The Necessary Deaths: 1

The Delingpole Mysteries

By: David C. Dawson

Narrated by: David C. Dawson

Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

A young man. Unconscious in a hospital bed. His life is in the balance from a drug overdose.

Attempted suicide or attempted murder?

British lawyer Dominic Delingpole investigates, with the help of his larger-than-life partner Jonathan McFadden. Compromising photographs of senior politicians and business chiefs are discovered.

Is the young man a blackmailer?

Dominic and Jonathan uncover a conspiracy that reaches into the highest levels of government and powerful corporations. Three people are murdered, and Dominic and Jonathan struggle for their very survival in this gripping thriller.

©2019 Mr. David C. Dawson (P)2019 Mr. David C. Dawson

GREAT MYSTERY

David C. Dawson brings a re-edited version of “A Delingpole Mystery” starting with “The Necessary Deaths”. He introduces the readers to Dominic Delingpole, Jonathan McFadden and a variety of interesting characters and a complex mystery to go along with them.

Dominic Delingpole is a small time lawyer, with mostly rural county clientele and some large corporations. He by no-means deals with criminal law. He’s shy, mild mannered and tries to keep his life as low-keyed as possible. He lives in Oxfordshire and has a long distance lover in Jonathan McFadden, who lives in Lewes. Dominic isn’t closeted but he’s very cautious when it comes to being in public.

Jonathan McFadden, landscape gardener, actor and singer is Dominic’s lover of two years. Although, both men seem too have wandering eyes, Jonathan is very much in favor of an open relationship. For Dominic an open relationship is not his flavor but he tolerates the situation with Jonathan because he truly has feelings for him.

When there’s a commotion outside Dominic’s apartment door he finds his neighbor, Mrs. Gregory, in distress and learns of her son who has been hospitalized. Samantha Gregory calls Dominic to watch her apartment, but he sees an opportunity to go to Brighton and have a chance to visit Jonathan. In accompanying Samantha to the hospital he meets John Fraser one of Simon’s housemates. Inquiring about Simon, Dominic learns that Simon is studying journalism and media studies, John is studying biochemistry, Gemma is studying English and Jay is a postgrad in pharmacology. John is adamant that Simon doesn’t do drugs and was never suicidal. As Dominic get’s deeper into this mystery he finds there’s high profile individuals involved and it’s more that just photographs and a data chip that has brought danger to them all.

I first read “The Necessary Death’s” when it was published in 2016. I have to say I really enjoyed the re-edited version just as much and even more. David C. Dawson creates a puzzle of a mystery, where a few characters get involved to help solve it. As MC’s: Dominic gradually steps out of his comfort zone in the way of danger. But for Jonathan, he became overbearing and very pushy when it comes to his and Dominic’s relationship. I became difficult in seeing Jonathan and Dominic as a couple.

Dawson also delivers an abundance of characters that peaked my interest from: Simon and John and Jay. Gemma who ways very special. Barrister Miles Torrington and Samantha Gregory. Steve, is an outstanding addition to the storyline. He’s not what he seems and is a wizard with technological expertise. Last but not least, the Natural Family Association and the most diabolical villains, Viktor Krasov and Janet Downpatrick.

There is also, an AUDIO version of “The Necessary Deaths” and is narrated by David C. Dawson himself. Dawson presents this novel in a clear and precise speaking voice with an excellent pace and captures the emotions of every character. There’s also a voice distinction where each character is concerned. Dawson took a chance narrating his own novel but I’m glad he did. I hope he continues to narrate “A Delingpole Mysteries”.

Narration deserves particular commendation

Authors narrating their own fiction can be a hit or miss propostiton, but this author is a superb narrator! I notice that this is his only narration title in Audible but I sincerely hope he continues to narrate his own books and even considers putting himself up to narrate for others. I also enjoyed the story very much and look forward to this becoming a series. I love dark corporate/government conspiracy books and this one which begins with the question of whether a young man's overdose is attempted suicide or attempted murder pulled me right in. I liked the two main characters, but they both need a good knock upside the head to get them to talk more to each other and settle their relationship in some more permanent, stable and healthy manner. I am not sure the way they are left in this story that I would be totally optimistic about their relationship's long term potential. This for me is an HFN novel, not really a HEA one. That should not at all discourage you from listening, however, if only to meet a new narrator I am sure you will adore.

Entertaining listen

The author really does a great job narrating this and the story is fun and intriguing but there is a lot happening and sometimes it gets a little muddled here are there with so many characters that aren't really fully explained what purpose they serve. My other issue here is with the MCs and their relationship It just never warmed for me. I am intrigued enough to give the next in the series a try and this isn't usually my cup of tea but I did enjoy the listen.

painful, boring,

now I know why this was free. the narrator drones on like cspan. don't play in the car, you could get hurt

Quite enjoyable

I thoroughly enjoyed this one from a new to me author! It was well written and certainly held my interest! It read kind of similar to a Patricia Cornwell novel which I happen to also enjoy. I definitely want to read more from this author in the future and he did a great job narrating his own novel!

