A Snowball in Hell

By: Christopher Brookmyre

Narrated by: Kenny Blyth

Simon Darcourt, an inventive killer with a sense of humour, is creating his own celebrity talent show, one that is generating more publicity than its contestants have ever had in their lives. The catch is that those lives won't be very long.

The police turn to Angelique de Xavia, a cop who has crossed his path before. However, the police are not the only people who want Darcourt. Now she's faced not only with tracking him down, but also with the task of ensuring she doesn't end up dead once she's served her purpose.

Scared and alone, Angelique knows she's got a snowball's chance of pulling this off, which is why she's going to need a little magic...

©2008 Christopher Brookmyre (P)2009 Isis Publishing Ltd

Critic reviews

"Brilliant and hilarious." ( Guardian)

Typical Brookmyre with a great villain

Simon is one of the most entertaining villains I've had the privilege to encounter. The "good guys" pale in comparison. I came into this without having read the earlier books, but I don't think I missed much there. Fun read, and I do enjoy a book where you're rooting for the villain, even if he is a bad, bad man.

Gory and fun, with a heart, too.

Would you listen to A Snowball in Hell again? Why?

Yes, the narrator was very good. The story compelling and if you're a music lover you will enjoy the scathing assessment of the music industry.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, there were many twists and turns and several compelling story lines to follow.

What about Kenny Blyth’s performance did you like?

Kenny Blyth's true Scottish accent helped bring the book to life. He was easy for this Yank to understand even while listening in the car.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed a lot! I also gasped and winced at some parts. Some parts are not for the faint of heart, but the story is great wicked fun.

Any additional comments?

I visited Scotland last summer and picked up a Christopher Brookmyre book at the recommendation of a book shop owner in Elgin, where my father's family came from. I asked for some crime fiction by an author an American might not be familiar with. From our conversation she deduced I would enjoy something with black humor and she was right. If you like Carl Hiaasen or Christopher Moore this will be a fun listen for you.

More Brookmyre, Please

I have been a fan of Mr. Brookmyre since first hearing "A Tale Etched In Blood and Hard Black Pencil." I was enchanted by the dark humor, the clever phrasings, the twists, and the juxtaposed sentimentality. I have since listened to all his audio books I could lay my ears on.

Most have been narrated by Kenny Blyth, who does a spot-on job; providing a suitable range of voices (many in winsome Scot brogues), and an impeccable delivery of Christopher Brookmyre's wonderful ironies. Here again the narrator does not disappoint.

The book itself is is excellent. While I was able to suss many of the twists, that did not dim them; and there were plenty that escaped my anticipation. The characters are all engaging, and even the villain is intriguing and entertaining without becoming a sympathetic anti-hero in the end. Kudos.

I have rated this book at five within the genre, rounding it up. Audible could do worse than to add more of his books to their digital shelves.

Out-bleeping-standing!!!!!

Loved the story. Loved the fact of an antagonist that is deranged but also a guy you can’t help but root for. Some neat twists and turns but nothing mind-blowing. But still overall a very entertaining story chalk full of very interesting characters. This show could easily be an HBO or BBC hit drama series. Elements of 007, Now You See Me, Black Mirror, and the Ocean’s movies. Typically I would assume it’s just a try-hard looking to capitalize on other success material. But not this story. Author was excellent. And the narrator gives a five-star performance. The sample can make it sound cheesy potentially. But trust that it’s worth a credit. And an hour in you’ll already be planning your day around being able to continue listening.

ridiculous

Violent, implausible, thoroughly enjoyed it! Demented take on social issues. A very warped social commentary. I don't care still found it funny, offbeat and kinda funny in a dark bleak way.

Worth a second listen!

This was a fun, sinister, twisted, romance-with-a-kick, listen. I already gave this a second listen in case I missed any of the nuances that are woven throughout. Great author, excellent performance.