Natural Causes cover art

Natural Causes

An Inspector McLean Novel, Book 1

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Natural Causes

By: James Oswald
Narrated by: Ian Hanmore
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About this listen

The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of James Oswald’s gripping new Inspector McLean crime thriller Natural Causes, read by the actor Ian Hanmore.

A young girl’s mutilated body is discovered in a sealed room. Her remains are carefully arranged, in what seems to have been a cruel and macabre ritual, which appears to have taken place over 60 years ago. For newly appointed Edinburgh Detective Inspector Tony McLean this baffling cold case ought to be a low priority - but he is haunted by the young victim and her grisly death.

Meanwhile, the city is horrified by a series of bloody killings. Deaths for which there appears to be neither rhyme nor reason, and which leave Edinburgh’s police at a loss. McLean is convinced that these deaths are somehow connected to the terrible ceremonial killing of the girl, all those years ago. It is an irrational, almost supernatural theory. And one which will lead McLean closer to the heart of a terrifying and ancient evil…

©2013 James Oswald (P)2013 Penguin Audio Crime Crime Thrillers Horror Mystery Police Procedural Supernatural Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Scary Fiction Paranormal Exciting
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I absolutely loved this story. Super scary in parts, loads of twists and turns. Fabulous narration. More more more. I'm downloading the next installment from this exciting author. WOW

Gripping, edge of seat book.

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well narrated. lots of twists with engaging characters.want to get others in the series now

Excellent story

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Is there anything you would change about this book?

More reality less fantasy. I am an avid fan of anything "Edinburgh" and eagerly bought this hoping for lots of familiar locations and a gripping tale, but found it all a bit lightweight and unsatisfying - rather hackneyed and sterotypical unfortunately. Found the "hot weather" references interesting - not a common theme for Scottish novels! Not bad enough to give back, but I probably wouldn't bother exploring the Inspector McLean novels further.

What could James Oswald have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Done without the silly supernatural elements, quite unnecessary and takes the edge off what could have been quite a believable and engaging story.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

I didn't love the narrator, but he was ok. The "demon voice" was just ridiculous though.

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

quite probably.

Any additional comments?

A so-so listen. Engaged me enough to keep going to the end, but not particularly memorable.

Not bad, but silly supernatural elements

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Storyline different and interesting. wtiere writer has a flair for descrptive prose without getting lost in side story detail.

Good plot, well read

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No I’m not all that keen. It was confusing too many names and a silly ening

5/10

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1st class narration. Predictable villain with interesting DNA. Our inspector could inherit a fortune.

Savage and stunning; but compelling listening.

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Great narration, very enjoyable. nice turn on the standard mystery. good series looking forward to the next one.

Great read

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enjoyed the unusual twist this murder story had to it, look forward to hearing more of DI McLean!

murder with a twist

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I was always keen to get back to listening to the story. Well written and well read.

Anticipation

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really enjoyed this and look forward to the rest in the series. Narrative was well executed with enough personality and tone change to distinguish characters without being OTT fake acting.

excellent plot characters and narration.

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