The Laughing Policeman

Brimstone Chorus, Book 1

By: Elizabeth J. Brown

Narrated by: Nigel Peever

Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

The law failed him. The demon won’t.

Charlie Haynes is an aging ex-detective, working unsolved cases. Obsessed with cleanliness and order, Charlie is a loner who trades on his experience of grisly crimes, and struggles to maintain a relationship with his adult daughter.

When three teenagers are murdered in a public cemetery, the ritualistic killings show similarities to one of Charlie’s old investigations: a savage serial killer who targeted the members of a notorious Traveller family, the Boswells.

Charlie is called in to speak to the one surviving witness, whose terrifying testimony confirms his fear: the Caravan Cannibal is back, roused by the reappearance of an ancient dagger that has haunted Charlie throughout his career.

As Charlie realises he has a personal connection to the killer, he must confront his own demons to protect the last remaining Boswells, Ciara, and her young daughter, Addy, and free an innocent from the grip of an insatiable evil.

The Laughing Policeman is the first book in the Brimstone Chorus dark fantasy series. If you like gritty, fast-paced suspense, dry humor and dark supernatural forces, then you won’t be able to put down Elizabeth J. Brown’s addictive and ultraviolent debut.
A warning: The Laughing Policeman contains scenes of violence and strong language, that some readers may find distressing.

©2022 Elizabeth J. Brown (P)2023 Elizabeth J. Brown

An arresting joke

The Laughing Policeman, the first installment in Elizabeth J. Brown's Brimstone Chorus series, is an absolute triumph in the dark fantasy genre, delivering a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends elements of horror, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. The audiobook, narrated by the exceptionally talented Nigel Peever, takes the listener on a mesmerizing journey through the twisted minds of its characters, creating an immersive experience that is impossible to forget.

From the opening moments, Brown captivates the audience with the story of Charlie Haynes, an aging ex-detective haunted by the ghosts of unsolved cases. Brown's writing is nothing short of brilliant, weaving a tale of ritualistic killings that draws Charlie back into a sinister world he thought he had left behind. The narrative is rich in detail, exploring Charlie's complex character, his obsession with cleanliness, and the strained relationship with his daughter.

Nigel Peever's performance elevates the audiobook to unparalleled heights. His ability to convey the essence of each character, from the chilling vocals of the demonic presence to the innocence of a child, is nothing short of astonishing. The production quality, complete with sound effects and music, is perfectly synchronized with the story, enhancing the overall experience. Peever's vocal range is a marvel, seamlessly transitioning between characters and maintaining a captivating atmosphere throughout.

The Laughing Policeman unfolds as a gripping tale of vengeance, demons, and the supernatural. The intricate plot, with its clever twists and turns, keeps the listener on the edge of their seat, providing a suspenseful and thrilling ride. Brown's storytelling prowess is evident in her ability to seamlessly blend gritty realism with dark supernatural elements, creating a narrative that is both enthralling and original.

One of the audiobook's standout features is the portrayal of the demon, a malevolent entity inhabiting a cursed dagger. Brown's writing brings this demonic force to life, and Peever's performance enhances its presence with a menacing laugh that sends shivers down the spine. The dynamic between the demon and Stephen, the possessed protagonist seeking revenge, is masterfully explored, adding depth and complexity to the characters.

The audiobook's timeline shift, from the initial investigation in 1984 to the consequences in 2018, adds layers to the narrative, demonstrating Brown's skillful storytelling. The introduction of various characters, such as Ciara and Addison, adds emotional depth and diversity to the plot. The gallows humor sprinkled throughout the story provides moments of levity, balancing the intense suspense with well-timed comic relief.

Furthermore, the audiobook's exploration of moral dilemmas faced by Stephen, driven by grief and revenge, showcases Brown's ability to delve into the human psyche. The internal struggle between Stephen's humanity and the demon's bloodthirsty desires adds a thought-provoking layer to the narrative, making it more than just a supernatural thriller.

In addition to the captivating storytelling, The Laughing Policeman addresses themes of family, vengeance, and the consequences of unleashing dark forces. Brown's ability to create a world that feels both fantastical and eerily plausible contributes to the audiobook's overall appeal.

Nigel Peever's contribution cannot be overstated. His remarkable narration, coupled with the perfect blend of sound effects and music, creates an immersive experience that lingers long after the final chapter. Peever's talent for bringing characters to life, capturing their nuances and emotions, is unparalleled, making The Laughing Policeman a standout in the world of audiobooks.

