Close to the Bone

By: Stuart MacBride

Narrated by: Steve Worsley

Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

The eighth Logan McRae novel in the No.1 bestselling crime series from Stuart MacBride.

Every murder tells a story. But not every victim tells the truth.

‘A terrific writer … McRae is a delight’ The Times

Sticks and stones may break your bones…

The first body is chained to a stake: strangled, and stabbed, with a burning tyre around its neck. But is this a gangland execution or something much darker?

Someone’s leaving little knots of bones on DI Logan McRae’s doorstep, but he’s got bigger concerns. Rival drug gangs are fighting over product and territory; two teenage lovers are missing; someone’s crippling Asian immigrants; and Logan’s been lumbered with an ambitious new Detective Sergeant and gained the unwelcome attention of the local crime boss.

When another body turns up, the similarities between these murders and the plot of a bestselling novel seem like more than just a coincidence. And perhaps those little knots of bones are more important than they look…

©2013 Stuart MacBride (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"Some of the grittiest crime-writing in the field." ( Independent)

"MacBride is a damned fine writer - no one does dark and gritty like him." (Peter James)

"Admirers of tough, modern crime novels will be in seventh heaven - or should that be hell?" ( Express)

great

love the narrator and everything else as well
cant wait for the next book getting it nw.

Love it!

Again another engrossing, funny and gripping novel. I love the narration and I love the characters. Keeps me happy.

Really good and very original

For a series about 1 police person I am really amazed how original all these stories are. They are really exciting books and I can never guess the way it will twist and turn. I’m happy the old narrator is back. He is a pro and it makes a difference.

Entertaining

Would you listen to Close to the Bone again? Why?

Too much dialogue that respects not have any other purpose than to be funny, where cops whining over savings or officers, as their only purpose seems to be to bring the jokes.

McBride is actually good at writing such conversations. But when this continues indefinitely but will be wearing this. Ceases to function as comic relief, and gets a bit silly

What about Steve Worsley’s performance did you like?

5 stars, and more if was possible

Any additional comments?

The plot, the basic idea had all that a book of this genre needs. A bit more editing and it would have been a great book, not just OK

very good read.

I was totally blown away we I realized Samantha was still comatose. He kept you in supense the entire book.

Fun story with a few surprises

Enjoyable story and Steve Worley gave his usual stellar performance. Love the humour and would nominate DCI Roberta Steele as the absolute best supporting character in a book series!

another good book in the series

a complex flot with lots of reoccurring characters you can see the further development of most of them in a more realistic way than maybe some police are portrayed on TV this particular group has lots of human fallables and is not perfect in any way. ... you have to appreciate the main character's commitment to his lovely partners Samantha even though she lies in a coma it's a good performance and I look forward to the next one

Attention: Marsha of Spokane, Wash.

I doubt you’ll go back and check this book again. But in case you do, reviews and ratings are for people who have NOT read the book. I’m sure most are like me and will browse the summary and some reviews before choosing a book. I was so into the Logan McRae series that I decided to browse the summaries for the remaining books I haven’t read yet. And your name is there in a few with reviews. And all of them contain spoilers!! The reveal about Samantha in this book wasn’t fully out in the open revealed until 12 hours in!! And the major hints started 8 hours in. It was obvious to pick up on, but that’s not the point. Please don’t put spoilers in your review unless you make it plain and obvious with some sort of **SPOILER** type warning. And especially don’t put them in the first line of your review. Even if I was scrolling past, it’s natural to skim the first lines of all the reviews. So even tho I didn’t open your review I still was forced to see the spoiler. Then you did it again in the review for the next book in the series. Im glad you’re a fan of this series and are enjoying the books! I am too! Just be aware of that in the future! No hard feelings.

But if you’re doing it intentionally then imagine a big two finger salute for you.

Couldn't even finish the book.

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Better story.
Better writing.
Better narration.

Has Close to the Bone turned you off from other books in this genre?

No

What didn’t you like about Steve Worsley’s performance?

Accent

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

Very poor descriptive narrative, other than the blood and guts. Will never buy anything by this author again.