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Dark Objects

By: Simon Toyne
Narrated by: Shazia Nicholls
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Summary

‘Count to three,’ her mother told her, the last words she would ever speak.

An Impossible Crime Scene
A wealthy woman is found brutally murdered in the locked fortress of her London mansion. Surrounding her are four mysterious objects, including a book on forensics by Dr Laughton Rees.

An Inescapable Past
As a teenager, Laughton’s life was destroyed after witnessing her mother’s brutal murder. Now a mother herself and forensic analyst, she is an expert on how to read crime scenes – but never works live cases.

An Uncatchable Killer
Pressured by the lead detective to help with the investigation, Laughton begins to realise that the objects left by the body are not just about the victim, they’re also about her. Her childhood was destroyed by one killer. Now she must catch another before her daughter’s is destroyed too.

PRAISE FOR DARK OBJECTS
‘There are times when I read another author’s novel and it’s so darn good I just want to put down my own pen and retire because I can’t match it. This is that book.’ TESS GERRITSEN

‘An intense, compelling page-turner.’ STEVE CAVANAGH

‘The pacing is superb and as the suspense ratchets up you will find it impossible to put the book down.’ PETER ROBINSON

‘A stunning novel! Part wily procedural, part relentless psychological thriller, Dark Objects will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.’ JEFFERY DEAVER

‘It’s intelligent, insanely paced and brimming with fresh ideas – I doubt I’ll read a better book this year.’ M.W. CRAVEN

‘A gripping, action-packed story filled with twists and tension.’ STEPH BROADRIBB

©2021 Simon Toyne (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
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Critic reviews

"There are times when I read another author’s novel and it’s so darn good I just want to put down my own pen and retire because I can’t match it. This is that book. I was riveted, flummoxed and completely captivated by these fascinating characters. The numerous twists kept me guessing all the way through." (Tess Gerritsen author of the Rizzoli & Isles series)

"An intense, compelling page-turner that is perfect for fans of Thomas Harris, from a hugely talented writer on top at the top of his game." (Steve Cavanagh, author of Thirteen)

"Simon Toyne knows his stuff, and in Dark Objects he puts it to excellent use, constructing a thrilling plot driven by intriguing, complex characters. The pacing is superb and as the suspense ratchets up you will find it impossible to put the book down." (Peter Robinson, author of Not Dark Yet)

What listeners say about Dark Objects

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Riveting

Gripping story that kept me wanting to hear more. Toyne is a Genius. Will always read his content

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Excellent listen

Please do more books with Lawton and Tannerhill …this was as good as the first 3 Sanctus books 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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A change of direction

I have to admit to being a fan of Simon Toyne's books and eagerly await the Solomon Creed series. So when I pre ordered this as soon as it showed up as a future publication I was expecting the next Solomon Creed book. This is nothing like his other books and is a murder mystery. It's like thinking you've ordered the next Harry Potter and getting Cormorant Strike.
The sheer quality of the writing and narrator soon have you engrossed. The characters are brilliantly brought to life and you are drawn in. The twist at the end is very unforseen. Really hope this is not a one off and the start of a new series as the 2 lead characters are wonderfully crafted and deserve further use.

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Brilliant first book in a new series

Simon Toyne is a new author to me, but after reading Dark Objects he now has a new fan and I will be looking up his back catalogue.

This is a fantastic police procedural/crime thriller told mainly from the perspectives of Laughton Rees, a university professor who is a foresnics specialist, DCI Tannahill Khan and Brian Slade, a journalist. Interspersed between the chapters are snippets from a WhatsApp group, excerpts from Laughton Rees's book 'How to Process a Murder' , newspaper articles and even a podcast by Caroline Mitchell (that one made me smile!). The book is well written and expertly plotted with lots of twists to keep the reader interested.

Both the main characters were likeable. Tannahill Khan is a hard working, dedicated and thoughtful detective. Laughton Rees is an incredibly complex character because of her background and I loved the relationship she had with her daughter, Grace.

The book is brilliantly narrated by Shazia Nicholls.

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Intriguing

I thought this was a great listen with many twists and turns, would definitely recommend to other lovers of crime mysteries

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Gripping

Really enjoyed this one and hope that another in the series isn’t too far off. Very well read.

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Amazing

What a storyline keeps you gripped to the very last word , best book I've read in a long time

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So needed.

In a mass of crime fiction this stands out. Great plot, thoughtful and well curated characters. Really really enjoyed this listen. Oooh and good narration

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Fast paced page turner

This fast paced page turner novel was a great read with lots of twists and turns. I’ll note the authors name to read another one of his books!

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Loved this

Wow what an incredible book .. first time listening to a book by thus author and by this narrator .. Excellent storyline and narration that kept you gripped .. Time to buy the next book in this series . Highly recommend

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