The Various Haunts of Men

A Simon Serrailler Mystery, Book 1

By: Susan Hill

Narrated by: Steven Pacey

Length: 14 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

A woman vanishes in the fog up on "the Hill", an area locally known for its tranquility and peace. The police are not alarmed; people usually disappear for their own reasons. But when a young girl, an old man, and even a dog disappear, no one can deny that something untoward is happening in this quiet town.

Young policewoman Freya Graffham is assigned to the case; she's new to the job, compassionate, inquisitive, and dedicated. She and the enigmatic detective Chief Inspector Simon Serrailler have the task of unraveling the mystery behind this gruesome sequence of events.

©2004 Susan Hill (P)2011 AudioGo

End ruined this great book

You don’t kill off characters you get the reader so
invested in. Great book, well written. Simon is incidental in this book and not very likable. Hated the ending.

Slow start but worth it in the end.

There are many characters and storyline. The beginning is a little confusing. I had to use an internet resource to help keep it straight. It was worth the perseverance in the end.

Too many mugs of tea

The narration was great for an ultimate English mystery. But too many details of tea and decor marred what was an actually good police mystery story.

Steven Pacey proves his worth

I'm a huge fan of Steven Pacey, and I've thought this man could make the yellow pages listenable. Well this was the book to prove it. I don't want to trash it too much, I know the author is popular and I am sure there is a fan base for her work and style, but it was not for me. None of the characters were particularly compelling or engaging, the mystery was not intriguing, and despite being a murder mystery nothing much happened. The author dwells extensively on small unnecessary details - maybe some readers really enjoy the creation of a very mundane and slightly idyllic place, but I generally prefer detail that advances the narrative. There is a tremendous amount of dialogue between characters about their views on alternative medicine, for example.

I can't say it was the worst book I've ever bought on audible. Steven Pacey is amazing and carries the story through all the minute details in a rhythmic way. I did finish it, which is more than can be said for a large number of "action/thriller" type books I've tried, but I shall not be continuing this series.

intelligent

I love how intelligent the writing is. How smoothly she moves thru the story, while keeping you interested. I didn't like that the Sargent died I wanted her to find her new life and love.

Why do we have so many psychos?!!!!

An interesting first read. I struggled with the first few chapters and everything fell into place and it became a very good read. I did not detect any great brilliance on the part of the main character Simon Serrailer and hopefully his brilliance will emerge in future books in the series. Strangely I found D.S.Graffham and the killer more interesting than Serrailer. I was not prepared for the books ending and it took me by surprise. Overall it was a very good first book. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Nice summer mystery

First time experience with Susan Hill. I'm usually not a big mystery fan, but this story had solid, believable characters and an interesting plot. Either I missed them or there were not the usual hints thrown in along the way as to the possible identity of the serial killer. Still a fun listen,

Great story

A bit meandering to start, this turned out to be an interesting book with fantastic range of voices performed by the reader.

I have mixed feelings.

I have mixed feelings. The narrator was excellent. The story was well written but it was horribly sad and it seemed so pointless in the end.

Great Book…Not So Great of an Ending

Enjoyed the book, the wrap up leaves me wondering too much…just END it properly, I felt like a few pieces were left hanging.