Hades

Archer and Bennett Series, Book 1

By: Candice Fox

Narrated by: Stephen Shanahan

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Candice Fox's Hades is the winner of the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Novel.

Twenty years ago, two children were kidnapped and left for dead....

Homicide detective Frank Bennett has a new partner - dark, beautiful, coldly efficient Eden Archer. Frank doesn’t know what to make of her, or her brother Eric, who’s also on the police force. Their methods are... unusual. But when a graveyard full of large steel toolboxes filled with body parts is found at the bottom of Sydney harbor, unusual is the least of their worries.

For Eden and Eric, the case holds chilling links to a scarred childhood - and the murderer who raised them. For Frank, each clue brings him closer to something he’s not sure he wants to face. But true evil goes beyond the bloody handiwork of a serial killer - and no one is truly innocent....

©2014 Candice Fox (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“A little bit Dexter, a little bit procedural, overall a great first novel.”(Australian Crime Writers Association)

“Fast-paced, with unusual protagonists and dark, disturbing scenes.” (Library Journal)

“Horrors abound in Australian author Fox’s gritty police procedural. Readers will look forward to the sequel set in this not-for-the-squeamish nightmare world down under.” (Publishers Weekly)

Exciting, Fantastic, Excellent

This title is one of the most interesting and intriguing that I have had the pleasure of enjoying. Both the plot and the storyline were so unique and captivating that they kept me enthralled and rushing ahead to absorb more of this story.
This is a title that I would recommend to friends, neighbors, and strangers.

Thought it was good.

Like the author from other books. Interesting storyline. Will look into others. Here’s some more words so it will take it.

Hard to put down

I'm coming back to review this title after listening to all three (so far) audio books in this series. It was worth reviewing immediately after listening to it last year but I didn't take the time, though I gave it 5 starts then. It's a bit dark and gritty and maybe not for everyone. But for that, I can't imagine why anyone would not give it a good rating. Candice Fox is a terrific author and Stephen Shanahan is a great narrator. Much of what I decide to listen to on Audible is based on one or the other, a great author or great narrator. Seldom do I get the chance to enjoy an audio book featuring both. So, treat yourself. This is what an audio book is supposed to feel like.

Dexter With A Twist

It was Ok nothing special. Basically Dexter with a twist. If you enjoyed that show you will probably like this. I won't get the next one though.

A dark tale, not for the faint of heart!

I had finished another mystery series set in Australia and when I came across this one, I sampled it and loved the narrator's voice. The main characters, Archer and Bennett, are flawed and unlovable but the story unfolds in a way that lends depth to their feelings and attitudes. Both of them have suffered in their own lives and are in a day to day struggle to survive. I have now finished the series and wish Candice Fox would add another book or two as I think the characters are evolving and still have a long way to go!

Worth every penny.

Good read with a very good narrator.
Kinda reminds me of Dexter, using bad to do good.

Eden

liked that she knew she had no choice between Eric and Frank and she did the right thing

entire premise of Dexter stolen

I know many people have mentioned this already but I'm still in awe that someone could just reuse the entire premise of the tv show Dexter and get it published.

Not good

I guess no one in Australia has seen the show Dexter? Predictable with a male protagonists who’s an obnoxious jerk.

Not a place I want to go

This book was too dark for me, spending time with characters I didn't like. I like mysteries and suspense stories for the hunt, with characters working together to solve a puzzle or catch a criminal, I don't listen to wallow in despair and aggression, or applaud bad behavior. I didn't mind the writing style or the two stories side by side, but I am more a Lucas Davenport fan than a Dexter fan, more into mystery than horror. SPOILER ALERT: In the story, you get to hang around people that drink all the time, have DUIs, take drugs, hit their spouses, fight, brag about cheating, stealing, and taking advantage of people and situations, using intimidation and bullying, and that's just the good guys. The story is all gruesome parts with different levels of repugnant actions by all and barely any difference between good and bad characters. Maybe the story stays with unpleasant characters doing crummy things and repulsive characters doing worse things, or maybe it goes to a better place, but after spending some time with the characters, I didn't want to listen anymore. This book was not for me. I will not continue with the series, and don't think I will try anything else by this author.