Intoxicated with love

Murder mysteries are usually hit or a miss for me. But I really couldn’t resist going a go at this book after that mysterious and intriguing blurb. And I have to say I wasn’t disappointed at all.

When young people dabble in using drugs, there’s usually something much bigger hidden underneath. And that is the case with a young student when he ended up at the hospital with the apparent case of OD. Is it really a suicide as they say or is it a murder to hide the sinister intentions? When the amateur detective/lawyer got dragged into this whole mess by trying to help his neighbor who’s the mother of the overdosed student, he soon found out that perhaps he had bit off more than he can chew.

I truly like the interactions and the strong relationship between Jonathan and Dominic. While solving the whole mystery, Dom has to figure out a way to find a balance between his and Jonathan’s different views when it comes to sex and relationship. It was exciting, interesting, fun and packed with action. Ok definitely looking forward to next audio on the series. The narrator is new for me but I think he did a great job with his performance. I enjoyed it.


4 Intoxicated with love stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️




Audio rating

Story - 3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Narration - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved Dawson's Narration!💗

The Necessary Deaths
MMy Thoughts and Review:

This is my second read by Dawson, and it took me by surprise in the most delightful way. The last book I read was a gentle romance inside a romance, and it glided along like a gentle brook over sand and warm pebbles. The Necessary Deaths was more like a white water rafting adventure that you knew was going to end in a free fall down a waterfall's edge.

A Lawyer, Dominic is awoken in the night by a noise outside his door. When he goes to investigate, his neighbor, Samantha, is being roused from an unconscious state on the floor by a police officer. Another officer informs him she passed out after receiving news her son attempted suicide while away at college.

From there the story is like a swirling dervish of mystery and intrigue. Dominic finds himself turned amateur private-eye as he and his long-distance partner, Jonathon, try to unravel the mystery surrounding the young man in a coma in the hospital. His mother and his roommates do not believe he has attempted to kill himself. They feel something more sinister has happened, and as small pieces of the large puzzle start to come into Dominic's possession, he begins to question things too. He feels he can't trust anyone, but is that reality or is he slipping into paranoia...why are the coma patient's (Simon) friends being followed by police and other unknown people.
So much is happening and Dominic is falling into this rabbit hole right along with Simon and his friends. Dominic and Jonathon are not prepared for this, so when people start being murdered, and people in high political places start playing a role, Dominic thinks this could be the end.

Let me just add, I am a HUGE fan of BBC and ACORN mystery and crime dramas and dramedies. So this story ticked every one of my happy boxes! I loved that David narrated the book himself. He did a smashing job! I loved every bit of the mystery and political intrigue. Even the "baddies" in their own bigoted and hypocritical way were good at being bad.

I thought Jonathan was the perfect (sometimes a little too perfect) balance to Dominic. Jonathan and Dominic have a poly/ open relationship. They love each other, but because of distance, they keep things open between them, Jonathan more so than Dominic. I loved the mother Samantha and her dedication to Si. She knew without a doubt her son was innocent, and she fought like a momma bear. As a momma bear myself, I could completely relate to her character.

I felt Dawson did an amazing job portraying the "humanness" in his characters. Dominic made mistake after mistake, because he was a lawyer, not a detective, even if his heart was in the right place. The roommates tried with all their might to do the right thing, but they were still kids battling experts who had years of experience in murder and deception. It came off as real, awkward interactions would. No superheroes, just everyday people fighting for justice. I loved that!

For anyone who loves a good mystery or crime drama filled with flawed characters working together to make right what should have never been labeled "wrong," you will enjoy this audio-book.

The Story: 4.50🌟
The Narration: 4.50🌟
Sharonica Stars: 4.50🌟

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from GRR in exchange for a review.☔

Terrific narration

I wanted to get into this story so hard, but it just didn't capture my attention like I'd hoped. Honestly, the boyfriend, Jonathan, made me so mad during the entire story. He was constantly seeking attention from anyone and everyone.

I thought the author did a brilliant job with the narration! I absolutely would love to hear him narrate more!

Interesting listen.

I didn't know what to expect with this story but I am glad that I did. I like that this pulled me in right into the mystery. This has twist and turns that definitely kept me in interest in this story. I also like the narration of this story. It is interesting that the narrator is also the author and I think he did a great job.

Interesting. Intriguing. Ingenious.

I am glad I took the chance and listened to The Necessary Deaths as I enjoyed the interesting plotline, twists, mystery and banter of this tale.

David C. Dawson did a good job narrating the story he wrote . He is new , to me , as an author and narrator.

