Watchman Audiobook By Ian Rankin cover art

Watchman

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Watchman

By: Ian Rankin
Narrated by: Roger Allam
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About this listen

 Bombs are exploding in the streets of London, but life seems to have planted more subtle booby-traps for Miles Flint. Miles is a spy. His job is to watch and to listen, then to report back to his superiors - nothing more. The job, affording glimpses into the most private lives of his victims, appeals to Miles. He doesn't lust after promotion, and he doesn't want action. He wants, just for once, not to botch a case.

Having lost one suspect, with horrific consequences, Miles becomes too involved with another, a young Irishwoman. His marriage seems ready to crumble. So does his home. But Miles is given one last chance for redemption: a trip to Belfast, which quickly becomes a flight of terror, murder, and shocking discoveries. Can the voyeur survive in a world of violent action?

©1988 Ian Rankin (P)2003 Orion Publishing Group Ltd. Crime Fiction Espionage Mystery Police Procedurals Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives

Critic reviews

"Intriguing to compare it with [Rankin's] Rebus books. It's less introspective, but still a must." (Glasgow Evening Times)
"This is a biting and superbly wrought thriller that will enthrall." (Waterstones Books Quarterly)
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Ian Rankin's novel of spies and surveillance officers is engrossing, and Roger Allam reads it perfectly. There is humour, drama, pathos and excitement as we learn how surveillance work impacts not just on those who perform it, but their families too, and how a normal stake out can reveal something way beyond any expectations. The main character, Miles Flint, is a high level MI5 officer, brought vividly to life by Rankin's writing and Allam's narration. For those who love Allam's work, this is a must (especially when he adopts a Scottish accent). For those who love the Rebus series, this is an early Rankin novel, which is engaging and entertaining. Highly recommended.

An excellent piece of espionage fiction

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Thankfully he is a prolific writer! And the thing that lifts the experience into the truly sublime is Roger Allam narrating - his voice and command of accents is pure pleasure.

HIGHLY recommended.

My first Rankin book - won't be my last!

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