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  • Dead Man in a Ditch

  • Fetch Phillips, Book 2
  • By: Luke Arnold
  • Narrated by: Luke Arnold
  • Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (43 ratings)

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Dead Man in a Ditch

By: Luke Arnold
Narrated by: Luke Arnold
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Publisher's Summary

Fetch Philips has nothing left to believe in. Which is why he's surprised when the people of Sunder City start to believe in him....

Rumour has it that Fetch is only one who can bring magic back into the world. So when a man is murdered in a way that can only be explained as magical, Fetch is brought in on the case. A case which just might unearth things best left buried....

This sequel to The Last Smile in Sunder City follows the adventures of Fetch Phillips - a character destined to be loved by fans of Ben Aaronovitch, Jim Butcher and Terry Pratchett's Discworld.

©2020 Luke Arnold (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK

What listeners say about Dead Man in a Ditch

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  • Overall
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Great story but not a fan of the writing style

This was an interesting listen for me. I’ve never disliked and liked a book soo much. The main character and the writing style grated on me but the story kept me listening. Before I knew it I’d finished the first and listened to the second. I’m even now starting the third. I’m summary worth a listen to branch out from the mainstream.

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Meatier than the first but just as good

The second novel in the series definitely had more to it. There's higher stakes, more characters, more complexity and moving parts. The first book gently introduces you to the world with a tight, self contained little mystery, and this one dives you straight into the deep end. I feel like Arnold is getting comfortable now, not afraid to have a lot going on at once. Fetch didn't get a moments rest in this one. I felt the length in this book, while the first one whizzed by so easily, but that is by far not a bad thing. I for one enjoy taking a deeper dive into Sunder, being introduced to the politics, the struggles, the other big players in a city so alive. I look forward to watching Fetch insinuate himself with more confidence and self surety he's slowly been building up. He's making choices now that cut him from his past and his ghosts. It's great to see that growth.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it!

Luke Arnold’s world is just as engaging as it was in The Last Smile. His narration and performance of the characters is excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great story

lovely character development and underlying lore. loved the old style Raymond Chandler vibe mixed with science fantasy. Beautifully written

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  • May
  • 22-02-2021

Captivating

It takes quite an exceptional talent to hold my full attention for eleven hours. Brilliant.

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  • Rowan Daly
  • 14-10-2020

What a broken boy is Fetch!

Amazing second book from Luke Arnold. talented actor, written and narrator. He is honing his craft rapidly and his level of fitness is suprisining for a debut series from an author. the world grips you, the characters stick to you and the story holds your emotions hostage and your moral compass is completely tested. I await the next installment eagerly!

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5 people found this helpful

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  • Bevy
  • 11-08-2021

Disappointing

I had to force myself to listen to the end. Some good story Ideas but Fetch is such a depressing character that it’s hard going.

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2 people found this helpful

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  • Angry Cumbrian
  • 05-10-2020

Dropped off Abercrombie for this one.

The first one was a fine listen and the second picks up the story and gives it a hefty twist to conflict and guilt and drives it home deeper, when the past is resurrected.

A clever take on fantasy, steampunk and urban fantasy, and mashes them into a growing brew of discontent, guilt and several mysteries.

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  • Anita Kelen
  • 02-09-2022

Even better than the first

Even better than the first. Be forewarned though - it will probably make you cry.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • Abby
  • 30-07-2022

Doesn't quite live up to 'The Last Smile...'

If you enjoyed the first book in the series then there is plenty of the same here but for me it doesn't fulfil the potential of the world building from the previous story. It felt like some of the drama and consistency of this particular tale was sacrificed in order to keep things running over into the next book. Small cliffhangers and overarching themes can be good for keeping interest running through a series of novels but keeping too much back risks spoiling the current book.

In addition to this problem was the development of the main character. It sounded like Fetch had gone from dark and brooding to gloomy and whiny and it became very irritating. Guilt and introspection are fine at the right time but there was far too much self pity and it nearly made me give up on the book a couple of times. It also made me think twice about getting any further entries in the series.

Narration the same good quality as the first book; clear reading, good range of voices and characterisation. The author does a good job of bringing his story to life.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • Ross Hunter
  • 20-04-2021

magical

brilliant sequel and well read. throughly enjoyed this book and look forward to next one.

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  • Sally L
  • 18-04-2021

melancholic but with a hint of hope

Great urban fantasy noir, with a main character always in search of a redemption he doesn't think he deserves. Opposing forces seek to claim or reclaim the world and both want Fetch for their own purposes. Which side will he pick? Or maybe, just maybe, he'll forge his own path to the future.

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  • Anela Anne
  • 11-01-2021

Great Adventure

Not quite as many crazy metaphors and similes as the first book? But still plenty to give this adventure its voice only the author can bring. I’m hooked on Fetch’s mutilated character now. Hopefully there will be a 3rd instalment some day. One that brings back the magic. All of it.

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  • Simon. M
  • 18-11-2020

Superb narration powers a compelling story ...

Absolutely loved this book (and the previous volume). Luke Arnold does a magnificent job in bringing his own characters to life, he manages the author/narrator transition as well as any I've heard. A great storyline built on an interesting premise leaves lots of scope for future work, which, based on the strength of this, I will absolutely buy!

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  • Meriel
  • 12-11-2020

Fantastic!

Really loved these books. Listened to both really quickly! What am I going to do with myself now!?

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