The Soul of Discretion

Simon Serrailler Book 8

By: Susan Hill

Narrated by: Steven Pacey

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

The cathedral town of Lafferton seems idyllic, but in many ways it is just like any other place. As part of the same rapidly changing world, it shares the same hopes and fears, and the same kinds of crime, as any number of towns up and down the land.

When one day DC Simon Serrailler is called in by Lafferton's new Chief Constable, Kieron Bright, he is met by four plainclothes officers. He is asked to take the lead role in a complex, potentially dangerous undercover operation and must leave town immediately, without telling anyone - not even his girlfriend Rachel, who has only just moved in with him.

Meanwhile, Simon's sister Cat is facing difficult choices at work that will test her dedication to the NHS. But an urgent call about her and Simon's father, Richard, soon presents her with a far greater challenge much closer to home.To complete his special op, Simon must inhabit the mind of the worst kind of criminal. As the op unfolds, Lafferton is dragged into the sort of case every town dreads. And Simon faces the fight of his life.

©2014 Susan Hill (P)2014 Audible Studios

Love the series, love Steven Pacey

I absolutely loved every book in this series, and I loved all the characters, even the ones I hated! I can't wait for the next one. (I just re-listened to this last one.) I've listened to over a hundred audio books and Steven Pacey is top of the list. Fantastic. He set the bar pretty high for all other narrators.

This book is absolutely compelling

Truly, this series keeps getting better and better. This book in particular jumps to the very top of my list. I love these characters, I love the way Steven Pacey reads these characters, and the storyline just keeps getting better and better. I would give this 10 stars if I could

Love this series!

Great story and rich characters. Subject matter in this book was a bit tough at times but author did a great job with giving you info but not so much that you couldn't continue with the story. I love all of the characters and can't wait for the next installment!

The best in the series

Very fast paced, excellent story and reading was also great.
Wish there were more. Looking forward to finding more books by her.

Not for the faint of heart

This book was a bit jarring after reading the previous ones in this series. I didn’t read the synopsis before downloading, and it was difficult to get through. Well written, but covers a different type of case than her other books that was hard to stomach. Fair warning this is not a light read/listen.

Troubling Subject Matter, Excellent Story

This story deals with some dark subjects including child abuse. There are a few violent scenes, which I admit I skipped through. These scenes are less violent and prolonged than many that appear in prime time television these days - I don't watch those either.

These scenes were a small part of the story. As in earlier books in the series. I was caught up in the stories of various characters and the Serrailler family. Some of the outcomes are sad, some are hopeful. Many questions are answered, some are not. .

I hope there will be another Simon Serrailler book. But it seems possible there won't be. If there isn't a new book, I'll be grateful for the eight books we do have. And I expect I will read them again and again.

Stephen Pacey's narration is superb.

Best one so far

This was an exceptional novel. The best in this series do far! A great read.

Execllent book!

What made the experience of listening to The Soul of Discretion the most enjoyable?

I believe Susan Hill is able to draw the reader in with what she writes and Steven Pacey gives it life. As an author she is not afraid of topics often left out for fear of controversy, such as rape, death and dying, etc. I also love the way she doesn't feel obligated to close her books with happy endings for everyone involved, life just doesn't work that way.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Soul of Discretion?

I would love to write something done; however, for two reasons I am unable, 1) I have several memorable moments, and 2) I don't want to give any of the story away - I feel it is that good!

What about Steven Pacey’s performance did you like?

I could listen to Steven Pacey speak for hours! His narration of the Simon series is perfect!

Very entertaining

Any additional comments?

I have just finish the entire series. Great character development. The stories are not the sit on the edge of you seat, but they are stories that you cannot seem to put down. There is always a twist at the end. Definitely recommend all the books of this series

Love, Love, Love

This was the best of all of the Simon Serrailler novels! The writer tends to move slowly, and spend time reflecting on the family and death in previous novels, but not this one! Wow! SOOOOO Good!