• Watchman

  • By: Ian Rankin
  • Narrated by: Roger Allam
  • Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (8 ratings)

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Watchman  By  cover art

Watchman

By: Ian Rankin
Narrated by: Roger Allam
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Publisher's summary

Bombs are exploding in the streets of London, but life seems to have planted more subtle booby-traps for Miles Flint. Miles is a spy. His job is to watch and to listen, then to report back to his superiors - nothing more. The job, affording glimpses into the most private lives of his victims, appeals to Miles. He doesn't lust after promotion, and he doesn't want action. He wants, just for once, not to botch a case.

Having lost one suspect, with horrific consequences, Miles becomes too involved with another, a young Irishwoman. His marriage seems ready to crumble. So does his home. But Miles is given one last chance for redemption: a trip to Belfast, which quickly becomes a flight of terror, murder, and shocking discoveries. Can the voyeur survive in a world of violent action?

©1988 Ian Rankin (P)2003 Orion Publishing Group Ltd.

Critic reviews

"Intriguing to compare it with [Rankin's] Rebus books. It's less introspective, but still a must." (Glasgow Evening Times)
"This is a biting and superbly wrought thriller that will enthrall." (Waterstones Books Quarterly)

What listeners say about Watchman

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An excellent piece of espionage fiction

Ian Rankin's novel of spies and surveillance officers is engrossing, and Roger Allam reads it perfectly. There is humour, drama, pathos and excitement as we learn how surveillance work impacts not just on those who perform it, but their families too, and how a normal stake out can reveal something way beyond any expectations. The main character, Miles Flint, is a high level MI5 officer, brought vividly to life by Rankin's writing and Allam's narration. For those who love Allam's work, this is a must (especially when he adopts a Scottish accent). For those who love the Rebus series, this is an early Rankin novel, which is engaging and entertaining. Highly recommended.

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My first Rankin book - won't be my last!

Any additional comments?

Thankfully he is a prolific writer! And the thing that lifts the experience into the truly sublime is Roger Allam narrating - his voice and command of accents is pure pleasure.

HIGHLY recommended.

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