The Headhunters

An Inspector Hen Mallin Investigation

By: Peter Lovesey

Narrated by: Susan Lyons

Recipient of the British Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger, Gold Dagger, and Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement, Peter Lovesey has also won Anthony and Macavity Awards for his splendid mysteries. In The Headhunters, an innocent discussion about killing the boss leads friends Gemma and Jo into real-life murder.©2008 Peter Lovesey (P)2008 Recorded Books,LLC

Critic reviews

"Lovesey is a master." ( Washington Post Book World)

maybe one of lovesey's best?

fellow Lovesey readers, while I have followed Peter Diamond for years of happy listening, this Hen Manning story seemed more "deep" in character, plot, and general stimulation. Maybe the Diamond world was limiting for Lovesey's skills and a new canvas to paint on stimulated new depth? Great thriller experience alongside the inventive detective mystery Lovesey always spins.

Good story; flaws in the recording

I recently discovered Peter Lovesey and am enjoying his books very much. This was a good second chapter in the Hen Mallin series. The narrator did a good job, but the recording editor, not so much. There are overly long pauses in some places, but more annoyingly, none at all in some places where there needed to be a transition. Still worth a listen if you enjoyed The Circle.

Surprise ending

It was too long but this author likes to creating a very large back story, very interesting characters . It was a lot of conflict and an absolutely surprising end. I may listen to more of his books. The narrator was fine. .

Another Enjoyable Peter Lovesey Mystery

This was the first Hen Mallin mystery although I've read several Peter Lovesey books. Enjoyed it. Ms Lyons did a great job reading it.

Unusual Clever Plot

The characters including the lead detective are not terribly attractive but the writing and performance are strong. The mystery has plenty of red herrings although final solution was are little farfetched.

enjoyed this one very much

i’ve listened to most of peter lovesey’s books. this one was one of the most fun. really enjoyed it. the narration was very good and easy to listen to.

Great performances

The narrator is wonderful. The story a bit long but cleverly woven together…a nice cliff hanger when it comes to figuring out whodunit

complex storyline w interwoven characters

A fine Lovesey mystery ... I have read most Lovesey novels and have enjoyed the Hen Malin character. This, the second featuring Hen, spends good time developing the characters and is well done, especially her fellow police. Simon Prebble is a fantastic, favorite reader who voices most Lovesey novels, but I enjoyed Susan Lyon's performance here very much. And her voicing of Hen gives a differentiation from other Lovesey characters (Peter Diamond) who I hear as Prebble's voice. Lyon's performance is excellent, easy, clear, lively, and engaging.

most enjoyable

First off, the narrator was excellent. They could make a break a book, no matter how good it is. The author was very good about keeping who done it till the very last moment. They was a definite possibility of who could’ve done it, so the suspense was very good.  I would recommend this book to anyone I think it would appeal to all ages.

I struggled with this one

I really like Peter Lovesey and was eager for this one.

OK So let's get this straight. The four main characters are in their mid 30's to about 40. Why do the younger women sound like teenagers, like catty Mean Girls? I can't handle the narrator. I've struggled to get through this book. I only stuck with it because I like Peter Lovesey. It's been a struggle. I never liked the actual killer's character and I suspected the character from early on as I felt the character was a tad psychotic. Turns out I was right.

If I had to do it again I would actually READ the BOOK to get away from the narrator. Still the younger women sound like catty mean girls.

My recommendation, read the actual book to get away from the narrator. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more that way