The Lewis Man

By: Peter May

Narrated by: Peter Forbes

In The Lewis Man, the second book of the trilogy, Fin Macleod has returned to the Isle of Lewis, the storm-tossed, wind-scoured outer Hebridean island where he was born and raised. Having left behind his adult life in Edinburgh - including his wife and his career in the police force - the former Detective Inspector is intent on repairing past relationships and restoring his parents' derelict cottage. His plans are interrupted when an unidentified corpse is recovered from a Lewis peat bog. The only clue to its identity is a DNA match to a local farmer, the now-senile Tormod Macdonald - the father of Fin's childhood sweetheart, Marsaili - a man who has claimed throughout his life to be an only child, practically an orphan. Reluctantly drawn into the investigation, Fin uncovers deep family secrets even as he draws closer to the killer who wishes to keep them hidden.

Already an international bestseller and winner of numerous awards, including France's Prix des Lecteurs du Telegramme, The Lewis Man has the lyrical verve of Ian Rankin and the gutsy risk-taking of Benjamin Black. As fascinating and forbidding as the Hebridean landscape, the book (according to The Times) "throbs with past and present passions, jealousies, suspicions and regrets; the emotional secrets of the bleak island are even deeper than its peat bog."

©2014 Peter May (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"As good as its superb predecessor...not only a good mystery, but also a moving and evocative portrayal of a place where the unforgiving weather is matched only by the church's harsh patronage." (Laura Wilson, The Guardian)

"May is a masterful story-teller. He skillfully combines pathos and the themes of identity, lost love and family ties to create an exciting, page-turning thriller." (Laura Wurzal, The Irish Examiner)

"In mood and texture, Peter May's novels, set on the Isle of Lewis, are essentially Nordic, and he bears comparison with some of the best writers from those cold desolate climes...the plot throbs with past and present passions, jealousies, suspicions and regrets; the emotional secrets of the bleak island are even deeper than its peat bog." (Marcel Berlins, The Times)

Just Wow

What a great listen. Wonderful performance of a complex and engaging story. Enhanced by wonderful settings.

Great read

Thoroughly enjoyed
Great introduction to the island and its people
Can’t wait to read next one

Thoroughly enjoyed this

Good character building, and follow through from book one. Suspenseful, surprises! The country came alive in the telling.

Excellent

A great continuation of the saga with the same amazing narrator. Highly recommend for all types of readers.

Just as engrossing and satisfying as book one

It bothered me for half a minute that the author used the same device of internal dialogue as in book one. But I was quickly seduced by the evolving story and enjoyed every minute. The narrator’s delivery improved also. The bonus of local history was pleasing also.

Compelling stories and narration

I read the three Lewis books several years ago, but didn’t remember much about them, except that the settings and stories were fascinating. This narrator really brings them to life, switching seamlessly among the accents and points of view of the characters. I am especially awed by how effortlessly he speaks the Gaelic names - they are unpronounceable to me. Some parts were just too sad, and I was glad to fast forward past them.

I Loved this trilogy.

Peter May did a wonderful job writing this book. I really enjoyed Peter Forbes reading it.

Just Excellent

This is book 2 of a trilogy. Complex interwoven plot. Excellent fully developed characters with detailed view of rural of Scotland. And of course murder.
I’m ordering book 3.

Better than Black House

Peter May is such a gifted writer. He describes the scenes so well you can see them in your mind's eye. It's easy to picture yourself there. The dementia scenes are hauntingly heartbreaking but written so well. The narrator does an excellent job with the characters,male as well as female.

Best of the 3 book series

A good job of portraying dementia in the context of a story of several subplots.