A Cure for All Diseases

Dalziel and Pascoe, Book 23

By: Reginald Hill

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Some say that Andy Dalziel wasn't ready for God, others that God wasn't ready for Dalziel. Either way, despite his recent proximity to a terrorist blast, the Superintendent remains firmly of this world. And, while Death may be the cure for all diseases, Dalziel is happy to settle for a few weeks' care under a tender nurse.

Convalescing in Sandytown, a quiet seaside resort devoted to healing, Dalziel befriends Charlotte Heywood, a fellow newcomer and psychologist, who is researching the benefits of alternative therapy. With much in common, the two soon find themselves in league when trouble comes to town. Sandytown's principal landowners have grandiose plans for the resort -- none of which they can agree on. One of them has to go, and when one of them does, in spectacularly gruesome fashion, DCI Peter Pascoe is called in to investigate -- with Dalziel and Charlotte providing unwelcome support.

But Pascoe finds dark forces at work in a place where medicine and holistic remedies are no match for the oldest cure of all!

©2008 Reginald Hill (P)2008 WF Howes Ltd

Dalziel excellently portrayed by narrator Jonathan Keeble

Dalziel + Keeble = pure gold

Reginald Hill’s wonderful character, Andy Dalziel, is brought to vivid life in the narration by Jonathan Keeble.

So much so that it’s worth a search to see what else Keeble has done. Sure enough, there he is, already in my library, having narrated Lorna Doone. That too was a flawless performance.

Keeble never makes you think of “the narrator;” instead, he puts you right inside each character.

The story itself is a romp, if you can use that description for a grisly murder mystery. It’s a lot of fun, with unexpected twists and turns. It’s Hill’s detective Dalziel who puts all other characters in the shade.

Enjoyable

As mentioned by other reviewers, the first section of the story is told via e-mail messages between a young woman & her sister, and recordings of "the fat man's" thoughts. I found the e-mails irksome but on the other hand, the musings of the fat man are at times quite funny.

The author repeats himself a good deal which is tedious but all in all the plot was enjoyable.

Jonathan Keeble was excellent, as always.

Excellent!

This has been one of my favorite Reginald Hill Audiobooks so far. It's presented in a slightly unusual format; the first half of the book consists of a series of first person emails from one of the characters, and first person narration by Dalziel. The narrator is excellent throughout, and an interesting plot that keeps you wanting to listen on. Highly recommended!

Especially funny

What did you love best about A Cure for All Diseases?

You spend lot's of time in Dalziel's mind, whereas in other of the series it leans towards his more serious partner Pascoe. What goes through Dalziel's head and in that accent is hilarious.

What other book might you compare A Cure for All Diseases to and why?

Dalziel a totally original creation--so incomparable.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful addition to a strong series. Literary, lewd and suspenseful!

a bit confusing

What made the experience of listening to A Cure for All Diseases the most enjoyable?

the language and accents, the humor. Dalziel is a wonderful, unique character.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not exactly. The plot was a bit confusing. I enjoyed The Woodcutter much more.

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Keeble’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He is excellent.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

no

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed The Woodcutter and decided to hear other Reginald Hill books. Unfortunately I found this confusing, too many similar characters and a rather convoluted plot. But it was completely entertaining, and I'll try others. I'd like to know which Reginald Hill books are considered the best by other readers.