Down to the Woods

By: M. J. Arlidge

Narrated by: Sally Scott

Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's Summary

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Down to the Woods by M. J. Arlidge. 

There is a sickness in the forest. First, it was the wild horses. Now it's innocent men and women, hunted down and murdered by a faceless figure. Lost in the darkness, they try to flee, they try to hide. In desperation, they call out for help. But there is no-one to hear their cries here....

DI Helen Grace must face down a new nightmare. The arrow-ridden victims hang from the New Forest's ancient oaks, like pieces of strange fruit. Why are helpless holidaymakers being targeted in peak camping season? And what do their murders signify? Is a psychopath stalking the forest? Is there an occult element to the killings? Could the murders even be an offering to the forest itself? Helen must walk into the darkness to discover the truth behind her most challenging, most macabre case yet.

©2018 M. J. Arlidge (P)2018 Penguin Books Ltd

Critic Reviews

"Helen Grace is one of the greatest heroes to come along in years." (Jeffery Deaver)

"The new Jo Nesbo." (Judy Finnigan)

"Fast paced and nailbitingly tense...gripping." (Sun)

3

This book is a bit "out there." It started with murder then devolved into what seemed an endless trek through a forest. It's really, really dark then people are falling over roots and stepping barefoot on nasty thorns until I thought about just stopping. I did stay with but even the end was not worth, for me, slogging thru this book.

wrong narrator. It's not Helen Grace.

I've listened to all the Helen Grace books, and this narrator is simply all wrong for the character. I forced myself to listen to it but could not get used to her voice for Helen Grace. not that she's a bad narrator, it's just a bummer to have a new voice to the character after so many books with the previous narrator. The two narrators are nothing alike. and story was terrible.

Disappointing narration, average story

I've really enjoyed previous books but this book seemed a bit superficial and rushed. Very little character development and insight into Helens life as there has been in previous books,she appears to have completely forgotten her troubles, her time in jail, the BDSM part of her life. Instead there's this odd thing with Charlie's child not sleeping which I don't really get. The story was ok but a bit lacklustre.

The worst part is the narration, changing narrator after 8 books completely throws the characters out and they don't sound how they should. Added to that the performance seems hammed up and OTT and people sound like they are on the verge of crying. Helen in particular sounds weak and like she has no idea what she's doing and lacking any confidence. There are also errors such as Amelia being called Emily and referring to the wrong number of people. Overall quite disappointing and I returned it

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Disappointing

I found this Helen Grace story rather farfetched in places and not nearly as good as the others. The narrator's voice began to grate with her approach to the different voices, especially Charlie's.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

best DI Grace book yet

absolutely loved this book would highly recommend it to anyone. best D I grace book so far

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

weaker than the previous books in the series

this DI Helen dies not have as strong a story line as the last few she was a bit predictable in place. not the best I've read but ok

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Brilliant Book

Absolutely brilliant book, this book kept me gripped to the very end. it's been a long time since I had to stay awake til 4am to see what happened. Can't wait for the next instalment.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good story but...

Credible story and well read by Sally Scott but the repetition of words and phrases is annoying. Also, the use of completely unnecessary words throughout reminds me of essay writing when trying to find synonyms that sound more academic!

The best of the series

After listening to all the previous Helen Grace audiobooks, I have to say that I enjoyed this one the most.
Plenty of twists and turns, old and new characters and a decent story that keeps you guessing until the end.
Onto the next one...

Great story

This is a really gripping story, well read by the narrator. Kept me gripped to the end.

Disappointing

Arlidge has a great character in Helen Grace but he hasn’t done her justice in this story. This one fell surprisingly short of the mark and I wonder if he’s been losing sleep too. The story itself lacked grit and Arlidge needs to kick his editor for also being asleep at the wheel. Sloppy repetition of words which jar at each occurrence and odd phrases such as bending the knee we’re out of context. It’s a real shame. I haven’t given up yet, Mr Arlidge but this was a real flat footed example and I know you fans a lot better. Slightly can’t believe I persevered with this story. Must be getting soft in my old age. Come on. Sharpen up.

What happened to MJ Arlidge?

Don't get me wrong, I love this author. Eeny Meeny, The Doll's House and Hide and Seek were fabulous can't-turn-it-off-yet listens in my opinion. Down to the Woods was well thought out and still had me guessing but in comparison to the earlier books it was a bit... dry.
Perhaps there is a lack of mystery now surrounding Helen Grace - the earlier books were excellent at slowly revealing facets of her character and background that were like breadcrumbs to the listener. I couldn't help but feel that Helen Grace has become a cliche female character; massively sexualised, unobtainable, dark & brooding. Frankly, it's getting boring.
Still worth a listen though; the newer plots are starting to develop other characters which is interesting and gives me hope for future books. I hope that MJ Arlidge finds the spark again.