Morgue Drawer Four

Morgue Drawer, Book 1

By: Jutta Profijt, Erik J. Macki - translator

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Shy, but scrupulous, he is happy working as a coroner in the Cologne morgue - until one of his usually taciturn “clients” starts talking to him. It seems the ghost of a recently deceased (and surprisingly chatty) small-time car thief named Pascha is lingering near his lifeless body in drawer number four of Martin’s morgue. He remains for one reason: his accidental death was actually murder. Pascha isn’t too keen on the good doctor, considering the tidy manner in which his body was dissected upon the autopsy table. But Martin is the only person Pascha can communicate with, and the only person who can do the detective work required to smoke out his killer.

Desperate to reclaim his quiet life, Martin grudgingly agrees to help the ghost, setting off on a wild adventure through the city’s red-light district and the dark world of German car smuggling. Witty and unexpected, Morgue Drawer Four introduces a memorable (and reluctant) detective unlike any other in fiction today.

©2011 Jutta Profijt (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

excellent but be aware this continues in book 2

I would have gotten book two in this series anyway because I really like the story, the writing and I think MacLeod Andrews is one of the best narrators around, but I do not like the fact that it ends like the Perils of Pauline, with her tied to the railroad tracks and you have to wait until the next episode to see if the train runs over her. Well, you know it didn't but still... I don't like all the loose ends hanging that demand you get the next book.

Still an excellent story - define 5 stars all around.

What a great listen!

Would you listen to Morgue Drawer Four again? Why?

Interesting characters, unique plot line and dark humor. The narration was just perfect. More than once I stopped what I was doing and chuckled out loud. I will be getting every book in this series.

What other book might you compare Morgue Drawer Four to and why?

Odd Thomas would be a comparison.

Have you listened to any of MacLeod Andrews’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I will be looking for them. great narration

Enjoyable Listen

I have enjoyed all four books in this series so far and look for new ones as they are released. I have a very catholic taste in books and will read almost any genre. Take a chance on this series and try to read it in published order. It will give the story more sense.

Not the best, and not the worst

I picked up this book because I was looking for another series to start. I'm sure I wouldn't be reading the next one.

This novel was just mediocre for me. There was nothing special about the plot, and the summary tells you all you need to know about the book - guy dies and he can only talk to one person - he wants to find out who killed him.

Although I like MacLeod Andrews as a reader, I couldn't stand the sound of his voice in this reading. The accent, the emphasis, everything just drove me up the wall. I prefered him much more in Brandon Sanderson's Steelheart (there, the cadence of his voice was much more appropriate and added to the story as well as the character).

This is a novel to pass the time. Nothing ground breaking here.

Delightful, entertaining and captivating

Would you consider the audio edition of Morgue Drawer Four to be better than the print version?

I have not yet read the print version of this book. I can say with complete assurance that the reader of this book hooked me with his engaging voice and endearing attitude. I love the Pascha character most along with the others. The story line is intriguing and the forensics touch is captivating. I have three of them so far, and hope to have more as soon as they are available.

What other book might you compare Morgue Drawer Four to and why?

I can't say I've read another book like it. I do think of the old detective mysteries when I listen to this one.

Which character – as performed by MacLeod Andrews – was your favorite?

I am convinced that MacLeod Andrews could make any character a favorite. However, Pascha has got to be my number one favorite.

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

Not only did I want to listen to this one in one sitting, and I very nearly did, but I also would like a marathon of these books in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Highly entertaining and fun audio with mystery and intrigue splashed in.

A new slant on the after death experience!

Germany, contemporary, ghosts, murder, murder-investigation, laugh-out-loud, situational-humor, verbal-humor

What a hoot! The story is told by Pascha, especially after his demise and acquaintance with the doctor who performed his autopsy. The two men are as different as chalk and cheese, and not just because one's dead. Pascha is a younger streetwise moocher who regularly gets into messes and the doctor is staid and rather wrapped too tight. The characters certainly are, and the publisher's blurb gives some idea of what's happening but there's no need for spoilers here, just go ahead and enjoy!
The translation from the original German is done by Erik J Macki and I expect that he knows just how to translate tricky idioms.
MacLeod Andrews is the narrator and his presentation is so in character, just listening makes you laugh and picture the characters clearly!

Fun read

I truly enjoyed the book, the main characters, and the narrative was very very good.

utterly unengaging

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

not sure, it just didn't resonate on any level

Would you ever listen to anything by Jutta Profijt again?

probably not

Did MacLeod Andrews do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

have liked him in other narrations, but was indifferent to this narration.

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

Disappointment that I spent a credit, and was underwhelmed and there was nothing in this story that interested or engaged. if it hadn't been so short, i would not have finished it.

No sense....

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

I didn't find any interesting plot progression or character growth in this story. The two main characters are awkward and while that would be alright if it was intended, I find that their actions make me cringe. Not something I'd suggest.

What was most disappointing about Jutta Profijt’s story?

The characters were weak/no plot progression.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

No dramatic representation of the work, seems flat.

What character would you cut from Morgue Drawer Four?

All of them....

Any additional comments?

Not really worth it.

More New York than Germany

Would you try another book from Jutta Profijt and/or MacLeod Andrews?

Unfortunately I have the other two books in this series and the first book ends on a cliffhanger so you almost have to listen to at least the beginning of the next one to see how it plays out.

What could Jutta Profijt have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I was expecting more of a forensic-type book since you have a coroner as one of the main characters but all he did was go around and ask people questions and a too chatty ghost that could get on anyone's nerves. The book was set in Germany but it sounded more like New York or New Jersey.