The Woodcutter

By: Reginald Hill

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Length: 16 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Wolf Hadda's life was a fairytale - successful businessman and adored husband. But a knock on the door one morning ends it all. Universally reviled, thrown into prison, Wolf retreats into silence. Seven years later Wolf begins to talk to the prison psychiatrist and receives parole to return home. But there's a mysterious period in Wolf's past when he was known as the Woodcutter. Now the Woodcutter is back, looking for truth and revenge...

©2010 Reginald Hill (P)2010 WF Howes Ltd

Tedious

I downloaded this book to listen to on our 48 hr driving trip. OMG, after 4 hrs we were amazed that we were only a fraction through the book. I took a nap twice during the trip and didn't miss a thing (my husband was still listening). If there is an abridge edition, buy it instead.

WOW LOVED IT!

I would live to see this on a big scene what a great story. So glad I listened. in has everything suspense deceit glamour violence and love. great narration

Fantastic!!!! I Highly Reccomend this Read.

Based on several source recommendations and audible reviews I tried this book out and I really LIKE it. After one book, I'm a fan of Reginald Hill and I have some of his other books in my wish list. The author is a fantastic writer of thrillers; especially with so many characters. He can build characters and keep several story lines going. He writes like very few others can with the plots and characters. I haven't even mentioned the twists and turns.

Great READ!!!!!!

Outstanding Mystery; Narrator Excellent

Where does The Woodcutter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top. Reginald Hill is a top mystery writer. The problem with his stories is once you start listening to them, you can't stop.

What other book might you compare The Woodcutter to and why?

Normally I would say the Daiziel & Pasco series but this is way different. Sort of a cross between Ian Fleming and Ian Rankin.

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

I have not - my loss. Keeble makes the book come alive. He has the accent and diction to make you feel like you are living the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I would not characterize the reaction as emotional. Rather I think of it as one that holds your interest. For example, the central character likes to rock climb but is an accomplished spy, assassin, and financier. Quite a combination of traits.

Any additional comments?

Once you start listening you will find it hard to stop. I would allow myself several hours to listen once I start the book.

Never read Reginald Hill before.

And I intend to remedy that with many more novels.

This story turned not so much on plot twists and turns, although it was very enjoyable, but on characters that I so wanted to be with that my kitchen is now Very Clean!

The dog is pretty good, too.

Jay Thomas

Great Story

What did you love best about The Woodcutter?

I really loved the twists and turns. The narrator is awsome and the character development is excellent!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot didn't exactly keep me on the edge of my seat, but I was very invested in the story. I wanted to listen straight through!

What about Jonathan Keeble’s performance did you like?

He went from character to character flawlessly.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A great story of rags to riches back to rags.

Any additional comments?

This book is a must listen. Totally worth the time!

LOVED the Woodcutter

This is the first Reginald Hill that I have read. The story was wonderful! Jonathan Keeble's narration is perfect! Would definitely recommend this book.

Beautifully read, written, and constructed

Along with The Help, and Cutting for Stone, this book was one of the best I've listened to. The narrator is fantastic, and the writing excellent. The story holds throughout and is captivating and smartly written. A must. I was sorry when it was over. Jonathan Keeble should do more books. It was a superb narration.

More than Payback

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

a page turner

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

This is my first Keeble book but now I want to hear more.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

expect the unexpected

Any additional comments?

Author Reginald Hill and narrator Jonathan Keeble make a great team. They remind me of the great pairing of Stephen King and Frank Muller.

YASSSS!!

I have been an audible junkie for a few years now, on average I go thru about a half dozen books a month - and this is my first review - let that speak for itself to begin with..!

Woodcutter is a revenge story, so there are a few scenes & characters created specifically to ruffle your feathers, but that would be my only "complaint" (if you can even call it a real "complaint"). But the protagonist is meticulously written, the metaphors strung throughout are gorgeous and elevate this book above your average suspense novel, and the icing on the cake is the narrator! He was perfectly suited to voice the protagonist and he really won me over with his insane ability to give each character their own voice - if you ever get confused while listening to an audiobook thinking "wait - who is talking right now?" - you won't struggle with that in this book! He has Scottish and Russian characters and they are the exact opposite of other cringeworthy audible narrators you may have heard butchering accents - I just fell in love with his voice & I envision he is a superbabe bada** action hero - basically Jason Statham - who fits the protagonist to a T and who def should play Wolf if they make Woodcutter into a movie (fingers crossed!)

All in all - suspenseful, gorgeous & rich in metaphor, character, & plotlines, and absolutely perfectly narrated. Effing excellent book. Thank you Mr. Hill & Mr. Keeble!! To those reading this review & decide to buy this book - You're welcome.