The Harvest Man

Scotland Yard's Murder Squad, Book 4

By: Alex Grecian

Narrated by: John Curless

Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad - and Jack the Ripper - return, in the extraordinary new historical thriller from the author of the acclaimed national best seller The Yard. In The Devil’s Workshop, London discovered that Jack the Ripper was back, sending the city - and Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad - into chaos. But now it is even worse. Not only is the Ripper still at large, but so is another killer just as bad. For Inspector Walter Day, it has been a difficult time. His wife has given birth to twins, his hostile in-laws have come to stay, and a leg injury has kept him at his desk. But when the Harvest Man begins killing, carving people’s faces off their skulls, the Yard knows they need Day in the field. Not so Sergeant Nevil Hammersmith.

Rash actions have cost him his job, but that doesn’t stop his obsessive hunt for the Ripper. When the mutilated bodies of prostitutes start turning up again, Hammersmith enlists the help of a criminal network to stop Saucy Jack, his methods carrying him further and further from the ideals of the Yard, so far in fact that he may never be able to find his way back.

Of course, the Ripper’s been playing a game with him - with Walter Day, as well. He is pushing both of them to their limits, and what happens when they get there...no one can say.

©2015 Alex Grecian (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Hard to put down

Not going to say a lot because none of my reviews have been "helpful". There has to be a fifth book to come and I will anxiously be looking forward to it.

The Harvest Man

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. This series has become more disorganized as it has progressed. I think it's time for Mr. Grecian to take a vacation and decide what he intends to do with this story.

What was most disappointing about Alex Grecian’s story?

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series. By the third book, Mr. Grecian started moving into a story line that was still somewhat enjoyable but becoming more difficult to understand and/or believe. The Harvest Man is so unbelievable and disorganized that I could only listen in short segments. I did finish the book because I wanted to be fair to Mr. Grecian, but he only dug the hole deeper. I was totally depressed by the time I heard the end of this book. I have no idea what Mr. Grecian intends to do with the rest of this story but I doubt I'll spend anymore money or time to find out.

What about John Curless’s performance did you like?

I have always enjoyed listening to Mr. Curless's performances and this was no exception.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

Feel Cheated

I loved this series but feel cheated at the ending of this book. If an author cannot write a story good enough to keep readers wanting more the author should do something else. This is a cheap cliffhanger ending on par with " it was all a dream" type writing Makes the main character weak and no more than a pawn to try to sell the next book. I am incredibly disappointed in Mr. Grecian.

Alex Grecian does it again!

Excellently crafted tale once again, this is a fantastic series each book building on the prior. Well rounded characters, brought to life by the narrator in such vivid colour. It takes a great talent to be able to voice so many characters with such variety. Too many audio characters are nearly indistinguishable from each, not so here. The only solace to take from the cliffhanger ending is that it promises a continuation of the story. I for one will be eagerly anticipating it's release!

Now the series is too graphic

I really enjoyed the first couple books in this series. I thought The Devil's Workshop became far more graphic, and this one was just too graphic for me to enjoy. I'm sad since I loved the characters and their simplicities. But I am not interested in continuing the series if this is the direction they are all going.

Another Good Listen

A lot of loose ends in this one, and one serious cliff hanger at the end.

My biggest issue with this novel is not knowing the Harvest Man's back story. He's an interesting villain but I want to know what made him.

Narration by Mr. Curless as usual, was brilliant. No complaints.

I definitely want more from these characters, especially Mr. Hammersmith and Dr. Kingsley. I really enjoy the period and atmosphere of these stories.

Grecian is a great author

He clearly has done extensive research for his novels.
His characters accurately reflect the 1880's in London
and his plots are complicated and interesting. He keeps
me interested and guessing throughout.

This is a great series.

Another great book. I love the characters, particularly Saucy Jack. He is SO CREEPY and fascinating.
The narrator was good, but not great, but it didn't detract from the story.
Just so you know, this book ends in a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book.

boarong

boaring confused comleately waste of time.
the only good thing in it was the nerator.
I can not undersatand nor belive it got the 4 stars it claimed it deserves.

I love this series, getting pretty dark but good

I have listened to the entire series in less than a month. The author is amazing and creative. The history and the scenes that are painted for you make it feel as if you are there. Each book seems to be getting a bit more dark and graphic. I don't mind as much as I thought I would. The narrator in the first 2 books was wonderful and this narrator is pretty good as well. Not sure why they switched half way through the series.
This book is great but a couple of things seemed a little far fetched, I understand that it is just a story and not real life but still. I still enjoyed it.