The Woodcutter

By: Reginald Hill

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

A fast-moving, stunning new standalone psychological thriller – from the award-winning author of the Dalziel and Pascoe series.

Wolf Hadda has lead a charmed life. From humble origins as a woodcutter’s son, he has risen to become a hugely successful entrepreneur, happily married to the girl of his dreams. A knock on the door one morning ends it all. Thrown into prison while protesting his innocence, Wolf retreats into silence. Seven years later prison psychiatrist Alva Ozigbo makes a breakthrough: Wolf begins to talk. Under her guidance he gets parole, returning to his rundown family home in rural Cumbria.

But there is a mysterious period in Wolf’s youth when he disappeared from home and was known to his employers as the Woodcutter. And now the Woodcutter is back, looking for the truth – and revenge.

‘An outstanding novel of force and beauty [which shows] Hill's elegant writing, erudition and imagination' The Times

'He quickly proves he's lost none of his sardonic wit, punch and complexity … You'll be hard pushed to find another crime writer with his verve … Hill uses every trick in his arsenal to elucidate. The result is an epic, unbeatable mystery' Financial Times

'A big, fat mystery which has the enduring power of a myth … Hill proves once again that the driving force of a successful crime novel is character, not incident … The heights of the Dalziel & Pascoe series aside, Hill has never written a better book' Evening Standard

'Reginald Hill's books are as good as crime fiction gets and this one is as good as he gets … A tragic, funny standalone mystery … History is rewritten with brilliant originality and verve. The combination of wit and humanity is characteristic of this most inventive of crime novelists – warmly recommended' Literary Review

'Hill's plotting is brilliant, the jokes first-rate, the prose supple: it's his humble awe at the English language that enables him to be a minor master of it' Daily Telegraph

‘One of the most gripping crime novels of the past few years' TLS©2010 Reginald Hill (P)2010 W F Howes Ltd

Tedious

I downloaded this book to listen to on our 48 hr driving trip. OMG, after 4 hrs we were amazed that we were only a fraction through the book. I took a nap twice during the trip and didn't miss a thing (my husband was still listening). If there is an abridge edition, buy it instead.

YASSSS!!

I have been an audible junkie for a few years now, on average I go thru about a half dozen books a month - and this is my first review - let that speak for itself to begin with..!

Woodcutter is a revenge story, so there are a few scenes & characters created specifically to ruffle your feathers, but that would be my only "complaint" (if you can even call it a real "complaint"). But the protagonist is meticulously written, the metaphors strung throughout are gorgeous and elevate this book above your average suspense novel, and the icing on the cake is the narrator! He was perfectly suited to voice the protagonist and he really won me over with his insane ability to give each character their own voice - if you ever get confused while listening to an audiobook thinking "wait - who is talking right now?" - you won't struggle with that in this book! He has Scottish and Russian characters and they are the exact opposite of other cringeworthy audible narrators you may have heard butchering accents - I just fell in love with his voice & I envision he is a superbabe bada** action hero - basically Jason Statham - who fits the protagonist to a T and who def should play Wolf if they make Woodcutter into a movie (fingers crossed!)

All in all - suspenseful, gorgeous & rich in metaphor, character, & plotlines, and absolutely perfectly narrated. Effing excellent book. Thank you Mr. Hill & Mr. Keeble!! To those reading this review & decide to buy this book - You're welcome.

Outstanding Mystery; Narrator Excellent

Where does The Woodcutter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top. Reginald Hill is a top mystery writer. The problem with his stories is once you start listening to them, you can't stop.

What other book might you compare The Woodcutter to and why?

Normally I would say the Daiziel & Pasco series but this is way different. Sort of a cross between Ian Fleming and Ian Rankin.

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Keeble’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not - my loss. Keeble makes the book come alive. He has the accent and diction to make you feel like you are living the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I would not characterize the reaction as emotional. Rather I think of it as one that holds your interest. For example, the central character likes to rock climb but is an accomplished spy, assassin, and financier. Quite a combination of traits.

Any additional comments?

Once you start listening you will find it hard to stop. I would allow myself several hours to listen once I start the book.

Fantastic!!!! I Highly Reccomend this Read.

Based on several source recommendations and audible reviews I tried this book out and I really LIKE it. After one book, I'm a fan of Reginald Hill and I have some of his other books in my wish list. The author is a fantastic writer of thrillers; especially with so many characters. He can build characters and keep several story lines going. He writes like very few others can with the plots and characters. I haven't even mentioned the twists and turns.

Great READ!!!!!!

WOW LOVED IT!

I would live to see this on a big scene what a great story. So glad I listened. in has everything suspense deceit glamour violence and love. great narration