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  • Natural Causes

  • An Inspector McLean Novel, Book 1
  • By: James Oswald
  • Narrated by: Ian Hanmore
  • Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (201 ratings)

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Natural Causes

By: James Oswald
Narrated by: Ian Hanmore
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Publisher's Summary

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

What listeners say about Natural Causes

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not bad, but silly supernatural elements

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.

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4 people found this helpful

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

Great read

This is an exciting find. I am looking forward to listening to the rest of the series. The narrator is excellent and it was a great story with good characters. I like the moral tone of a caring thoughtful protagonist who has friends and the potential for a relationship. There has to be a bad copper in there as a foil,but he is a bit of a clown as well as being a bully . N o gratuitous sex scenes is a big thumbs up for me and difficult scenes of gruesome murder handled well. I loved it.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good plot, well read

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

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

A good read

it all went very until it started to get rather far fetched and unbelievable. its saving grace was well read and well written.. A waste of talent for an obviously good writer.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Anticipation

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

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

excellent plot characters and narration.

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed

Police procedural with a touch of the supernatural which made this a bit different and enjoyable. I will be listening to others in this series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A Gem!

Great dialogue, character development, a plot splashed with oodles of occult gore, and best of all , a real storyteller as a narrator.

I normally listen to my audiobooks at night prior to sleep but this one had me racing ahead and listening througn the day. A very subtle romance too without a speck of gushy crap!

Worth every cent.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

5/10

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Gripping, edge of seat book.

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

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