Devil's Kitchen cover art

Devil's Kitchen

An Inspector Drake Prequel Novella

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Devil's Kitchen

By: Stephen Puleston
Narrated by: Richard Elfyn
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About this listen

A tragic accident or a murder on a mountain? Inspector Drake’s first investigation takes him to the middle of Snowdonia, but can he uncover the truth?

When two bodies are found sprawled at the bottom of the Devil's Kitchen in the mountains of Snowdonia, it looks like a murder-suicide. But something doesn't feel right to Detective Inspector Ian Drake, and his gut instinct has never let him down before.

Drake suspects at least one of the deaths could be suspicious, but who would kill such an ordinary couple, and why? This might be Drake's first murder inquiry, but his years as a detective have taught him one thing - every murder has a motive, and every killer leaves a trace.

If you enjoy crime mysteries, then you’ll love this prequel novella in the eight-book Inspector Drake series. If you enjoy clever, well-plotted mysteries with engaging characters, then don’t miss Stephen Puleston’s Inspector Drake novels.

©2016 Stephen Puleston (P)2018 Stephen Puleston Detective Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives

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We listened to this on one of our frequent trips around Wales. The location of the story was Snowdon which is familiar to us. The book certainly gave a sense of the rugged terrain. This novella is a prequel to the other Drake stories. The crime was interesting with a satisfying denouement. Looking forward to the other Inspector Drake stories after this great start.

A great listen

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I wish the whole series of Stephen Puleston books were available on audio books!!! I would buy them all.

More Please!

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Although this is a short novella Stephen Puleston has packed lots of action into this story. Ian Drake is a newly promoted DI in charge of his first case as SIO when two bodies are found. We learn that Drake is conscientious almost to the point of being OCD. His sidekick, DS Caren Waits, is his opposite - a bit of a slob. The case looks initially like a murder/suicide but Drake isn't convinced.

The story is set in Snowdonia, an area I know from family holidays, and I like books set in familiar locations, which were described well.

I listened to this in one sitting, and although short the story draws you in and there were several twist to keep you guessing. I haven't read anything by Stephen Puleston before but I will definitely try one of the full length Drake novels.

Nice introduction to DI Drake

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A great full packed story. A cop who wants to be thorough and do a good job. Determined to sort this case out. Superiors who would make do. But guess what, this is getting sorted.
Enjoyed the pace and narration. Story was great. Jam packed in a short time.
One to listen to

Fast packed story

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Enjoyed listening to this book. My first of the Inspector Drake series. Procedurally it was correct (as an ex police officer this can be frustrating with many police crime dramas) but it was all a bit rushed and consequently a bit short. Perhaps because it was the first book so looking forward to reading the others to see what I really think.

Good story but a bit short

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Listener received this title free

A well narrated story that filled a few hours with a good who done it storyline.

Well written and narrated

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Listener received this title free


This is a novella prequel to the Inspector Drake series. Personally, I love the idea of having an introduction to the series and I did read the kindle version of this book some time ago but I have recently started listening to audiobooks so was very pleased that this series is being released in the audio version. It is very well narrated and Micheal is a brilliant fit for the characters.

Drake has just been promoted to Detective Inspector and is still finding his feet when 2 bodies are found at the bottom of a cliff. He is a very particular character and likes everything clean and tidy and this comes across in his work as he likes everything neatly tied up with no loose ends. He has a difficult relationship with his work partner, Caren as they are totally different personalities. Caren is dedicated to her work but, compared to Drake, she is a little slovenly and disorganised. However, Drake is determined to create a good working relationship. He also has a slightly difficult home life as his wife struggles with the anti-social hours that detectives work.

As they attend the crime scene it appears this is a crime of passion with the husband murdering his wife and then committing suicide. Drake, however, is convinced that all is not as it seems and has a struggle to convince his boss to allow him to follow his gut instinct. There are many twists and turns to the story which moves along at a reasonably fast pace. It is an unusual story with relationships, deceit and jealousy playing a part. The ending is one the reader wont expect.

The series is set in the beautiful countryside of Wales and Stephen makes an excellent job of ensuring the reader can visualise the setting and scenery.

Prequel novella

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Listener received this title free

As a fan of the inspector drake series this particular story was of great interest to me as it’s set prior to the novels of the series. We join the action as Ian Drake is given his first murder case as a newly promoted Detective Inspector. All the hallmarks that make the series so good are all present in this story despite it’s relatively shorter length. Drake faces the usual difficulties finding evidence that will lead him in the right direction. It’s a well constructed story with a very plausible cast of characters. I, as is usual for me, did not work out what had happened. Always great writing from Stephen Puleston and this novella maintains his high standards.
Richard Elfyn once again does an absolutely top class job bringing the story to life. His tone and skill have come to represent the Drake series for me. The pairing simply could not be better.

A Perfect Pairing Of Story & Narrator.

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Loved it, a five star listen. A new favourite author. Wow thank you so much

A new to me author, great book and superb narrator

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This is a good story based in Wales. Good realistic characters with interesting plot twists. I look forward to reading the series now i have had the introduction to the characters. I struggled to get into the narration a little bit, but this didn’t have an impact on the enjoyment of the story. Well worth a listen/read.

A novella introducing Inspector Drake

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