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Land Rites by Andy Maslen Narrator: Steve West
Series: Detective Ford #2
Published by Thomas & Mercer on April 8, 2021
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 350
Format: eARC
Goodreads
Amazon
After a dog walker discovers human remains in a badger sett in the idyllic Salisbury countryside, DI Ford is called in to lead the ensuing murder investigation. When a second victim turns up in a nearby pond, Ford is determined to find the connection.
Both victims met their fate near the sprawling Alverchalke Estate, ancestral home of a decorated war hero and his family. One was a dogged eco-activist and vocal critic of Lord Baverstock. The other was a petty criminal and poacher, youngest brother of a notorious local crime family. Certain that there’s more to this case than trespassing, Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes race to find the hidden link.
Still consumed by guilt over his part in his wife’s tragic accident and struggling to raise the teenage son, Ford now finds himself losing control of the investigation.
I started this Detective Ford series, because Steve West was narrating, but a British police mystery is a favorite genre as well. The main character is a single dad, who lost his wife in a tragic accident. He has felt considerable grief and guilt. Now six years later, Ford has a teenage son and a promotion. In my head, Steve West is the main character although I am pretty sure the character is older than him.
I love the layers in the writing. The world building has the police force with its detectives, forensic teams and gun squads. There is both political and personal developments. Ford has a female partner who he respects. The new forensic team member has Asperger’s. His direct boss is also a woman and he knows how to present information for her. He works well and appreciates all these women. Interestingly the men on the team are more problematic with one going through a divorce and one wanting to do more than his experience warrants.
The case of two murders has a number of problems. Firstly, it runs up against the aristocratic class being witnesses or suspects which is politically tricky. Then one of the victims is the younger brother of some local toughs who want to take matters into their own hands. Plus it seems like there is someone in the department leaking information to the suspects / witnesses.
Ford is also still dealing with his guilt over his wife’s death. Now his son Sam wants to go climbing for a school trip and since that is a factor in his wife’s death, he is uncomfortable. But he does a great job of looking at the evidence and trying out all the theories without regards to politics or class issues. It’s a complex and exciting case. I really loved Land Rites and can’t wait for more.
Narration:
Steve West is my favorite narrator. Since the main character DI Ford is male and this story is his point of view, it fit well. Sometimes it bothers me to hear a narrator as other characters but that hasn’t been an issue with Steve West. The characters don’t sound just the same. The character voices for males and females were distinct and well performed.  I listened comfortably at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Steve West
A London native, Steve began his career by winning the Stage & Television Today acting scholarship at the age of 17 (after ironically believing that he had bombed the audition!). What followed took him through one of London’s top drama conservatories, onto the West End stage in ABBA’s musical phenomenon Mamma Mia! and then to working opposite the likes of Chucky the killer doll and Don Draper in TV’s Mad Men.
Having moved to the States in 2009 he earned a place as a highly respected and award winning voice over artist working across commercials, films, documentary, audiobooks and video games. He starred as Galahad in Sony’s epic motion capture release The Order 1886 which took over 2 years to film and employed the most up-to-date filming and audio techniques in the field.
Versatile in a multitude of ways from acting to singing to dancing to dying 100’s of different ways in a sound booth he continues to enjoy work both on stage, screen and behind a mic. Check out his latest news on the home page, join the conversation on Facebook and twitter and even head back to the 1800s and ‘be’ Steve/Galahad on the PS4!
About Andy Maslen
Andy Maslen was born in Nottingham, in the UK, home of legendary bowman Robin Hood.
Andy once won a medal for archery, although he has never been locked up by the sheriff.
He has worked in a record shop, as a barman, as a door-to-door DIY products salesman and a cook in an Italian restaurant.

He lives in Wiltshire with his wife, two sons and a whippet named Merlin.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Spring
It sounds like the narrator was a big part of why you liked this so much, now I want to try him sometime!
There are many options to listen to him. Favorites include this series, Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, Iron & Magic by Ilona Andrews, or many others you can find in our reviews by narrator index https://booksofmyheart.net/reviews/narrators/steve-west/
This sounds like a great series, and the reader sounds really good!
I really enjoy this kind of thing and it was layered enough to keep it interesting in many ways. And it’s my favorite narrator.
Your favorite narrator! Excellent review, Anne? Yet another tempting series.
I’m really liking this series. It’s layered enough. It’s British. It’s my favorite narrator.
I’m not familiar with this narrator but will have to make a point to listen to something he has narrated. Excellent review and I’m glad you enjoyed the book . 🙂
oh you’re missing out. Here’s the list of things we have reviewed with Steve West for a sample. https://booksofmyheart.net/reviews/narrators/steve-west/
This sounds like one that I would definitely enjoy. I will have to add it to my wishlist. I have been really slow with audiobooks lately and hope to get back to listening to more of them soon.
I’ve had a lot more trouble with audio because I am not doing as many chores or cooking which is a lot of the time I used to listen or driving or crafting.
It’s a great series I think.
This sounds like a good one!! I’m always up for a British police procedural. Thanks, Anne! 🙂
Thank you for visiting. I’m really enjoying the series. It’s a nice blend and the different layers of story make it more interesting.