A Lesson in Crime

A DCI Yorke Thriller, Book 0

By: Wes Markin

Narrated by: Aubrey Parsons

Length: 1 hr and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

Your student years should be the most carefree years of your life.

Not for Michael Yorke.

When a student party ends in violent murder, Michael Yorke begins to realise he harbours a fascination with crime which goes way beyond the norm.

Driven to discover the truth behind a series of murders which shocks the university community, Yorke turns his back on those closest to him: His girlfriend, Charlotte, and his best friend, Brandon. With bloody and disastrous consequences.

A super-fast one-hour thrill ride, which will define the relentless and compassionate police officer who stars in One Last Prayer for the Rays.

©2019 Wes Markin (P)2020 Wes Markin

A Lesson in Crime

I really enjoyed this story. I had a good inclination where it was going near the start of the book, but I liked how it was written and I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

What a great story

This was my first Wes Markin book & I am hooked. The story was well written & loved the characters. I can't wait to read book 1 in the series. Great job Wes.

Excellent

This story was very well written and didn’t drag on like some do.

The characters were developed well and went perfectly with the plot.

Aubrey Parsons did a very good narration.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher.

I voluntarily left this review.

great read

I received this book for free for a honest review.  I loved the characters and storyline.  it flowed very well and held together.  The narrator did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.  reccomend

Surprised

This novella flew by and not because it is short. I got caught up in Michael Yorke’s character and what would happen next. I am grateful that my college days (ages ago) were far tamer! The ending took me by surprise.

Nice short mystery

This was a good, short mystery story. It's interesting to hear why some people do bad things.

Loved This Start to a New Series

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Compelling story combined with talented narration made for a book that hooked me from the start. The characters were interesting and believable, and I was kept guessing about "who done it" all the way to the end. I look forward to reading more books in this series!

Short and Sweet

This a great entry into the series! It left me wanting more! I loved the narrator! Aubrey is very engaging!

Now I need the rest of the series!

Confession time: I did *not* figure out who the murderer was before the reveal. Usually I can, but not this time.

I wasn’t sure about the narrator at first, but after just a couple of minutes he grew on me.

Good Prequel

This is an interesting prequel for what is to come in the next 3 books in the series which I have already read. It gives an insight into what Michael York is to become, a good police officer. There are a number of well defined characters of different persuasions at the university and Aubrey Parsons does a great job of portraying them all, his enthusiasm for whatever he is reading helps bring the book to life and bolsters the listeners enthusiasm to read more books.

Great

Brilliant first book keeps you guessing till the end just what I like in detective book looking forward to the rest

Enjoyable series intro

A FREEBIE audible download generously offered by the author during the current COVID-19 disruption and my first time with Markin's series character, future cop Michael Yorke.

Student days, parties, friendships, 90s music, Leeds, rivalries, homophobia, intolerance, girlfriends, boyfriends, date rape, a stabbing, a death, a troubled relationship or two, lies, secrets, flings, infidelity, sex, break-ups, families, another violent death, a further attack and an outcome.

Quite a busy tale for an hour or so's listening. All of it viewed from the perspective of Michael Yorke a love struck student. I haven't been totally captivated by him as a character yet, though with a few more from Markin's series on my TBR pile maybe the next one will be the charm.

Decent enough story and I was a bit surprised by the culprit.
An enjoyable hour or so was had.

Emotive narration by Aubrey Parsons which I quite liked.

3 from 5

Markin has been busy. There's four full length Yorke books which been published in the last year or so. My next time will be the first proper novel in the series - One Last Prayer for the Rays.

Read - (listened to) April, 2020
Published - 2019
Page count - 47 (1 hr 15 min)
Source - Audible FREEBIE purchase
Format - Audible

A Very Short But Interesting Story

This packs a lot into a one and a quarter hour audiobook. It sets the backstory for the DCI Yorke crime novels. Great narration compliments the writing. I'm not a fan of short stories and feel this could have been incorporated as part of a full novel, perhaps as a flashback.

An intense Prequel to the Michael Yorke series

Having already read book 1 in the series I then read this short novella which takes us back in time to Michael Yorke's college years and gives us a little insight into what makes him tick and about the first love of his life. Short but thoroughly enjoyable and quite intense.

I received a free copy of this audiobook either from the author or a promotion or giveaway and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.

Good Start to the Michael Yorke Crime Series

Story:
The one hour long thriller is the prequel to the Michael Yorke crime series, which is set in Leeds.
It's the early 90s and Yorke is still at university. The relationship with his girlfriend, Charlotte, isn't going all too well and she wants a break. When one of the students is found stabbed after a party, Michael finds himself visualizing the crime scene and is totally fascinated by it and desperately wants to help the police to solve the crime.
As his best friend on campus, Brandon, has lied about his alibi on the night of the party, Michael can't stop arguing with him about it and it puts their friendship at serious risk.
As the body count mounts, will Michael Yorke be able to get to the bottom of it all?

Narration:
Aubrey Parsons has the right voice for a thriller narration and this could've been perfect, but it simply isn't. I had the feeling someone was screaming into my ear the whole time. Too much overemphasizing for my liking. Sometimes less really is more.

Overall:
Loved the story, and despite not being the greatest fan of the narration, I will definitely read the next one in the series. I think Yorke's "special talent" to visualize the crime scene is a cool idea and I also found the writing gripping and didn't see the end coming. (But I will miss Brandon.)

a fab story

a fab story which sets the background for the other books in the series

Smart short thriller

This was an enjoyable, fast paced thriller. Despite its brevity it gave a good account of the characters and plot. I'd recommend it!