The Diggers Rest Hotel cover art

The Diggers Rest Hotel

Charlie Berlin, Book 1

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The Diggers Rest Hotel

By: Geoffrey McGeachin
Narrated by: Peter Byrne
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About this listen

Two years after witnessing the murder of a young Jewish woman in Poland, Charlie Berlin, ex-bomber pilot and former POW, has rejoined the police force a different man.

While he is investigating a spate of robberies in rural Victoria the body of a young girl is discovered and Berlin’s pursuit of her killer reveals that the war has changed even the most ordinary of people and places.

©2010 Geoffrey McGeachin (P)2010 Bolinda Publishing Historical Fiction Fiction

Editorial reviews

After World War II, young police detective Charlie Berlin fights off post-traumatic stress disorder. While on a murder investigation, he stops at the Diggers Rest Hotel. The body of a young girl appears in the back alley, and Berlin must tear apart this small-town world to get to the bottom of this heinous crime. Australian actor Peter Byrne embodies this tough but self-doubting detective. His serious tone suits postwar Australian themes. Fans of this engaging audiobook will be glad to know that it is the first of the Charlie Berlin mysteries.
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Loved the story and the telling of it. Look forward to the next in series

Very very good

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loved the narration. the story is a well paced drama and so aussie. worth a listen. some of the detective's hunches come out of left field and you're not sure how he got there but overall a great start to a series

Great Australian humour

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Having been delighted by Geoffrey McGeachin previously I looked forward to his latest yarn. This one has all the dry Aussie wit skillfully inserted into a great story. It provides a vivid picture of life in post war Wodonga and it has a cast of not so many that its difficult to follow. However this story is marinated in ex-servicemen and some of their issues, not so different today as they were over 80 years ago - if you care. It's not what I expected, but I couldn't put it down and it's poignant ending inspired thought.
The yarn contains some text that will trigger the snowflake generation bent on being offended on behalf of others despite it's historical accuracy. Maybe a dose of real life is just what the doctor ordered and they could learn something - but I doubt it. They are not equipped by modern education to think critically.
To the men and women in uniform who have served me, and my flag, I will do whatever I can, no matter how small, to repay my debt to you. To that end I say; while we equip our defense force to withstand bombs and bullets in parlous conditions, they are defenseless against bureaucracy and treacherous citizenry...

Insightful ... but the Snowflakes won't get it...

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This was an exceptional book. The characters and situations were realistic and it was fascinating portrayal of post-war Australia. The reader has a good voice but at first he sounded like he was doing a voice-over for a documentary. He improved as the book went along though and I think he'll do an even better job in the future. I am looking forward to listening to the next book in the series and hope there'll be many more.

Realistic slice of Australiana

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Very good author have enjoyed his books so far. well narrated, well delevoped plot 6
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diggers rest hotel

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McGeachin's stories are new to me even though he's a local Victorian author. His writing superbly captures iconic Australian characters (and rural landscapes) of the post-war WWII era. In his first novel about DC Charlie Berlin, McGeachin paints a believable portrait about a veteran battling what we know as PTSD. The character is endearing in a tragic scary way, who somehow manages to effectively solve the crimes whilst battling his 'demons', alcoholism and prejudice. He is ably assisted by a sharp young country PC and an outrageous (for the time) female reporter (Rebecca) who becomes his love interest. There's lot's of good Aussie humour and action mixed with tragedy and despair of the period.
The only disappointment with the book was that it ended too soon and we are left wondering about what happens next and in particular whether Charlie and Rebecca could make something more permanent of their relationship. I'm looking forward to the sequel, which interestingly is 10 years on in Berlin's life.

Most enjoyable

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I have binged Geoffrey s books In a week
And if you like an exquisite Australian yarn they don’t come much better
Highly recommend

Dr blacke on steroids

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Well described story of post WWII regional Australia. The lead character is an interesting fellow. Looking forward to listening to more in this series.

A Classic Tale

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Enjoyed the tale and enjoyed the references to authentic Australian ideas and products from the late 1940s. Great story which was even better when told by this narrator. This was my second McGeachin book and I'll be looking for more. Anything by this narrator must be worth listening to. Yes, I really did enjoy this audiobook.

Crime story with an authentic Australian theme

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I've read the book and was looking forward to listening to it, having read & listened to McGeachin's previous novels - previously all read by Peter Hosking. Sadly a change of narrator for this novel hasn't worked well, with the narration wooden and difficult to listen to.

Terrible narration

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