Edinburgh Dusk

Ian Hamilton Mysteries, Book 2

By: Carole Lawrence

Narrated by: Simon Mattacks

Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

The prize-winning author of Edinburgh Twilight returns to the darkening shadows of nineteenth-century Scotland to track a killer on a profane mission of revenge.

A wicked Scottish winter has just begun when pioneering female physician Sophia Jex-Blake calls on Detective Inspector Ian Hamilton to investigate the suspicious death of one of her patients - a railroad lineman who she believes succumbed to the horrific effects of arsenic poisoning. The most provocative aspect of the case doesn’t escape Hamilton: the married victim’s numerous sexual transgressions.

Now, for the first time since the unexplained fire that killed his parents, Hamilton enters the Royal Infirmary to gain the insights of brilliant medical student Arthur Conan Doyle. Then a second poisoning occurs - this time, a prominent banker who died in the bed of a prostitute. It appears that someone is making Edinburgh’s more promiscuous citizens pay for their sins.

As the body count rises and public panic takes hold, Hamilton and Doyle delve into the seedy underbelly of the city, where nothing is as it seems, no one is immune to murder, and even trusted friends can be enemies in disguise.

©2018 Carole Lawrence (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Graphic Sexual Abuse in a Stellar Reading by Simon Mattacks

Carole Lawrence’s Edinburgh Dusk deals with fictional but realistic accounts of sexual bullying and abuse. For readers who do not find graphic and detailed descriptions of such practices manageable in their fiction, please be warned. The descriptions of Edinburgh in the late nineteenth century and the use of historical figures for fiction may be fascinating and engaging, for readers who enjoy gothica. Animal lovers may feel conflicted. It’s a challenging listen for the above reasons. Applause and a standing ovation for Simon Mattacks’s superb performance of this book.

Excellent recording.

The story is very satisfying with many y plot twists and we'll drawn characters (including many historical ones). For me the best part was Mr. Mattacks' recording, which added another dimension to the story.... and it was free with kindle unlimited :) I would also recommend the first book in the series to readers who have not come across it yet.

TRIGGER WARNING

There are a few graphic descriptions of child molestation. If these kinds of scenes trigger emotional responses avoid this book.

it was a good story, the characters are endearing.

Gripping!!

Although I found it difficult to listen to the parts about the father molesting his daughter, the story is absolutely brilliant!! Such a great author. Her descriptive abilities are superb, it really makes us, the listener, feel as though we are totally a part of the era the book is written in. Highly recommend it but just be prepared for those uncomfortable scenes between father and daughter.

Hated for it to end!

Having been born and raised in Edinburgh, or Auld Reekie, I was able to see in my minds eye all the streets
And locations mentioned.
The characters were all three dimensional. And the accents done well. I found myself slipping back into my own accent, still there after fifty years in the United States.
While all that was wonderful and nostalgic, having a good story behind it all, wouldn’t have made this as good as it is.
And making me impatient for the next tale of Detective Ian Hamilton. I think these stories will be listened to often and enjoyed again.

Did not enjoy, very disappointed

The developed characters from the first book seemed to be abandoned and replaced with underdeveloped characters of the same name. Sexual abuse, in full detail, was presented but did not add to the story and was totally unnecessary. The story's events were difficult to follow and lacked an intuitive flow.

trigger warning for childhood sexual abuse

How is it acceptable to describe sexual abuse against children in detail in an otherwise light-hearted novel? completely ruined this series for me.

Changed narrators

I did not Like that they change the narrator from the 1st book. The new narrator read the characters completely different. The story was good but I had a very difficult time with the change. As Already Had an outlook on the characters Which changed with the new narrator. it's a good book but you can't do a series and flame the voices each book

Content Warning - child sexual assault

I don't consider myself a prude, but I didn't need a detailed account of a child being molested and I especially didn't need to hear the narrator's vocal dramatization of the molester reaching orgasm. it was upsetting and unnecessary.

Liked the first narrator better

It was harder to get into the story with this narrator. Also, am getting tired of having alternate lifestyles seeming to be a prerequisite of every book or movie and it is painfully obvious. Would like to just enjoy a story or movie with naturally occurring storyline, not have to endure a sideline thrown in because the author feels they have to make a statement that has nothing to do with the storyline. I do like the way the author had the aunt accepting the brother and putting Ian in his place, but it really has nothing to do with the storyline.

Good story well performed

The story was well developed. I would advise the writer to have the story proof read by a native English speaker - or better still a Scot so that American words and phrases don’t spoil a good piece of writing.

Not awful.

An enjoyable listen, unless you know Edinburgh, the history of Edinburgh, the geography of Edinburgh, or somewhat formulaic writing. Better than Nadine Dorries!

So well written I never noticed any American terms!

Despite the narrator changing, the book was still brilliantly narrated and every character was authentic.

Someone left a review about Americanisms, but to be really honest the plot is so good I didn’t even notice them!! Lol

Just as good, if not better than the first book!!
Highly recommend :-)

A good story spoiled by American English

To much American vocabulary and historical inaccuracies to be credible of time and place. other than that, a good plot and story.

Edinburgh Hamlet

Characters are believable and likeable. This is the second book in the series and I found it just as enjoyable as the first. The author keeps your interest throughout and I look forward to reading the third and final instalment.