Extraordinary People

By: Peter May

Narrated by: Peter Forbes

Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

In the first book of Peter May's critically acclaimed Enzo Files, forensics expert Enzo MacLeod wagers that he can solve six perplexing cold cases - and unexpectedly places himself directly in harm's way.

"Action-packed." (Entertainment Weekly)
"Brisk and thrilling." (The Baltimore Sun)
"Thoroughly engaging." (Library Journal)

Half-Scottish, half-Italian Enzo MacLeod used to be one of the top forensics experts in Scotland, and now he lives in Toulouse, working as a university professor. Divorced in Scotland and widowed in France, he has an estranged Scottish daughter and a French daughter he has raised by himself.

As if his life isn't complicated enough, he soon finds himself unexpectedly on the hunt for solutions to some vexing cold cases thanks to an ill-advised wager about the power of forensic science.

Meanwhile, in Paris, a man desperately seeking sanctuary flees into a church. The next day, his sudden disappearance will make him famous throughout France.

Deep in the catacombs below the City of Light, MacLeod unearths disturbing clues deliberately left behind by a killer. But as the retired forensics expert draws closer to the truth, he discovers he may just wind up the next victim for his troubles.

©1995 Peter May (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Where’s the real Peter May?

I agree with the reviewer who said he had to check that this was the same Peter May who wrote the Lewis Trilogy.
If it IS the same author he really phoned this one in. Very disappointing as I was excited after Lewis and had hoped to find another author I could count on for some quality writing - nope....

Ridiculous means of solving

I finally gave up with 2 hours to go. It was fine to find the meaning of the clues because they were so obscure the first time or even the second but after that no way Each time the clues meant going back in history... way back searching internet results which barely had a relationship one another. I am talking 1400s and lights of temples, old Napoleon battles and symbols like crests etc it went on and on. Did not care anymore because it was soooooo unrealistic.p

Peter May!!!

In the previous trilogy May wrote an island and a country as the character that was most beloved. In this New trilogy we are introduced to May's poetic version of a straightforward murder mystery! His writing style combined with a classic formula is magic!

Unlikely story, amazing narration

The narrator is the only thing that brings this above mediocre, in my opinion. The narrator seems to switch from French to a Scottish burr and back again with ease.

Love Peter May books!

His story lines are not predictable and he keeps you guessing to the end. one of my favorite writers.

not Peter May's best

I just didn't connect with the main character, Enzo, nor did I care for the "scavenger hunt" method of solving this cold case. I DID enjoy the fabulous setting, Paris (where my heart lives), but can't believe that after living there for 20 years, Enzo didn't know about the catacombs. Really? Nearly ruined the book for me. I won't pursue this series.

Better if You Speak French

Couldn't bear all the French names and words. Also late identification of locations of scenes

Peter May does Dan Brown

I gave up on Dan Brown a long time ago as I find his formulaic plots increasingly repetitive and unbelievable. Peter May is an excellent author as seen in the Lewis series and his attempt at the Brown formula is pulled off decently, but i liked this book much less than the previous 4 I read. The chase for the body parts of a long ago murder victim hidden around France is an overly elaborate murder that no killer would ever carry out realistically.. They certainly wouldn't take the time to plan a murder in which obscure clues to the killer and the location of the next set of body parts would be found . I can suspend disbelief only so far, but I never bought this murder as even remotely realistic.. "who would ever do all of this? frequently ran through my head. May is such a good author that he almost pulls it off, but as the book neared a conclusion I found myself questioning the plot more and more. I like Enzo as a main character and the supporting cast is fun so I definitely will listen to more books in the series, but I hope they are more traditional murder mysteries.
The reader is among the best in the business. He varies voices enough o distinguish different characters and does accents well. He can pull off French and a Scottish accent perfectly well to my ear.

Not sure it was worth the effort

Would have enjoyed it more if I had been more familiar with Paris and French! Had to replay so often to try to hear it.

Very disapponting time waster

I've enjoyed books by this author, but this one was ridiculous. The unravelling of the complex story required such a quantity of off-the-wall "deductions", the only applicable adjective is "bereaveable"