Open Wounds

Angus King’s narration is the reason I finished this audiobook in two sittings, and that’s saying something because I’m a slow listener with a toddler and a day job. His portrayal of DCI Kett isn’t just good—it’s *alive*, with a raspy, world-weary delivery that makes every sarcastic quip feel earned and every moment of vulnerability land like a gut punch. The pacing is relentless, with Smith juggling multiple suspects, a ticking clock, and enough red herrings to sink a fishing trawler. My biggest critique? The middle act drags slightly under the weight of its own subplots, particularly the side investigation into a missing dog that, while charming, risks derailing the main mystery. Still, the payoff is worth it. Smith’s dialogue crackles with humor and menace, and the twist—when it comes—is the kind that makes you rewind three chapters to check your notes. The production is crisp, with no audible distractions, though I could’ve done without the occasional overuse of rain sound effects in quieter scenes. If you love crime fiction that punches above its weight in wit and grit, this is your next binge.