Vulpine fantasy!

If you could sum up The Woodcutter in three words, what would they be?

Well paced, original and entertaining

What did you like best about this story?

Wolf Hadda is abrasive and devious enough to be an anti-hero and there are moments in the story when it's possible to doubt him; certainly, it's entirely possible to dislike him. However, thanks to the multi-strand structure, in which the adolescent Hadda appears in the shadowy past, the complexity of the character gradually emerges.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Keeble – was your favourite?

Certainly, Keeble's interpretation of Hadda greatly enhances Reginald Hill's creation and I found myself undeniably attracted to the character, as many female listeners probably are! Surly, seductive and downright unpleasant in places, Jonathan Keeble's reading adds colour and depth.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I actually welcomed a couple of sleepless nights which allowed me to complete this addictive book in record time! I felt I cheated myself by not lingering longer, especially over the final phase.

Any additional comments?

Thoroughly recommended as an intelligent 'read'.

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6 people found this helpful

Fantastic Narrator

What makes this audiobook is the fantastic narration by Jonathan Keeble, he really understands the characters and made the book come alive. It isn't the best thriller I've ever read but I enjoyed it and looked forward to listening to it on the way to work.

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5 people found this helpful

A good listen especially for those working

in prisons and probation. Insightful and realistic. Absorbing read well read by a skilled narrator.

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3 people found this helpful

Bit like a good soap opera...

Firstly this was great narration by Jonathan Keeble. His range of voices is amazing. He brought the story to life. I'd like to buy more of his narrations.

I say this is like a soap opera because of the wide range of diverse characters who all seem to meet and interact with each other at some point and the reader needs to keep careful track of who said what to whom, and when!

Being set in Cumbria, London, and a little in Manchester, it's nice to hear about places that I as the (British) listener can relate to.

The range of characters is diverse: we have drug dealers, businessmen, a cell of British intelligence, the police, prison management, Russians, aristocrats, a vicar, and 2 generations of woodcutters. Mainly we follow the story of the woodcutter himself, and Alva, his psychiatrist who is helping us all to understand what he is thinking.

The style of writing is entertaining and witty. The main character, despite not exactly being a "goody-two-shoes", comes across as very likeable, as he is supposed to be, even in the early chapters as he punches a policeman, who we all think probably deserved it.

The story is entertaining, no dull moments, but doesn't exactly have the reader sitting on the edge of their seats until perhaps the final hour, when we can see that something dramatic may be about to happen and we are all wondering if it will.

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3 people found this helpful

Absolutely brilliant

What made the experience of listening to The Woodcutter the most enjoyable?

A gripping book from the start right through to the last sentence. Not too many characters, so easy to follow in the unlikely event that you leave a bit of time between listenings (though you are likely to be making more time available to listen to this book, than you normally would). Total involvement in Wolf's character has made this the best book I have listened to so far. Not frightening, or horrific, but with a few violent scenes described without unnecessary gore. Brilliantly read - good quality throughout. Go for it, you won't regret it!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Woodcutter?

all of them

What about Jonathan Keeble’s performance did you like?

he was thorough and entertaining throughout

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No, the entire book just kept me turning the pages

Any additional comments?

Well worth the money and time, a great read.

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2 people found this helpful

Story in a story

My kind of book. The main characters life story had lots of twists and turns. You didn’t know if you should love him hate him
Very good book

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2 people found this helpful

Wow wow wow!!

I didn’t think I’d get on with this book. The first chapter I struggled to keep up. But it’s utterly amazing and well worth the journey! There’s only a handful of books that really capture me and blow me away. This is certainly one of those books. Superbly narrated as well. You won’t regret this listen. 100% brilliant. I shall be looking out for more books by Reginald Hill.

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1 person found this helpful

So good.

A wonderful story if a little farfetched in places. Jonathan Keeble is a brilliant narrator and defines the characters so well, no confusion as to which character is speaking. I would now like to listen to another Reginald Hill book on the strength of this one.

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1 person found this helpful

Un-pausable Listen!

I absolutely whizzed through this. It's a compelling story with a very likeable protagonist and just the right side of far fetched to be enjoyable rather than ludicrous. The narration is soothing and very well delivered and I didn't guess the ending, which is always good. Highly recommended.

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A wonderful book

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Very well narrated and written it turned out to be a really great listen. Not too complicated to follow but not simplistic and puerile. Highly recommended!

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1 person found this helpful