The Summons

By: Peter Lovesey

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

The third Peter Diamond investigation.

John Mountjoy has escaped from prison and kidnapped the chief constable's daughter. The only person he'll parley with is Detective Peter Diamond, who arrested him four years earlier for the murder of a young journalist. Mountjoy, who still maintains his innocence, has a simple request for Diamond. All the detective has to do is find the real killer and clear Mountjoy's name, and the hostage will be free to go. But in the intervening four years, the trail has gone cold and memories have turned hazy, making the hunt for the killer even more complicated the second time around. Will Diamond get to the bottom of the cold case before another life is lost?

©1995 Peter Lovesey (P)2017 Recorded Books

Clever

Another interesting, clever book! I love the characters and the intriguing stories. Keep up the great work! I see there are 17 titles in this series. I'll be getting all of them!

Hard to pause for breaks

This series just gets better. The narrator is superior. And the writing is succinct and witty. The plot is plausible. Highly recommended.

Midsummer-esque Mysteries

I came across this gem of a series looking for books by my male narrator crush Simon Prebble (female narrator crush, hands down, Rosalyn Landor). These whodunnits keep me guessing until the very end. When I think I know, I find out not only didn’t I know, but was I way off. I love the dry wit, intelligence and angst of the main character, Detective Peter Diamond. I don’t mind that he’s fat or described as unattractive…after all just about every heroine in the romances are described thusly. I wish more of them had his same attitude about it, actually (meaning self acceptance without being downtrodden or an easy target of viciousness or self pitying or, or, or). I like Diamond’s average, man on the street-ness and commend the author for not writing another clichéd drop dead gorgeous, skirt chasing or bed hopping detective. ****PRIVATE NOTE TO PETER LOVESEY: I’ve just discovered your series and know I’m way behind, but I hope you kept Diamond’s wife around and from all the Stephanies of the world, thank you.

Decent enough 

Lovesey does come up with interesting crime stories. I would rate this was worth my time. Simon Prebble is a great narrator. Not perfect, but pretty great! 

Great narration

Loved facts about Bath, the attention to detail. Could relate to reluctance to embrace computers.

best story so far

lots of twists and turns a tremendous amount of suspects and then in the end a pretty good whodunit. good performance on the audio and a worthwhile read.

Love Diamond mysteries!

These Mysteries are the best. and Simon Prebble is amazing as udual!! I highly recommend this series!

Clever

I’m really enjoying this series and plan to read all the books in order.

Here in book three, a prisoner (Mountjoy) escapes and demands the detective (Peter Diamond) who originally put him away reopen the case. Problem is, Diamond is a civilian now.

The book has several plots. Was Mountjoy innocent of the murder he was convicted for? If so, can this murder case be reconsidered and solved? Can Diamond and his former superiors put their animosity aside to rescue a hostage and avoid a shootout?

The various scenarios all come together in a satisfying and very clever conclusion.

I liked Simon Prebble’s voice and narration.

Intricate and Human

It is very unexpected to begin a story from inside a prison. The unraveling was equally as unexpected as the root of it all was several years past. Library’s writing coupled with one of the finest actors reading…Simon Prebble

Almost didn't read, but glad I did!

After the lackluster second novel in this series, I didn't plan to read another. Fortunately for me, I ran out of good novels to read and decided to give Mr. Lovesey another chance. I'm glad I did.

This novel is exciting, thoughtful, and an example of excellent police work. The main characters are charming, likeable, and intelligent, and the villains are excellent and completely believable. Against nearly impossible odds, Peter Diamond sets out to solve another mystery and succeeds in thrilling fashion. I cannot give higher praise for a novel and highly recommend it!

Upon completing this novel, I immediately rushed to my audible account and bought the next book in the series. The only disappointing news I can report is that the next book in this series is not read by Simon Prebble, who I think has done an outstanding job over the first three novels. My only consolation is that Simon Prebble returns later in the series to resurrect his role as narrator.

If you liked either of the first two novels in this series, I think you'll love this one. Enjoy!