Dark Matter

A Novel

By: Philip Kerr

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1696, Christopher Ellis, a young, hot-tempered gentleman, is sent to the Tower of London, but not as a prisoner. A sudden twist of fate has led him there to assist the renowned scientist Sir Isaac Newton, who as warden of the Royal Mint has accepted an appointment to hunt down counterfeiters who threaten to topple the shaky, war-weakened economy. Armed with Newton’s superior intellect and Ellis’ skill with a sword, the new partners seem primed to solve the case.

But when their investigation leads them to a mysterious coded message on a corpse hidden in the Lion Tower, they realize that something more sinister is afoot. In the heat of their pursuit, Newton and Ellis’s suspicions become all too real as the body count rises and the duo uncovers a menacing, far-reaching plot that might lead to the collapse of the government - and cost them their very lives.

An extraordinary, suspense-filled, and richly satisfying tale, Dark Matter is an engrossing mystery infused with the volatile mix of politics, science, and religion that characterized life in 17th-century London.

©2002 Philip Kerr (P)2002 Books On Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"An illuminating, often crackling exploration into the mysteries of science, mathematics, religion, and human nature." (Booklist, Starred Review)
"The ever-versatile Kerr...weaves a rich tapestry of interesting characters and period details. Highly recommended." (Library Journal)
"A most gripping and well-appointed entertainment." (Publishers Weekly)

This review continued on disk 4...

Would have been 4 stars for excellent narration of a pretty good story, but the CD instructions and repeated lines were distracting...this is the first time I have run into this on Audible.

A worthy listen.

A good story and well written.
As always, narrator John Lee brings the story to life and a pleasure to listen to.

The original Sherlock Holmes

I am a huge fan of Phillip kerr. I lov ed the Bernie Gunther series and took a chance on this book. At first I was not that into the book. However as the plot thickened it turned into a true whodunit....with of all people Sir Isac Newton as the investgator!

Newton Noire

I listened to this novel for two reasons: First, I thoroughly enjoyed Kerr's stories about Bernie Gunther, the Sam Spade of Nazi Germany. And second, John Lee has to be my favorite narrator. His performance here is pitch perfect.

The title "Dark Matter" was well chosen. But beware: this is detective noire set in 17th century London. If you're looking to understand the historical Isaac Newton, look elsewhere. Kerr's Newton seems altogether more modern in may ways than is my understanding of the man.

That said, I like a murder myster with a twist. And that's what you get here.

Too much specious theology.

I have read nearly of Kerr’s character series and do not mind their somewhat nihilistic views of life, but Kerr’s one-sided preaching in Dark Matter crossed the line and spoiled the book for me. The narrator is fabulous.

A great rival to Sherlock Holmes

Fascinating development of the story line. A book that was hard to turn off. Excellent narrator - one of the most talented I've heard.

Unusal plot device.

I enjoyed this book's premise. Dealing with the true story of Sir Isaac Newton's role as the head of the Royal Mint- Mr. Kerr wove Newton's religious, political and scientific persona into an interesting mystery plot accompanied by a diverting young side kick named Ellis. There are many truths in this novel but it is fiction. I found the sexual scenes mostly amusing and thought they probably fit in with the crude backsteet London of that time. 3 stars are for the ending which went on too long for my taste. It should have been wrapped up at least 2 chapters earlier. Love Philip Kerr. Read Bernie Gunther books. Love, love John Lee - He is good at everything he does (audibly that is).

It's fiction!

This is not a book to read if you want to learn anything in depth about Newton,although there are points of his persona which are accurate enough. That said, it is a great story. Kerr keeps the action going while filling in the characters as he goes. The feel of the late 17th-early 18th centuries is palpable. Kerr's Newton is no Holmes, nor is he intended to be, but the same subtle arrogance is a part of the character. The historical references, people, and situations all add to a well told tale. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is possible, but it's fiction! A good listen.

Not his best but not bad

I don't mind the artistic license Kerr takes with Newton (who reads almost exactly like Sherlock Holmes) but the novel comes off a bit unpolished. I just feel there's something lacking. The attempts to use accurate language are sometimes impressive and other times seem forced and ludicrous making for an unwieldy read at times. The endless theological debates wore on and quite got on my nerves after a while. I am generally interested in warring theological perspectives throughout history but Kerr goes on and on with all the pedantry of Sherlock Holmes. I don't care about Newton's supposed Arianism. Maybe it is just that the book seems long after a rather early climax. It isn't a bad read but it could use some editing.

One of the greatest minds solves a mystery

great historical novel. Totally engrosing plot. Rich character development. Romance action. Don't miss it. Beautifully read by the great Christopher Lee