The Only Game

I've always loved Reginald Hill's Dalziel and Pascoe novels. The others usually pale in comparison but then I hadn't met Dog Cicero. This is a thumping great heart pounder of a thriller and the main character has just the right amount of invincibility and vulnerability. The twists and turns don't always work that smoothly but the straight up and down action is terrific. A rewarding listen.

The prize for listening is an excellent reader and an excellent thriller. Dog Cicero is a character who could only have come from the wonderful mind of Reginald Hill. Smatterings of philosophy, wit and sharp turns of plot --- all add to the fun. Whoever starts this book should not make any plans until he reaches the satisfying conclusion. It is not perfect; but it is a five star thrill, Reginald Hill always surprises. This is a gem that for the most part has gone unnoticed.

First Reginald Hill I've listened to. Won't be the last. The story did deteriorate a bit at the end, where all of a sudden the author seemed to scramble to end it -- but it still kept my attention, with enough twists (some a bit too expected) to keep me hooked. I already downloaded my next Reginald Hill -- so obviously this was not a disappointment.

Mr. Hill is extremely talented with this clever tale. The hero is no superman, rather a calculating loner. I can't imagine anyone bored with this book.

I downloaded this while still mourning the exit of Ian Rankin's Rebus and after reading that Rankin was influenced by Hill's earlier writing. Inspector Cicero is somewhat Rebus - like, bedevilled, but with a Brit vs IRA past. A final "epilogue" chapter detracted from the overall quality of the novel, however, as did the inclusion 2/3 of the way through the novel of a formulaic sex scene, the import of which Rankin could have communicated in a single phrase instead of Hill's stereotypical "he did/she did."

I like Sean Barret's understated narration of crime fiction, and the novel had enough promise to encourage me to download another, but about Hill's best known detective, Dalziel.

Another great stand alone novel, a little sad as usual, but not grim. This is an older novel and I think as with a lot of novels of its era and place there is some reference to the IRA. However, it is not over political so it can be enjoyed for its wonderful writing.

I downloaded this book thinking it was a Dalziel & Pascoe but by the time I realised it wasn't I was very much into the story. The voices and characterisation for the main cast is excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing.

I really enjoyed this story. The main characters were interesting, and the story line quite good. There were a few places where i felt reality being stretched a bit too far, but i enjoyed it enough i was willing to overlook it. Narration quite good too. Highly recommended.