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

Warning - not a Dalziel & Pascoe

If you are a fan of the standard Reginald Hill books, you could be surprised by this one, which is much longer, much darker, and more intricately plotted than the Dalziel and Pascoe series. Having said that, once you suspend disbelief - a necessity for accepting the somewhat fantastic plot and its coincidences - it is a truly great listen, and Jonathan Keeble is the perfect voice for a protagonist (who is a just a bit Dalziel-esque).

New author for me- I'm hooked! Stayed up til 3 am

For fans of PD James, Elizabeth George,Minette Walters, or Martha Grimes, give this one a try. A journey tale, a cycle of rags to riches to rags to perhaps redemption, this is not a typical mystery of the Met, but the style and spirit is very fitting of these authors.

I found this book through an online chat with an audible.com representative, and I loved it. I am now watching the TV movies made of the Dalziel and Pascoe books, and hope to begin reading them soon, as well.

The plot is well paced, and while some may seem over the top, I think it is meant to be a cautionary fairy tale - beware, know those around you as well as yourself! The characters were interesting types, and all-too human at the center of it all.

The narrator is clear, even in the accents. While he gives a sense of the tension of the story, he never rushes or pushes the listener too fast. I have already recommended this book to others, and I hope they find it as engrossing as I did

Excellent

Loved the narration, story and relationships. The setting was so descriptive, vivid really. A few points of the story felt over dramatic. I wil definetly listen to this story again.

Masterful Writing, Excellent Narration!

A very complex plot, very serious, very satisfying. If you are a Reginald Hill fan you won't be disappointed. I listened to this on my morning walks and the time flew by - in a good way.

It starts with events from long ago but it all ties together eventually. I highly recommend this book to those who love a true mystery.

Great Twists and a Satisfying Ending

Would you consider the audio edition of The Woodcutter to be better than the print version?

Narration was excellent and brought the characters to life.

What does Jonathan Keeble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Perfect narration - really adds depth to the characters.

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

No

Any additional comments?

Enjoyable listen.

suspense

I kept wondering WHO THE HELL did what to who...and when it was finally revealed, it totally threw me. A few things left hanging, but overall, I liked this recommendation. The reader, J Keeble, was dark and meaningful... giving the story real depth and kept me wanting more.

One more time!

Loved it just as much the second time as the first. Some hateful ugly cruel despicable people in this world. Beauty is as beauty does.

loved it!

a complex and intelligent mystery. not completely realistic, but engaging and had a few surprises.

Engaging, well paced and wonderful !

Loved the book in every aspect.
Well thought out and very absorbing.
The narrator was the best I have experienced since listening to books.
Highly recommend.

My first Reginald Hill and I want more.

Any additional comments?

This was my first boot by Reginald Hill and it won't be my last. To start the narrator Jonathan Keeble did an excellent job with the narration. I could see the entire book in my head as he read along. Now the story, very brief description. It is the story of a successful business man married to the woman of his dreams. He is utterly and completely betrayed by family and his closest friends in the worst possible manner. He is sent to prison for crimes he did not commit. It is the story of his attempt to pull himself out of hell and effect revenge where it is deserved. The story held my interest the entire way through. The end has a few twists that you don't see coming. GREAT READ.