The Laughing Policeman, with its well-crafted narrative, unforgettable characters, and Nigel Peever's stellar performance, stands as a testament to the brilliance of Elizabeth J. Brown's storytelling. This dark fantasy audiobook is a thrilling and addictive experience, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Brimstone Chorus series. If you revel in gritty suspense, dry humor, and supernatural forces, this audiobook is an absolute must-listen. Don't hesitate—immerse yourself in the haunting world of The Laughing Policeman.

Crime thriller meets the supernatural

The blurb for this book doesn't really do it justice. The first half of the story is a gritty crime story that sets up the supernatural possession that is rest of the novel. It is a brutal, emotional, rollercoaster. The best way to describe it is Guy Ritchie meets Venom meets Stephen King. It is at times utterly ruthless, othertimes laugh out loud funny, and then at other times heartbreaking and tender.

I highly recommend this novel. There are times in the beginning where it seems to meander a bit and I feel that it could have been tightened up story-wise, but it all ends up coming together and making sense as to why the author did it that way in the end. I feel like Elizabeth J. Brown is definitely going to get better and better in her writing and storytelling as she grows as an author.

The audiobook is also enhanced which means you get sound effects and background music which makes for a super fun and engaging listen. There were times when these editions made me laugh simply because they were there and it made the story so much more entertaining. There were a couple of times, however, when I did get a little distracted by them but I think that was just me and not the book itself so I didn't detract any rating stars for it.

What a ride!

What a thrilling ride! Audiobook is one of the best performances I’ve heard. Seeing the struggle of trying to maintain one’s morals while constantly being subjected to abuse and misery is a fascinating examination of human nature and how it can be corrupted. An amazing story for sure!

Absolutely loved it!

The story was great! If you enjoy stories with demons, some gore, and horror, you will definitely enjoy this one. I loved the narration and the sound effects that were added to the audio. It definitely elevates the listening experience!

More please

The story itself was amazing. idk if I had a favorite character but Charlie is up there. Nigel's narration elevated the whole thing and made it a thrilling experience. I can't wait to read book 2.

Took a brilliant book to the next level!

This book has been on my TBR for some time and I now regret putting it off, I highly recommend this stellar performance the narrator did with the audio book, as it complements the novel nicely, the story line was truly a grim adventure that I couldn't get enough of! Hats off to the author

The Laughing Policeman

This was an exceptional story! A demon in a dagger is meant for a favored son but is accidentaly used on someone else. The old Gypsy woman told tales of the dagger and was set on getting it back after a blunder by a son. A cop gets his vengeance on the people who murdered his family.All is set to an undertone of music nd sound effects.Nigel Peever is amazing as narrator,voicing a convincible monster as well as a child.His range is wonderful! I totally enjoyed listening. I was given this book free for an honest review.

Practically Perfect

The story was a little muddled for me in the beginning, but the production value of this kept my interest and I am so glad I stuck with it! This could not have been a more enjoyable read. Please do not let this one pass by, it was like listening to an audio version of Dark Shadows....there, I'm showing my age

The Laughing Policeman

This book starts out with a violent bang and the action doesn't let up until the end. Stephen Anderson is a police detective involved in cases against a notorious Traveller family named Boswell. When the younger brothers of the clan decide to teach Anderson a lesson for messing with their family, things go horribly wrong. And, an evil demon is unwittingly unleashed on the area through an ancient dagger.

Fast forward 34 years and Anderson's friend and colleague, Charlie Haynes, learns of the murders of a group of teenagers that reminds him of killings in the past that he was never able to solve. Charlie is determined to get to the bottom of this case that has continued to haunt him all these years and he soon finds himself in a battle against evil.

There is plenty of action and some cringe-worthy gore as the story progresses. But, there is also emotion, tears, and even some humor. Throughout the book, the power of friendship also plays a huge role. The author has created a unique story between good and evil, including demonic possession, ancient rituals and witchcraft.

When I first started listening to the audiobook, I didn't realize that it was a fully immersive audio experience. The sound effects were perfect to create a creepy atmosphere and the narrator did an amazing job. His demonic voice and the maniacal laughter really set the stage for the horrors involved.

Fun and exciting

Loved the concept and the entire story. Well written, narrator voices were dramatic and fit the parts perfectly.