A Breach of Security

By: Susan Hill

Narrated by: Steven Pacey

When a bunch of neo-fascist thugs named The Bulldogs attack a Gay pride march in the sleepy country town of Lafferton, detective Simon Serrailler moves quickly to find the assailants. He’s already got his hands full making security arrangements for a memorial service to honour soldiers returning from Afghanistan. When anonymous threats come in, Serrailler wonders if the Bulldogs are behind these too - and worries that they know the Prince of Wales will be in attendance. As the day approaches, the threats intensify, and Serrailler finds himself racing against the clock to prevent catastrophe.

Susan Hill has won the Whitbread, Somerset Maugham, and John Llewelyn Rhys prizes, as well as being shortlisted for the Booker Prize. She has written 55 books in several genres, including the ghost story The Woman in Black, the play adapted from which is still running in London’s West End after 25 years. I'm the King of The Castle has been a GCSE set text. She has also published collections of short stories, fiction for children, several nonfiction books and the highly successful crime novel series about the detective Simon Serrailler, who features in a short story here for the first time. Her new novel, The Soul of Discretion, is the eighth in the Serrailler series, and will be published by Chatto and Windus in October. Susan Hill is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a Fellow of King’s College, London, and was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Honours of 2012.

©2014 Susan Hill (P)2014 Audible Studios

It was ok

I had no prior expectations for this book because I had never heard of the author before. It was ok. Not bad but not entirely entertaining.

THE BULLDOGS

NEO-FASCIST THUGS
Do not get confused, this is not about fascism, gays or even bad guys. This is a great look into what police departments go through these days, when there are public parades, etc.., and bomb threats. Every bomb threat has to be taken serious, even if it seems false. The police do not take sides, they have to stop threats before they happen. We always hear about when the police get it wrong, but not when they get it right (and I am not saying they get it right here). The bad guy only has to strike once to be successful, the police have to cover everything, all the time and when successful, no one even knows.

I only gave the story three stars, but still believe this could be an eye opening listen to many people. It is free and only an hour and half long.

You'll like it.

Great narration. Nicely written. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

Too Short

Nice story but way w at to short. Not a book but a short story.

engaging

this story is well written and well performed on the audio. the story is engaging and moves quickly and keep you wondering what will happen next. the ending is satisfying and complete.

A Great Intro to Susan Hill and Steven Pacey

I went on a spree of under $2 shorts and this was the cream of the crop. The story is a nice little thriller and the performance is exceptional. Well worth the money and has caused me to buy more of Hill/Pacey

Good Listen

It was a good quick listen if you miss a part rewind and play back every part it necessary.

Oh my! Good short story.

Good short story. Unexpected end. Interesting policeman talk amongst themselves. I enjoyed (right word?) the story but.....

Great short story

I like the characters in this Susan Hill series. this little story is a nice addition to the full length novels.

Quick Interesting Mystery

I enjoyed this novella mystery and would like to read more of the series.

Serrailler is a detective who takes his work seriously. He is focused on duties planning security for an upcoming memorial service at which the Prince of Wales is expected. Serrailler isn’t happy to have to investigate a gang of neo-fascists who call themselves The Bulldogs after they attack participants of a Gay Pride march. Then threats are received regarding the memorial event. Are the attacks and the threats connected? Can he and his coworkers keep the Prince and soldiers safe?

I enjoyed this very quick listen. The story is well written with enough character development and story plot to make it interesting. There is a glimpse of Serrailler's off duty time as he tries to relax with his sister and one of his nephews. I like Serrailler as a character and appreciate this chance to sample the author’s work. There is a bit of swearing that I don’t like but that is not unexpected in police, crime thriller genres.

Audio Notes: Steven Pacey provides solid narration. As the story began I double checked the narrator as the accent made me think of a (different) famous British actor. Pacey makes the story even more realistic with expressions of exasperation, disdain and frustrations totally fitting the setting and characters.