Hero: A Simon Serrailler Short Story

By: Susan Hill

Narrated by: Steven Pacey

Length: 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Simon Serrailler was a rookie constable with the Met, he did something reckless in the course of a night's work which caused a man's death. But his act was praised by his colleagues, and he was called a hero.

Years later, now a detective chief superintendent who has been badly injured in the course of duty, he receives a medal for bravery at Buckingham Palace while recollecting that fateful night of his early career, when chance disguised itself as bravery.

Susan Hill has won the Whitbread, Somerset Maugham and John Llewelyn Rhys prizes and been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. She has written 55 books in several genres, including ghost stories. The play of The Woman in Black is still running in London's West End after 25 years. I'm the King of the Castle has been a GCSE set text. She has also published collections of short stories, fiction for children, several nonfiction books and the highly successful crime novel series about the detective Simon Serrailler, who features in this short story.

Her new novel, The Soul of Discretion, published by Chatto & Windus, is the final title in the Serrailler series. Susan Hill is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a Fellow of King's College, London, and was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Honours of 2012.

©2016 Susan Hill (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

a nice little character piece, excellent narration

Susan Hill and Steven Pacey have definitely made a positive impression. I'll be searching both out when selecting future audiobooks

This 'story' makes no sense to me

Why THIS story inserted belatedly at the beginning when it feels like an ending of sorts? It's been years since I read this series so I am now re-reading the whole lot just to find out what events led to this point, because right now I haven't a clue. Perhaps it will make more sense then, but even so, after two listens it barely constitutes a vignette.

Listen in order

Usually prequels can be heard first but this one had too much info that the back story or future story needed IMO.

What 'story'?

I love Susan Hill... but this comes off as the first chapter of a book... and leaves the reader stranded.
Gotta be another way to introduce a major character..

Neat prequal

What made the experience of listening to Hero: A Simon Serrailler Short Story the most enjoyable?

Great narration.

What did you like best about this story?

Works well as a standalone or as a backfill for those familiar with the series. It's tight, draws you in, but it's short and sweet.

Which character – as performed by Steven Pacey – was your favourite?

Serrailler, but he narrates all characters well.

Any additional comments?

An unexpected bonus, I normally read this series, but I've listened to a couple and this filler story is a must for anyone following Serrailler.

Too short.

I love all the Simon Serailler books. Please write some more! You can't stop now.

Want more Simon Serailler

After the horrendous ending of Soul of Discretion it was good to hear this but please can we have more of these wonderful stories. We've got to know his family and he is definitely going to go back to his job. Please Susan Hill give us more of Simon Serailler.

Short but sweet

A short story but vey well written and read by Steven Pacey .
Can't wait for a new Simon Serellia book to be published.

Return from the dead

Tantalising. Please resurrect Simon's career. Such a good series. We need more of it, please

Rather clichéd

Lovely to have some more Simon Serrailler, even if only a snippet. Frustrating glimpses into the lives of the characters makes you wish for a full length novel. Unfortunately this very short story felt rather clichéd and not very convincing, although Stephen Pacey is always a joy to listen to.

Indeed a short story

Any additional comments?

I expected more, but a short story it is. Nothing more than a flashback of an incident many years ago. Could it serve as a titbit for the next book? No.

Those of you anxious to know what happened to Simon and his recovery will be disappointed. I sure was.

Another great addition to the Simon Serrailer saga

What made the experience of listening to Hero: A Simon Serrailler Short Story the most enjoyable?

Steven Pacey as always is an excellent narrator, taking the reader through Serrailler's early years in the Met and how his experiences shaped his future in the Force. I only wish that the book had been longer - I've devoured the entire series and am desperate to read the next!

Any additional comments?

Susan Hill, please write another Serrailler book! I need to know what happens next!

Thought provoking

Very much enjoyed this well written short story
Sympathetically and beautifully read
With a very gracious ending

Well told, gripping story

Thoroughly enjoyable story and super narration . Look forward to listening to more of these As they are perfect to listen to in the car and whilst pottering around the house