The Book of Souls: An Inspector McLean Novel, Book 2

I bought this having bought the first in the series and really enjoyed the story and especially the supernatural elements. It kind of reminds me of Stuart MacBrides Logan McRae although not as vivid. I enjoy the character of Tony and supporting characters. The next book has not been released yet and there are some loose ends not tied up so hopefully they will be cleared I will definitely be getting the next book and would really recommend the series.
I felt the narrator was very clear and did not distract from the story.

It was always going to be a big test for James Oswald to follow up on the excellent opener to this series. It's one I think he passes with flying colours and he doesn't pull any punches with another hard-hitting novel. This one puts a slightly higher emphasis on the supernatural element. Fortunately he doesn't make the mistake of neglecting his well rounded characters which were such a strong element of the first book. They are further developed and the lead is put under some intolerable pressure, hounded at every step of course by his less than perfect boss, Dagwood.

What brings these books up to five star status though is the narration by Ian Hanmore, he and Oswald are a marriage made in heaven. Hanmore's cultured Scottish accent literally purrs through descriptive text, chills to the bone when required and yet raises itself handily for some of the lighter moments.

So, an author and a narrator both of whom are well worth watching out for have created a genuinely immersive audiobook experience!

One strong recommendation on this series would be to read them in order. I think you could enjoy them individually but enough of the storyline is continuous to make it worth starting at the beginning.

Bravo Messrs Oswald and Hanmore!

I enjoyed this book where we are reunited with Inspector McLean and his team. The narration by Ian Hanmore is quietly hypnotic and draws you right in.
There are more grim murders and without giving anything away several novel twists with a paranormal spin.
The reason I gave this 4 instead of 5 stars overall was that I felt that the plot was slightly samey in one or two places however this did not stop my enjoyment of what is becoming a good series.

Gripping, intriguing and exciting.

As usual Mr Oswalds talent for writing shines through again. The story is dark and at times quite gruesome. Can't wait for book 3!

Ian Hanmore is totally brilliant as a story teller, the ease with which he goes from one character to another is mind blowing. A very talented man.

A must see!

I highly recommend all James Oswalds books. Start at book 1, obviously! You won't be disappointed.

A really good plot- kept me listening into the wee hours when I should have been asleep!

His previous one of the series- also a good listen.

I really enjoy Ian Hanmore and actually seek books read by him

Too many as one is really a part of everything.

I will continue to listen and seek books in this series.One gets fond of the characters.

following from the first book it was easy to switch into the main character and then absorb the new story line

the ghost like element to the story which was also present in the earlier book

made the characters come to life in a way that fitted the Edinburgh scene

many smiles

I listen to the book walking the dog and when driving long distances. I really enjoy the audio experience

Definitely: a story that is very compelling, filled with frustration,confusion love and Loss. Oswald tells a story that Is true to the crime genre with the touch of the supernatural weirdness.

Natural causes as this is the sequel book, inspector McLain is featured again still presumed by his job, death, therapy and Dagwood.

Lived the narrator the accent brought the story alive

The effect of the fires on the inspector

A great story line which really rings true

Obviously the Inspector McLlean

One is brought into the story as if one was there. He transmits the events and you image straight away the characters

Could be true but hope not

Only critism was that in this second novel nothing was mentioned about the large inheritance that Inspector McLean had received in the first novel. A little strange.

Though I enjoyed this book, it was too similar to the previous one and has some loose ends. With so many things happening, you would hope that there would be a bit more urgency and interest in solving the cases! I hope any more books in the series have some new ideas.

I'm glad I returned Mclean's Edinburgh police station.
Anderson the 'Christmas killer' is dead (his wife's murderer), so why are women turning up around the city with their throats cut, and laid naked in running water, the exact same method as before?
In this sequel you see the stalwart Mclean is close to cracking, put under intolerable pressure, trying to come to terms with Kirstie's death, and having to work thorn in the side 'Dagwood', who at every turn belittles and goads Mclean.
This has even more of a supernatural flair than the prequel, a solid storyline, with dark under currents it made me want to find out more.
Although it's a full story there's questions left unanswered which means I will be hot on the heels of book three which I hope will come out soon.
The strength of this book is the characters, the weaker side did it have to be so very sombre, the light relief when it came was always very welcome..
Still fast becoming a fan of this author..

Wonderful narration by Ian Hanmore, I can't imagine anyone else playing Mcleans character,