An April Shroud

Dalziel and Pascoe Series, Book 4

By: Reginald Hill

Narrated by: Colin Buchanan

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

This is the fourth novel in the Dalziel and Pascoe series, which was made into a hugely popular BBC TV serial. Supt Dalziel is rescued from a flood by a group of mourners. Bonnie Fielding seems far from worried about her husband's demise and Dalziel soon begins to fall for her, ignoring his suspicions. Soon her mansion is littered with corpses and Pascoe must rescue Dalziel from making a fool of himself.

©2008 Reginald Hill (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Good characters and great reader

I've listened to three Dalziel books narrated by Colin Buchanan. He's a fantastic reader. Spot on the accents, and really makes the characters come to life without the "Shakespearean overdramatization" which characterizes many of the British readers. I highly recommend this book, Deadheads, and Exit Lines. Have fun! I would rate this book a 4.5 if I could.

Thank You Audible!

Any additional comments?

Thank You, Audible, for your effort to make the great Dalziel and Pascoe series available to us Reginald Hill fans.

If you are new to Dalziel and Pascoe, With regret, I Suggest you start with this one only because it is read by Colin Buchanan. The first 3 books of the series are read by Brian Glover and he is an awful reader.

Although Colin Buchanan is not as good as Shaun Dooley or Jonathan Keeble, both readers of later novels in the series, Buchanan does justice to the devine Dalziel and rising phoenix Pascoe.

So so

I've heard such good things about this series, my expectations were high. But i found it to be kind of flat, the main character a bit too blustery, and in all, average. Narration seemed fine.

What fun!

Colin Buchanan does an excellent job narrating the story. Andy Dalziel, at loose ends while on vacation, untangles family entaglements, solves a murder, and enjoys a romp in bed with a potential murderess. A thoroughly enjoyable "read"!

Another good story with good narration

Another good story with good narration, this one sees the fat man take a holiday, only to be stranded when his car breaks down. He ends up being hosted by a house with strange occupants who start a business that provides the venue and catering for Pascoe's wedding. Dalziel's finds himself up to his ears in mystery, murder and romance in a remote mansion that is isolated by flood waters. A top tier entry in my library.

Powerful characters

The book got better as it progressed and ended with a bang, it was our first book of the series so that might have made a difference. Great reader who created very a,Live characters.

Dalziel on holiday!

What did you like most about An April Shroud?

An entertaining story. Dalziel tries to take a holiday but can't resist being a natural detective.

What did you like best about this story?

A bit different from the usual in that it took place away from his usual haunts.
Reginald Hill has a superb range of vocabulary and uses it well.

Which character – as performed by Colin Buchanan – was your favourite?

Dalziel

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was hard to turn off, but too long to listen to in one go. I did carry my player around with me doing all my housework!

Unfair judgement ?

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No.
I don't think I took Dalziel's character. I purchased this book after thoroughly enjoying The Woodcutter, and perhaps wasn't ready for something that reminded me of the TV program Heartbeat.The performance was excellent, but I feel like I've watched a play instead of having completed a book...
The jury is out on this series.... more evidence required....!
I would recommend The Woodcutter !!

What could Reginald Hill have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

not sure.

What does Colin Buchanan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Colin's accents are very good and his excellent narration brings the story to life.

Did An April Shroud inspire you to do anything?

Try another in the series - the reviews say they get better ! Maybe I need to get to know Pascoe....

Any additional comments?

Wanting to work through the series, but with Colin Buchanan as the narrator, I selected this book to be my first. Maybe I should have chose another....