The Harvest Man

Scotland Yard's Murder Squad, Book 4

By: Alex Grecian

Narrated by: John Curless

Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad - and Jack the Ripper - return, in the extraordinary new historical thriller from the author of the acclaimed national best seller The Yard. In The Devil’s Workshop, London discovered that Jack the Ripper was back, sending the city - and Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad - into chaos. But now it is even worse. Not only is the Ripper still at large, but so is another killer just as bad. For Inspector Walter Day, it has been a difficult time. His wife has given birth to twins, his hostile in-laws have come to stay, and a leg injury has kept him at his desk. But when the Harvest Man begins killing, carving people’s faces off their skulls, the Yard knows they need Day in the field. Not so Sergeant Nevil Hammersmith.

Rash actions have cost him his job, but that doesn’t stop his obsessive hunt for the Ripper. When the mutilated bodies of prostitutes start turning up again, Hammersmith enlists the help of a criminal network to stop Saucy Jack, his methods carrying him further and further from the ideals of the Yard, so far in fact that he may never be able to find his way back.

Of course, the Ripper’s been playing a game with him - with Walter Day, as well. He is pushing both of them to their limits, and what happens when they get there...no one can say.

©2015 Alex Grecian (P)2015 Penguin Audio

This is a great series.

Another great book. I love the characters, particularly Saucy Jack. He is SO CREEPY and fascinating.
The narrator was good, but not great, but it didn't detract from the story.
Just so you know, this book ends in a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book.

i hate these kind of endings!!!

The mystery story is wonderful if you are a fan of the tv show criminal minds. However, I hate the ending!!!
I don't even know if I'll listen to another book in this sequel!! Luckily it is 2020 so the sequel is available. I have to know what happened to..... Guess I can't spoil it for those of you foolish enough to get addicted to this series like me.

I love this series, getting pretty dark but good

I have listened to the entire series in less than a month. The author is amazing and creative. The history and the scenes that are painted for you make it feel as if you are there. Each book seems to be getting a bit more dark and graphic. I don't mind as much as I thought I would. The narrator in the first 2 books was wonderful and this narrator is pretty good as well. Not sure why they switched half way through the series.
This book is great but a couple of things seemed a little far fetched, I understand that it is just a story and not real life but still. I still enjoyed it.

Another Good Listen

A lot of loose ends in this one, and one serious cliff hanger at the end.

My biggest issue with this novel is not knowing the Harvest Man's back story. He's an interesting villain but I want to know what made him.

Narration by Mr. Curless as usual, was brilliant. No complaints.

I definitely want more from these characters, especially Mr. Hammersmith and Dr. Kingsley. I really enjoy the period and atmosphere of these stories.

Great Series, with a few minor annoyances.

I do love this series, but I definitely preferred the narrator of the first 2 books in the series. This narrator makes the main character sound a lot less confident than in the first 2 books.
A lot of the characters now sound the same and I never can tell what type of accent they are supposed to have. The Ripper, the coroner's assistant, Day's wife, the ripper, and a couple others on occasion have a sing song quality that can be annoying. The book actually mentions the ripper having a sing song quality to his voice.
This particular book in the series had 3 serial killers at once, so you have to pay close attention if you don't want to get everyone confused. Besides liking the narrator better in the first 2 books, I also liked those books best. They had a great story line and were less complicated. I do like all of the books, but I couldn't stop listening to the first 2 once I started them.
I hate to be knit picky, but I am hoping that if there is a 6th book in the series, perhaps the first narrator will come back and things will be more like the first 2 books if my and other opinions are taken into consideration. But, overall, great books!!

Great series!

I really like this series & these characters. I'm delighted that there is going to be another one. The reader is excellent & doesn't get carried away with different voices for the characters. I find that very distracting in some audiobooks. If British period mysteries is your choice, try these

Grecian is a great author

He clearly has done extensive research for his novels.
His characters accurately reflect the 1880's in London
and his plots are complicated and interesting. He keeps
me interested and guessing throughout.

Grisley as ever

But the characters are consistent, charming, and the reader is easy to listen to. He does a great job keeping the voices and accents straight. He makes it easier to come back to uncomfortable topics...and keep listening.

Hard to put down

Not going to say a lot because none of my reviews have been "helpful". There has to be a fifth book to come and I will anxiously be looking forward to it.

My Addiction with Alex Grecian

The Harvest Man kept me up wondering what would happen next. This time in forensic history with new thoughts and technologies abounding is exciting all on its own. Add in Jack the Ripper and the cast of characters from the detective squad, victims, families and murderers and the story becomes electric!
The narrator, John Curless brings the story to life. His inflection and tone have a cadence that can go from soothing to creepy with just a whisper. The author and actor are well suited for these intriguing stories and I can hardly wait to hear the next one!