NOVEMBER 2015 - AudioFile
Stephen Mendel is a fine narrator. His slightly rough, deep voice works well for this story, a murder mystery set in Portland, Maine. He reads deliberately, which somehow increases the coastal ambiance of a small, livable city that features only the occasional murder. He is also expressive enough that the characters come through; many are upper class and self-absorbed, but there’s enough variety to be interesting. Spanning 100 years, the story is primarily a police procedural; though it’s advertised as a thriller, it’s more Holmes than Cussler. A murder takes place that mirrors one perpetrated long ago; a grouchy male cop (McCabe) and steady female one (Savage) look into it. D.R.W. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
A deplorable villain, tantalizing characters, and a hint of romance mix with the twists. What more could a reader ask for? One hopes that Hayman will continue this gripping series.” — Library Journal (starred review) on DARKNESS FIRST
“Hayman creates an intricate plot, engaging regulars, and suspects that are convincing. The suspense is pulse lifting. This is a well crafted thriller written to satisfy both men and women.” — Providence Journal on THE CHILL OF NIGHT
“Taut, deft and with a delicate sense of place, this is supremely accomplished storytelling—not just another depiction of a serial killer rampage.” — Daily Mail (London) on THE CUTTING
“In THE CUTTING, [Hayman] gives readers a suspenseful police procedural whirling around a character who has the brains, courage and human concern to be the reader’s hero from start to finish.” — Portland Press Herald on THE CUTTING
“What makes this novel stand out from other mysteries is the strong character based story with many twists and turns.” — Blackfive.net on DARKNESS FIRST
“Hayman’s pacing is perfect....THE CUTTING is an unsettling thriller, not because Portland and the state have a history of madmen killing strangers on a rampage. What’s frightening is that Hayman makes it seem possible, even probable” — Bangor Daily News on THE CUTTING
“The author had me guessing to the end. His plot crafting made me think of Martin Cruz Smith and Scott Turow at their best.” — Portland Press Herald on THE GIRL IN THE GLASS
Portland Press Herald on THE CUTTING
In THE CUTTING, [Hayman] gives readers a suspenseful police procedural whirling around a character who has the brains, courage and human concern to be the reader’s hero from start to finish.
Bangor Daily News on THE CUTTING
Hayman’s pacing is perfect....THE CUTTING is an unsettling thriller, not because Portland and the state have a history of madmen killing strangers on a rampage. What’s frightening is that Hayman makes it seem possible, even probable
Daily Mail (London) on THE CUTTING
Taut, deft and with a delicate sense of place, this is supremely accomplished storytelling—not just another depiction of a serial killer rampage.
Blackfive.net on DARKNESS FIRST
What makes this novel stand out from other mysteries is the strong character based story with many twists and turns.
Portland Press Herald on THE GIRL IN THE GLASS
The author had me guessing to the end. His plot crafting made me think of Martin Cruz Smith and Scott Turow at their best.
Providence Journal on THE CHILL OF NIGHT
Hayman creates an intricate plot, engaging regulars, and suspects that are convincing. The suspense is pulse lifting. This is a well crafted thriller written to satisfy both men and women.
