complex but still need to know what makes him tick with women.

Enjoyed this book.

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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

The Risk of Darkness

Good deal of variation of story lines within the book but, never the less found to be a good listen. Narration improved as the book progressed.

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

Simon's neuroses knows no bounds

Where does The Risk of Darkness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not the worst but not the best in the series so far - narrated wonderfully as usual by Steven Pacey.

Would you recommend The Risk of Darkness to your friends? Why or why not?

It closes off the first three books so if you've listened to the others you'll want to hear this one. It was really quite frustrating though. Simon seems to have the ridiculous habit of falling for unattainable women and mistreating the ones that like him.The main story was a bit of an anti-climax - revealing the murderer quite early on. Characters made some very stupid decisions that will leave you shaking your head.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Any scene where Kat (Simon's sister) told him off for his stupid behaviour.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The dark underbelly of the English countryside.

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

Enjoyable & interesting

I'm becoming a definite fan of this series - and I do like that there are no predictable endings to the books, which is far more reminiscent of real life. I'm also a fan of Ms Hill's cast of characters, who are all plausible with many fascinating layers. Tbh I'm not totally sure whether I like Simon S as a man - but I'd love to meet him to find out!

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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

Another great listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this book, again the author takes you on a journey bringing different characters along the way very descriptive .Loved it

Any additional comments?

Nothing more to say than read or listen to it

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

YET ANOTHER PAGE TURNER

Susan Hills books are fast becoming my addiction! Great storyline, i personally love the juxtaposition between personal life, family and the crime. im onto the next !

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

Good to be transported

a continuation of the cases of DCI Simon Serrailler and the intricate web of relationships with family, friends and work colleagues.

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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

This series just keeps on getting better…

… As you get to know and like the characters. Another storyline left in the air ready for the next book. I don’t mind this as I intend reading the series. Highly recommend

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Another gripping instalment beautifully read

For those who were frustrated by the unresolved ending of The Pure in Heart, the second novel in the series, this third book brings matters to a conclusion. Very easy to get into, if you have listened to or read the previous two, as the central characters, DCI Simon Serailler, DI Nathan Coates and Dr Cat Derebon have become very familiar. However, I found this an altogether darker book than the previous two. An air of danger, menace and general moral decline pervade the story. Some extremely unpleasant crimes are committed, some by people who are pure evil, some seeking retribution and others by people who have been brought to the edge by tragic events. As before, I found the novel more about the exploration and development of the characters: the difficulties they face, the opportunities which are presented to them, the choices they make, rather than a concentration on police procedure. Once again, Stephen Pacey?s reading is impeccable. Very highly recommended.

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35 people found this helpful