Dark Saturday

A Novel

By: Nicci French

Narrated by: Beth Chalmers

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Louise Penny says Nicci French's books are "fabulous".

Joseph Finder says they're "in the rich vein of Kate Atkinson".

And Tami Hoag calls them "truly unique".

Enter the world of Nicci French with Dark Saturday, an electrifying, sophisticated psychological thriller about past crimes and present dangers, featuring an unforgettable protagonist....

A decade ago 18-year-old Hannah Docherty was arrested for the shocking murder of her family. It was an open-and-shut case, and Hannah has been incarcerated in a secure psychiatric hospital ever since.

When psychotherapist Frieda Klein is asked to meet Hannah and give her assessment, she reluctantly agrees. But what she finds horrifies her. Hannah has become a tragic figure, old before her time. And Frieda is haunted by the idea that Hannah might be as much of a victim as her family - that she might, in fact, be innocent.

As Hannah's case takes hold of her, Frieda begins to realize that she's up against someone who will go to any lengths to keep the truth from surfacing - even kill again.

Utterly compelling and enthralling, Dark Saturday speeds listeners down a twisting trail of secrets, suspense, and murder.

©2016 Nicci Gerrard and Sean French (P)2017 WF Howes

Total surprise

Great mystery that was not solved until the last chapter
Now I want to know what happens next

Excellent job from Beth Chalmers

Beth Chalmers is amazing so talented. She doesn't miss a beat when changing characters. This is my first Nicci French and won't be the last as long as Beth is narrating.

Please, Please, Kill Off Dean Reeve

Any additional comments?

I really enjoy this series and its characters EXCEPT for the Dean Reeve character. I feel he brings nothing to the story except incredulity. The stories are interesting enough without adding in a serial killer. I am pretty tired of serial killers, and, in real life, they don't seem to be as clever as this one. I was so hoping the body in the wall was going to be him, but alas-no.

I love Frieda Klein!

I have enjoyed all of Nicci French’s books, but I especially appreciate the Frieda Klein series. The brooding atmosphere is wonderful, as are the different characters in Frieda’s life and the way they develop over the series. There are no one-dimensional characters here; each is fleshed out and feels real. (My favorite character is this book was the slightly manic hoarder, who is both funny and pathetic, but not in a cruel way.) This latest offering lives up to the high standard set by the previous books; I never saw the solution coming, misled by the clever red herrings French strews along the path. If you haven’t read any of these books, do start with the first one, Blue Monday, to fully immerse yourself in the engaging world of Frieda Klein.

Frieda Klein never disappoints.

Would you listen to Dark Saturday again? Why?

I'm not sure I'd listen to it again, although Beth Chalmers is extremely talented and makes a very enjoyable listen. Once you know "who done it" - well - that's half the fun.

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

Yes! I actually didn't figure this out until the very, very end. And there were plenty of believable twists.

Which character – as performed by Beth Chalmers – was your favorite?

Frieda, of course. And I love her transitions, which are seamless.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, but it was very enjoyable all the same.

Any additional comments?

I will always come back to a Nikki French book. This writing duo is a very reliable choice for a great read. I really didn't want it to end.

wonderful!!

oh my gosh!! now how long do we have tocwait for the next!! i just cant get enough of nicci french or dr klien!!

I love Frieda Klein

Freida Kleins' character is unique. She is strong, intelligent, persistent and compassionate. Despite cherishing her time alone, she has a wonderful tight circle of quirky friends. The story line is sharp and evolves at a good pace.The reader is excellent. I love this series and can't wait for the next one.My favourite read this year.

Frieda got nice but it didn't ruin the story

The Frieda Klein series is an always slightly dense story about an eccentric, very intelligent but socially challenged psychotherapist. She is immensely loyal and kind to her small circle of friend, but the shocker in this 6th book is that Frieda often says thank you and is quite civil to everyone who deserve it. French's stories never waste time on useless tangents or characters that don't contribute to forwarding the storyline. Beth Chalmers again provides superb narration. I think Dark Saturday is one of the best in the series, maybe because the rough reality of prision is so well presented. I don't think I would suggest Dark Saturday as the first to read in the series, but don't worry about the "cliffhanger" -- this Dean guy is a permanent pending threat and always gets a final menacing reference at the end of a book.

Say no to audio

I have loved all previous Nicci French books. This is the first time I’ve listened to Frieda Klein on audio. It took away the gravitas and some of her IQ points. I have already begun Sunday Silence (written) and am loving it.

Nicci French returns; gloriously imaginative.

Only problem with this series is that now I have to wait for the next installment. If you are a French fan, you will be happy to find this novel holds up the storyline well (if you are not a Nicci French fan then what have you been waiging for?). Ms. French does an awesome job giving the reader enough background (just enough so that it is not tiresome to fans that have dead each book of the series in order) so that you can. jump in the pool from any location (pick up any book in the series) and you won't. break stride. Kudos to this marvelous author & talented narrator; as it is easy to tell I am delighted by both!