• The Blackhouse

  • By: Peter May
  • Narrated by: Peter Forbes
  • Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,114 ratings)

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The Blackhouse  By  cover art

The Blackhouse

By: Peter May
Narrated by: Peter Forbes
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Publisher's summary

From acclaimed author and dramatist Peter May comes the Barry award-winning The Blackhouse, the first book in the Lewis Trilogy - a riveting mystery series set on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland's Outer Hebrides.

When a grisly murder occurs on the Isle of Lewis that bears similarities to a brutal killing on the mainland, Edinburgh detective and native islander Fin Macleod is dispatched to the Outer Hebrides to investigate, embarking at the same time on a voyage into his own troubled past.

As Fin reconnects with the people and places of his tortured childhood, the desolate but beautiful island and its ancient customs once again begin to assert their grip on his psyche. Every step toward solving the case brings Fin closer to a dangerous confrontation with the dark events of the past that shaped - and nearly destroyed - his life.

©2013 Peter May (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"A gripping plot, pitch-perfect characterization, and an appropriately bleak setting drive this outstanding series debut." (Connie Fletcher, Booklist, starred review)

"A thriller with an intensity that never slackens, chilling and igneous at the same time, like the great country that serves as its setting. A masterpiece indeed." (L'Humanite)

"Abundant local color... matches Macleod's tormented emotional landscape. The struggles of such multidimensional characters... add depth." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

What listeners say about The Blackhouse

Average customer ratings
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great story but troubling

Story ends well but a lot of sadness and man's inhumanity to man and emotional pain.

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Stunning work

I’ve listened to hundreds of books. This ranks as one of the best. Incredibly atmospheric. Wonderful character development and a cracking good who done it. What more could you ask for? Can’t wait to dive into more by this author.

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fantastic!

fabulous. I was in Scotland for about five weeks this year and it was so wonderful to listen to a narrator that was Scottish.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Compelling mystery, family saga

Very enjoyable. Not crazy about bird killing but skipped through and loved the book as a whole

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Beautiful descriptive landscape

The poetry of Peter May's writing was irresistible. "Life went by in a flash like a bus on a rainy night. You had to be sure it saw you and stopped to let you on"

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    5 out of 5 stars
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So well written and so well read.

I found myself on Google maps following along on this wonderful journey. I can't recommend this book strongly enough.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Another gem found!

I have a difficult time finding a good book, and I am always so pleased to find a gem. This book does not disappoint! I loved it from the very beginning. Excellent characters, story line, twists and turns. I can’t wait to start the second book in the series.

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great book for a long drive

The story keeps the listener engaged completely. Time on the road flew by. Exciting and we'll developed story and characters.

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The Blackhouse is as good as it gets

If you enjoy suspense, fascinating characters, psychological complexity, beautifully described scenes, and first rate writing, you have to read this masterful book by Peter May. This is as good a book about crime and detection as I have ever read. Or rather, listened to, the narration as well as the writing is superb. I am eager to dive into the next two books of the trilogy.

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Excellent Listen

Having visited the Isle of Lewis I enjoyed the accuracy of place amidst a beautiful tragic story excellent in the telling!!

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