Songbird

Kings Lake Investigation Series, Book 1

By: Peter Grainger

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 15 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

"He saw a bare arm first, the hand palm up with fingers curled inwards. Then he stopped and took a few breaths. He could hear the two constables making arrangements before they separated, one saying he'd bring the other some tape from the car, and then it was just the summer morning quiet again."

Detective Sergeant Chris Waters got the call at 05.29 that July morning. This is it, said DCI Reeve, you'll be first there, it's all yours, you're the crime scene manager. Suddenly, after months of waiting and wondering, Waters finds himself in at the deep end, and alone at the scene of a puzzling murder.

As the investigation proceeds, the detectives at Kings Lake Central find themselves visiting familiar places and talking to some familiar faces, while old enmities reappear in the incident room. Before this is over, Chris Waters will need to make a career-changing decision, and another member of the CID team will find herself facing an unexpected challenge. And Smith? Gone but not forgotten? Surely, he would say, you cannot write me off with a worn-out cliche like that....

©2019 Peter Grainger (P)2019 Tantor

A Great Listen

I’ve listened to all the available DC Smith series and liked them. This “spin off” is excellent and I will certainly be looking for the next one. Everyone who listens to audiobooks knows the narration can make or break an audiobook. Gildart Jackson is spot on.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED!

I'll be honest with you, I was more than a little concerned with the ending of the last book And I honestly debated on whether or not to start the new series without D.C. . I mean, to just carry on without my all time favorite characters of all time. I didn't think my heart could take it. But, I just love these books, so I gave it a go. And I'm so glad I did. I'm a happy girl!!! And I'm so looking forward to this next series!

Longwinded, but very good story

I've listened to the first in the series with DC Smith, and felt the same there... it's a very good listen, but a very slow build. Once I got into it, i was hooked, but i found myself getting frustrated early on with all the side thoughts, and meandering "maybe he thinks this... or maybe that..." ramblings. The crime scene work alone was pretty tedious and drawn out too, and i wasnt sure i was going to last... but once i got accustomed to the pace, i found myself really enjoying the story and the characters. I'm not sure i could listen to all books using this pace, but every now and then, yes, i'll probably come back to this series.

Like Peter Granger? Then You'll Like Songbird!

My headline says it all. Well maybe not everything. Notice the 15 stars I've given another thoughtful Grainger book IN THIS SAGA! And this is an extension of the DC Smith novels which you MUST BEGIN WITH "An Accidental Death".

Yeah I know this is the first in the Kings Lake Investigation Series. Which everyone who's literate in Grainger understands is a marvelously clever ... even a cunning way... of seeing to it that this ensemble continues to grow despite... well, now that I've read Songbird I have the answer every reader of "A Private Investigation" desperately seeks. Yep... the answer's here and I will be shot before revealing it.

Oh, Gildart Jackson's almost as important as Grainger in creating this ensemble for me. I cannot imagine another voice pulling off what Grainger's done here. Yep, this is thoughtful Brit mystery at its best. Still, if you don't treat yourself to "An Accidental Death First" you will wind up totally pizzzzed at yourself (and reasonably confused at the way this plot is supported by all that came before}.

The only problem I've got is that after binging my way through the Grainger saga to this point... there's only one more right now "On Eden Street" awaiting me... and then I've got to wait, what? A year until there's more? Damn! Regardless I'm off to download Eden ... That's how much I'm enjoying all of this.

Short & long views on Peter Grainger & Songbird

First, the short version. If you are thinking about purchasing this novel, or any other book written by Peter Grainger, do so. I can assure you that you will not regret it.

Now for the longer form version. I’ve waited for some time to begin this book. As always with Mr Grainger, it was exquisitely written, and just as perfectly narrated by Gildart Jackson. To explain my hesitation, I have to return to the last book in the series, “A Private Investigation”. This will contain a spoiler regarding the last novel, so be warned.

By chapter four of “A Private Investigation”, I’d already begun a full-on review, noting the many times I’d smiled or laughed aloud, or when a particular line or paragraph just completely floored me. That’s how good Mr Grainger is, and he wields his craft with such grace and precision. These aren't action-packed novels, but pieces of art, in terms of storylines, fully-formed characters and situations. These wonderful books are so full of authenticity and truly come to life in Mr Jackson’s capable hands.

However, I was so completely caught off guard by the ending of “A Private Investigation” that I never got around to reviewing it. I don’t typically write reviews, and never long ones, but Mr Grainger’s talent is such that I want to share his work with others, so I try to always write a short review to encourage others to buy his books. But I was so disconcerted by the (apparently fatal) attack at the end of the book...I must’ve looked like someone ran over my dog. Even days later, I was thinking, “But what about Jo Everson?” “ What about poor Chris & Serena? Maggie & John? DCI Reeves? Hell, what about poor Charlie & the Irish family who didn’t even know the rest of the story?” I must admit to being in a bit of a state.

So I waited some time to delve into Songbird. I’m very glad to have done so, as the story is that much sweeter for it. I would’ve liked a bit more about Jo & DC, & was sorry about Chris’s love life, but look very forward to the next steps in this corner of King’s Lake. Hats off, again, to both Peter Grainger & Gildart Jackson, for outstanding work on all fronts.

A+

Fantastic start to what appears to be a new Kings Lake series. Peter Grainger narrated by Gildart Jackson is a true treat.

Although not technically necessary, strongly suggest reading the first series for full backstory.

Highly recommend!

good "read"

my first book by Peter Grainger. really liked the story, just enough twists to it. once I got used to his voice I really liked the narrator. plan to listen to more in the series

Spoiler Alert!

Ah! Can't keep a good man down! So glad Smith is okay and doing well to boot! Waters is great, Freeman is great. LOVE this series and CANNOT wait for the next installment!

Excellent start to a new series

Thank you for keeping Gildart Jackson as the narrator. Continuing on with DC Smith's team after his retirement is a stroke of genius! All your fans - and DC's fans -are, truly thankful, I'm sure. As much as I want to hear more about the new "Freeman" murder squad, please keep DC Smith's new life in the storyline. As a retiree, I can share with you that it's nice to know your life's work is not entirely forgotten once you step out of employment into a new phase of life.

Songbird

by Peter Grainger, narrated by Gildart Jackson
This is the sequel to the DC Smith series I enjoyed so much. This series—The King’s Lake Series—features DC Chris Waters, the once fledgling detective whom Smith taught so much about detective work. This book was every bit as compelling and enjoyable as it’s predecessor, I’m happy to say. I actually found myself cheering the team on as they solved their next murder post DC Smith. Great job, Mr. Grainger. As usual, Gildart Jackson’s narration knocked it out of the park