Couldn't stop listening

What did you like most about The Long Drop?

The narrator is brilliant.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Isabelle Cook's dad's evidence in the dock.

Any additional comments?

Never sure if I agree with mixing true facts with fiction. The fictionalised version tends to get established as 'fact' along with the rest. So, in this version, Watt is guilty of arranging his family's murder, whether that's true or not. I am also not sure how much of Manuel's parents' stories/characters were true, and how much made up. That aside, this is an addictive listen and an insight into a time and place.

4 people found this helpful

Disturbing story

David Monteath is a great narrator, which is why I bought this book, and that Denise Mins is a great writer, but this is a disturbing story, all the more so because it is true. I tried, but could not finish it.

2 people found this helpful

Bleak time

Very well narrated but this was a bleak time in Glasgow. It is an interesting story but I wasn't a big fan of the flashback nature of the telling.

2 people found this helpful

Confused

Some good moments of character insight but failed to connect to a meaningful storyline. I kept wondering how the detailed thought processes that were explained were relevant to the narrative. In the end I couldn’t really follow the plot development and gave up. The narration was excellent though.

2 people found this helpful

Superb Book.

Great narration, Great writing. Will listen to more of her books. Thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely Recommend !!!

1 person found this helpful

Usually enjoy Denise Mina but not this time

Struggled to finish. Long winded story about nothing much really. I love books by this author but feel let down by this one.

1 person found this helpful

The first Scots serial killer

I remember Manuel as the bogey man of my early childhood. Scotland is a wee count and these particularly gruesome crimes preoccupied the press and public. Not a straightforward novel but then the murders weren’t either. Well written and well narrated. The ending is well known but official documents of the trial are still unavailable, though it was widely reported at the time.

repetitive and muddlled

The narration was excellent, you felt the malevolence of Manuel, the sheepishness of his mother, the threat of violence from many of the men. However I struggled with all the flashbacks and repetition. I kept thinking I had skipped back to earlier chapters as so much of the narrative was almost identical. not up to Minas usual standard. but with a listen for the excellent performance.

Heavy going

Although beautifully written this goes on and on. Having to give up as life is too short and I just don't care enough about the characters to find out what happens.
Such a shame as I loved the Alex Morrow stories.