The Circle

By: Peter Lovesey

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Widowed van driver Bob Naylor is prodded into joining the Chichester Writers' Circle by his teenage daughter. Bob writes limericks and jingles, and fears he will be out of his class amongst the literati. But the members of the circle come from all walks of life and practice many forms of writing, from fantasy to household hints. There seems to be nothing about any of them to incite a serial killer. However, there is an arsonist in their midst, burning his victims to death, and Bob becomes a suspect. To clear himself, he must cooperate with formidable Detective Chief Inspector Henrietta Mallin.

©2005 by Peter Lovesey. All rights reserved. (P)2010 BBC Audio

Classic whodunit, outstanding performance

Lovesey tells a good, old-fashioned mystery with humor, great character development. Very engaging narration from Prebble. I'm definitely going to listen to more.

perfectly crafted cosy mystery

expertly narrated and wonderful storyline all while crafting a surprising plot. this what Thursday murder was aiming for, but fell very short.

It took awhile to get into it.

After a slow start, I finally developed enough interest in the story to stick with it, and then I really enjoyed it It was a good mystery filled with odd characters and red heret, and the end surprised me I think a major reason I enjoyed it was Simon Prebble, who is one of the best narrators around

many twists and turns..

That was another great Peter Lovesey book. I have read all of the Detective Diamond books and they were great. I hope this is another series. He brings to life such wonderful characters and tells such wonderful mysteries. I love both the stories and the humor. Everyone that enjoys a mystery will enjoy any of Peter Lovesey's books.

I plan to listen to another by this author

I don't know if any of the characters will carry over. Some of these characters are surprisingly selfish.I will look for book two.

Interesting plot

Mr Lovesey has introduced some interesting characters involved in a plot that
leaves you guessing till the end.

Intriguing from start to finish. surprise ending.

very entertaining, full of twists and turns. well developed characters. The ending was unexpected. watch for it.

fun

great story, fun and easy to fallow. good narration. I enjoyed the entire book.

Love Hen!

I have listened to all of the Diamond books and the Hen series promises to be just as good. I thought I had it figured out and I was wrong!

Simon Prebble is my favorite narrator by far and I could listen to him read books forever!

Nice mystery--witty and a bit old-fashioned.

What did you love best about The Circle?

I liked the dry, sardonic wit with which Lovesey writes. His characters may sometimes be caricatures but rather deliciously so. Bob Naylor, one of the primary characters, is particularly effective.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Circle?

I liked the illustration of aspiring authors and their sad franticness.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

He has an excellent voice--I love British accents.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I carefully allocate my Audible reads to when I am working out at the gym. This one motivated me to work out longer, which is always a plus.

Any additional comments?

I am a rather old-fashioned lover of the Golden Age of Mystery novels. I believe that Lovesey writes in that style. I will be buying more of his books.