Ratking

Aurelio Zen, Book 1

By: Michael Dibdin

Narrated by: Michael Kitchen

A powerful industrialist, Ruggiero Miletti, is kidnapped. Inspector Zen is transferred to Perugia to take over the case - but finds that there are many obstacles in his way. The local authorities see him as an interloper, and the victim’s family, one of the most powerful in Italy, seem content to let Miletti languish in the hands of his abductors. Zen has crossed swords with the establishment before - and lost. Can he succeed this time?

©1988 Michael Dibdin (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Narration fabulously enhances a fantastic book.

The narration complements the underlying story to such an immense extent, that one wonders how gripping the tale would be with a different reader.
Kitchen's lugubrious style helped to capture the central character's personality and also, helps paint the scenery that surrounds the action.
Between the author and his orator, this production conjures amazing imagery of the characters and their locations, both of which intertwine a thoroughly gripping mystery.

Michael Kitchen is quite good.

Expecting Chief Inspector Foyle from Foyle's War TV show I was pleasantly surprised at Michael Ktichen's versatility. He is really quite good. The story is a little confusing in parts but what murder mystery isn't? Aurelia Zen takes a little time to warm to but by the end of the book, he is like an old friend that you love to see. The writing of Michael Dibdin is nice and refreshing. I hope the complete series comes out and it would be nice if Michael Kitchen does the honours. A good book, a good listen, a good piece of work. Worth the listen to, especially late at night whilst you are driving home with nothing to bother you like traffic or your passenger wanting to 'talk'.

Good story poor delivery

The story is well crafted however an Italian detective novel narrated in a British accent is off putting.

A little too jaded

This could be brilliant. Zen is likable and drily humorous and quite clever. Unfortunately the author is quite determined to shock with his cynicism. If you ignore that it’s a good mystery and ends well. Worth a listen.

Great Narration

Would you listen to Ratking again? Why?

Perhaps

What did you like best about this story?

Zen. And Kitchen reading him.

Any additional comments?

I saw the Zen series and Kitchen in Foyle. That's why I bought the book. I like Kitchen's voice. He got into Zen's character and personality really well. Great Job!!!