Deadheads

Dalziel and Pascoe Series, Book 7

By: Reginald Hill

Narrated by: Colin Buchanan

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Life was a bed of roses for Patrick Aldermann when Great Aunt Florence collapsed in her rose-bed and he inherited Rosemont House with its splendid gardens. But when his boss, 'Dandy' Dick Elgood, suggested to Peter Pascoe that Aldermann was a murderer, then retracted the accusation, the inspector was left with a thorny problem. Though by then a police cadet had dug up some very interesting information about Patrick's elegant wife.

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Critic reviews

"One of Britain's most consistantly excellent crime novelists." (The Times [London])
"[Colin Buchanan's] Peter Pascoe is perfect. His Dalziel also sounds just right....In fact, all of the characters are entirely believable and distinctly individual, from blue-collar Yorkshire to educated lady." (AudioFile)

Brilliant, but not his best

No question, this is quintessential Reginald Hill. I like Dalziel and Pascoe novels because of the interaction between characters, as well as the non-interaction. Not just anybody can write a conversation, but most of the really good writers still can't write two story lines about the same story. Hill can. He takes Pascoe down a path, parallel to his loving wife. She's not investigating, but she uncovers things, in just normal conversation, that, if Peter only knew, could solve the puzzle, or at least could lead him to a solution. This case is no exception. Fat Andy even resolves more of the matter, while at a seminar at the Yard.

The reader is brilliant. I can see the characters speaking, without having to hear "Pascoe said," or "the Fat Elf replied." He definitely has an ear for accents.

So why do I rate it 3, instead of 5? I'm not satisfied with the end of the case. I won't spoil it, but I was less than satisfied with the justice of it all. I know that real life detectives don't always find justice in a neat, clean package. I also know that the ending won't stop me from reading more of the series; I've selected the other title that Audible has and will gladly listen to any more they offer. If you're thinking of this as your first intro to Dalziel and Pascoe, enjoy it for the interaction, the background painting, the descriptions (Wieldy's ugly face is superb!). Maybe read another first, and go back to this as a background piece, to fill in the history. Just don't quit because it's less than Hill's best.

Fabulous

Warning: These Dalziel & Pascoe books are highly addictive!
Reginald Hill writes in a very down to earth refreshing manner and Colin Buchanan paints in 3D and you?re centre stage.
In three years with Audible I have never ?read? a book so quickly....Bravo.....More!!

Brilliant work

Another brilliant combination between author and narrator.

"Out there is dark, and dangerous, and dirty."

Reginald Bill's Falzidl and Pascoe books are a!says very enjoyable reads if only to revel in the awfulness that is Far Man Dalzjdl. The characterisation are always good, the structure of the novel varying from book to book. And there is always humour. This time the story revolves around a young man obsessed with the roses he cherishes on his inherited estate and each chapter is introduced with a botanical description of a different rose.
Narration is by Colin Buchanan, Pascoe in the TV series, and he gives a fine performance,well paced and nicely modulated, with excellent voice differentiation between individuals. Good writing, for protagonists, intriguing story and good fun

Deadheads

I've read a number of the Reginald Hill books and found them more interesting and more demanding than the TV series - more enjoyable too. This audio book is very good. Nothing is lost as the format is unabridged, allowing chapter toppings of quotations etc to be included. The reading with the acted voices is excellent. Sometimes it demands a level of concentration which you wouldn't need with a book where you can always flick back a few pages to check a detail. Definitely a positive recommendation for this version.

Enjoyable but some old fashioned views/opinions

How things have changed in ten years as this book contains some racist opinions and language that people may find offensive now, however, I am old enough to remember that this was how people thought and spoke of different races and cultures. This was not central to the story and despite bad opinions of the "Fat Man" he sticks up for the officer in question.
Good story line and well narrated. A worthwhile listen.

Gardening and murder: great combination

I enjoyed this novel; the setting and characters were something I could relate to. Great delivery.

Ultimately disappointed.

Great story up until the last chapter. I hate it when the villain escapes justice!

"Out there is dark, and dangerous , and dirty."

Reginald Bill's Falzidl and Pascoe books are a!says very enjoyable reads if only to revel in the awfulness that is Far Man Dalzjdl. The characterisation are always good, the structure of the novel varying from book to book. And there is always humour. This time the story revolves around a young man obsessed with the roses he cherishes on his inherited estate and each chapter is introduced with a botanical description of a different rose.
Narration is by Colin Buchanan, Pascoe in the TV series, and he gives a fine performance,well paced and nicely modulated, with excellent voice differentiation between individuals. Good writing, for protagonists, intriguing story and good fun.

Brilliant and unusual.

Reginald Hill was a great storyteller. No spoilers here but a great ending.
Also, Colin Buchanan is a smashing narrator.

Disappointing

I don't often leave bad reviews but the story is bitty, difficult to follow and the performance is bland and wooden - on the plus side it was on sale and so only £3 wasted

Masterful

Never a straightforward story-teller, Reginald Hill always has an extra complication to intrigue. Loved this one.

Tedious and soporific.

Gave up towards the end of chapter one. Colin Buchanan tends to be as wooden a reader as he is an actor. Have rave rated story ***, as it might have potential.