#Audible #ListenedOn2020 #BooksILike #GRR #DavidCDawson #TheNecessaryDeaths #KindleFire #Amazon

Erratic

The premise sounded good, but the narration and actual editing of the audio left a lot to be desired. There were repeats of passages, errors in names, and lack of skill with the delivery of the narrative. I applaud the effort of the writer to bring his work into being, but feel it could benefit from a professional narrator and editor.

The actual story irritated me; I felt Dominic deserved so much better treatment than he got from Jonathan. We teach people how to treat us and what we'll tolerate and that's just what we'll get unless we stand up. Dominic needed a slap. Although the author is English, the story is set in England, it seems to be aimed at an American audience.

I did not finish this book.

Absolutely Dire. Not worth a single star.

I am truly amazed that Audible allowed this book to be on its platform. I would not have given it any stars but could not continue with a review if I had not awarded a star.

It written in an appallingly awful childish manner. My 7 year old grandchild is more eloquent than this author. The reading by the author is simpering and giggly at times. A gay friend who listened to part of it said he thought it was 'Embarrassing'. I have read books with gay characters before and have not been irritated by them or found them difficult to accept as part of a story, we live in enlightened times. In this case the simpering, unnecessary references to ripped muscles and gorgeous features on virtually every male encountered in the so called story are just pathetic. It was so bad that I have only listened to half of it.

Audible you really should remove this book and author from your platform, it does you absolutely no credit to encourage this author to continue - he should go back to school and learn how to write decently and never read a book in public again.

Perfectly delicious cosy British mystery

This is a new to me author and narrator.
I absolutely enjoyed it.
As a fan of British mysteries, this was spot on.
Wonderfully engaging and thoroughly compelling characters with conspiracies abounding and unusual plot twists and turns that kept me completely invested and guessing until the last minute.

Interesting story

This was a very interesting story. I quite enjoyed the multiple point of views as they added a lot of depth to the story. I quite liked Dominic, he was a great man, very upstanding. He was sweet and in a way, safe. I had a little more trouble with Jonathan and their relationship. But their interactions were very entertaining. The plot was very interesting and had many twists and turns. The narration was great and really gave cadence and life to the story.

Awesome

I really enjoyed this audiobook.
It was a great story.
I can't wait to listen to more of this series.

Impressive

This is the first audiobook I have listened to where the author narrates his own story. I read somewhere that this is a definite no! Let me tell you...in this case, it isn't. The story is professionally narrated in a clear, crisp voice with excellent timing. The different voices used for characters all work to bring them to life.

This is also the first book I have read/listened to by David C. Dawson and I am very impressed. The plot is quite in depth, despite a lightness that pervades the novel. That isn't to say that there aren't some very serious moments, though. I particularly love how the excitement is built up by quickly changing between scenes and characters.

The secondary characters are all well-crafted and essential to moving the story along. No superfluous hangers-on here.

I will definitely be looking out for more by this author.

Great storyline

This is the first time I have read/listened to something by this author. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. There are a few twists in the story that kept me on the edge of my seat.

It took me quite awhile to get use to the narration of the book but once I got use to the narrators voice I found it quite an enjoyable listen. I will be looking out for more from this author.

Wow!

Dawson does an enjoyable self narration of his book. His ability to spin this tale was gripping and full of interesting twists and turns. Although he is a new to me author, I found his writing to be thrilling and thought provoking. This book truly kept me on the edge of my seat and I cannot wait for more!

Intrigue, conspiracy and twists!

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.25 stars
🔥🔥 Heat Level: 2
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 4

Intrigue, conspiracy, and twists!

I wasn't sure what to expect and this story has it's ups and downs but once the "case" became more in-depth I was enthralled. Conspiracies left and right. This is a twisted and unusual read with a wide range of characters, POVs and an in-depth mystery that is dangerous, incredibly complex and surprisingly puzzling.

I enjoyed the twists and turns and while it could be complex and even confusing it held me until the end. I did love Jonathan and felt he was the perfect character to inject some wit, humor, and lightheartedness into an intense and even tragic story. I still had a few questions at the end but I kind of liked that in a way because this is NOT a cop mystery so the fact that they didn't have the rock hard facts in the end kind of made sense.

This was my first book of David's and I'm intrigued for more. Good narration too!

A Very British Mystery

Enjoyable mystery, which, whilst has an unusual plot with a twist and engaging characters set in Oxfordshire, Brighton and London, I felt it was really let down by being narrated by the author himself.
It’s always a difficult decision to make, financial being a huge consideration, but it it rarely works out in my opinion.
Whilst the author has a pleasant voice, he made the story sound very “jolly hockey sticks” and way too cringing for my liking, but that is just my personal opinion.
I really am looking forward to the next book in the series with perhaps another narrator?