The Yard

By: Alex Grecian

Narrated by: Toby Leonard Moore

Length: 14 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Victorian London is a cesspool of crime, and Scotland Yard has only 12 detectives - known as “The Murder Squad” - to investigate thousands of murders every month. Created after the Metropolitan Police’s spectacular failure to capture Jack the Ripper, The Murder Squad suffers rampant public contempt. They have failed their citizens. But no one can anticipate the brutal murder of one of their own... one of the 12....

When Walter Day, the squad’s newest hire, is assigned the case of the murdered detective, he finds a strange ally in the Yard’s first forensic pathologist, Dr. Bernard Kingsley. Together they track the killer, who clearly is not finished with The Murder Squad.... but why?

Filled with fascinating period detail, and real historical figures, this spectacular debut in a new series showcases the depravity of late Victorian London, the advent of criminology, and introduces a stunning new cast of characters sure to appeal to fans of The Sherlockian and The Alienist.

©2012 Alex Grecian (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Great series?

If you're in the market for great historical fiction, look no further.
"The Yard" is a nice little pageturner with excellent narration to boot.
This book moved fast! It was so interesting! I was never "phoning it in" with this story. I just couldn't wait to get further along in the book because it was REALLY that good.
I can't wait to move on to book II.

Loved it!

I love the English Murder Squad book series genre - so I wasn't sure I'd like this style. But I loved it! This was really entertaining - and didn't get bogged down trying to explain the period in time. A little graphic - but I knew what I was getting into before I started listening. Good stuff!

Good read for Victorian buffs

This an excellent story of the beginnings of modern police methods and a realistic overview of 19th century life. A good blend of modern mystery with Victorian overview. Leaner than Dickens but very accessible and intriguing nevertheless.

Hooked From The Start

There is so much to like. The voice talent, the riveting crimes, and the two-sided view of law enforcement. I'm on a mission to listen to every book in this series. I anticipate being thoroughly entertained. Listen for yourself.

Great listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If they liked mystery and Sherlock Holmes, yes because this book has its own mysteries and is very Holmsian in my eyes.

Very good book and Narrator

I really enjoyed this book. The plot(s) was very good and the narrator did a wonderful job. I stayed up until 4am to listen to the last several hours to find out what happened. I have a feeling there will be a sequel with several of the characters returning. I hope so. I would download and listen if there is. I recommend this audiobook.

Excellant

What did you love best about The Yard?

The story held your attention.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed all 3 of the main characters Day, Hammersmith and the Doctor

What about Toby Leonard Moore’s performance did you like?

A very good reader that brings the story mood and interest.

Fantastic listen! Best at 1.25 speed

What a great listen! The Yard was a great story, especially if you enjoy historical crime novels. The narration was excellent, however I did increase the speed to 1.25 which was perfect!

Engaging characters, interesting story

What made the experience of listening to The Yard the most enjoyable?

I found that I fell in love with the characters. The intertwining storylines were interesting, and there were a few genuine surprises. I listen to my books on my 40 minute commute, and there were times I was a little late in because I had to sit in the parking lot to hear how the scene turned out! I also love historical fiction, so this little peek into the early days of Scotland Yard was most enjoyable.

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

I found I needed a little break here and there, mostly due to the somewhat repetitive nature of "let's explain how thumbprints work to everyone all over again" - but it was a necessary evil, I think.

Any additional comments?

I read on Goodreads that this is book one of a planned series. Hooray! I can't wait for the rest - I want to spend more time in this world.

good

slow at times, but a decent read. couldve been shorter. ill try to finish it