Dead Man in a Ditch

By: Luke Arnold

Narrated by: Luke Arnold

Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

A former soldier turned PI solves crime in a world that's lost its magic in this brilliant sequel to actor Luke Arnold's debut The Last Smile in Sunder City.

The name's Fetch Phillips - what do you need?

Cover a Gnome with a crossbow while he does a dodgy deal? Sure.

Find out who killed Lance Niles, the big-shot businessman who just arrived in town? I'll give it shot.

Help an old-lady Elf track down her husband's murderer? That's right up my alley.

What I don't do, because it's impossible, is search for a way to bring the goddamn magic back.

Rumors got out about what happened with the Professor, so now people keep asking me to fix the world.

But there's no magic in this story. Just dead friends, twisted miracles, and a secret machine made to deliver a single shot of murder.

Welcome back to the streets of Sunder City, a darkly imagined world perfect for listeners of Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher.

©2020 Luke Arnold (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Second verse as good as the first

This is the second entry in the Fetch Phillips series. I have to say it is as good as the first if not better. The worst thing about this book is at this moment there is no third book for me to delve immediately into. I've consumed both of the books in this series over the past week, always eager to hear the continuation of the very well written story and equally well performed voice acting. Now that I have completed both books, I am greatly disappointed that I will have to wait for another entry instead of having the immediate satisfaction of more Fetch Phillips and more of Luke Arnold's voice.

Outstanding

This book, like Last Smile in Sunder City, captured me and brought me to a world full of mystery, magic and life. I cheered and was concerned for Fetch and hated those that did him harm. It is a wonderfully amazing book. I suggest it for anyone who wants to escape in a new world full of hope.

Both Books are Outstanding

Both Books are Outstanding, the narrator as well! Totally original world built and characters described. Highly recommended.

Always rooting for Fetch!

I listened to this book right after the first one and I’m so glad I carried on. Is Fetch the most moral person around? Nah, not really, but he is charming as all get out and pretty honest and that really made me stick around. He has a lovely way of knowing how to level with folks, and does a great job of admitting his faults. Just like the first book, the way that everything is described encourages your imagination to run wild and I really enjoy that.

This was also another really amazing performance by Luke Arnold. I could listen to him all day long. With the addition of all the new characters, and even some singing, he did a fantastic job of giving everyone a unique voice. No two characters sounded the same. He is so talented. Can’t wait for the next installment to come out!

Twice the entertainment when this talented writer performs his own story

In the tradition of tales and myths told around a campfire, this story comes alive lots of action with wise-cracking Fetch Philips leading the way. Arnold’s amazing facility with distinctive voices adds to the pleasure of a tale well told. I look forward to more from him.

Better than the first

This was amazing. The story was captivating and the emotion in the author's voice as he read made you wonder if he was reliving a true experience. This novel felt more well rounded, had a clear identity and no wasted movement. I can't wait for more tales from the world.

fantasy Scifi

This novel is a twist of the dystopia genre, a magical world in which the magic is destroyed and science enters in to replace what was lost. Well executed. It is the second book in the series and you do need the background the first book supplies. A lot of characters and sub plots to keep track of.

Fun read

Not my usual fare, but I must say the story kept me fully engaged. The author’s turn of phrase was very entertaining to me. Must try to remember some of them. Thought the narrator was excellent and was surprised it was the author. Worth the time, for sure.

What a great series

There is very little to not love about this series. The narrator is the author so you know he does the voices right. The story is light, interesting and humorous. I really enjoyed all three books and will purchase all future books without hesitation. I plan to listen to these again in a few weeks.

Dark fantasy noir

The first audiobooks I ever listened to were the noir, private eye type books like Maltese Falcon and the Big Sleep. I love the main character to be flawed yet capable and have that backstory that you always know there’s more to. This is probably one of my favorite new series. It’s paced very well and layered in the same way as all the best noir mystery stories.
I think the best part, and the trademark of these type of stories is, there isn’t a happy ending. Sometimes aspects are worse than they started, but the sun comes up on a new day and the protagonist goes into work to solve another problem.
Content wise, it’s a little more mature rated than I’d like but still a great book.