State Secrets cover art

State Secrets

Bob Skinner, Book 28

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State Secrets

By: Quintin Jardine
Narrated by: James Bryce
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About this listen

A shocking murder at the Palace of Westminster draws Edinburgh's toughest cop into a complex new case....

Skinner is plunged into a web of politics and enemies in State Secrets, the 28th mystery in Quintin Jardine's best-selling crime series.

Former Chief Constable Bob Skinner is long out of the police force, but trouble has a habit of following him around. So it is that he finds himself in the Palace of Westminster as a shocking act befalls the nation.

Hours before the Prime Minster is due to make a controversial statement, she is discovered in her office with a letter opener driven through her skull. Is the act political? Personal? Or even one of terror? Skinner is swiftly enlisted by the Security Service to lead the investigation. Reunited with Met Police Commander Neil McIlhenney, he has 48 hours to crack the case - before the press unleash their wrath. There are many in the tangled web of government with cause to act. But the outcome will be one that not even Skinner himself could predict....

©2017 Portador Ltd (P)2017 Headline Publishing Group Ltd Crime Fiction Suspense Thriller & Suspense Crime Fiction Mystery

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Critic reviews

"Well constructed, fast-paced...many an ingenious twist and turn." ( Observer)
All stars
Most relevant  
Narration can make or break break a good story.. The voices portrayed in this were all over the place.. Do narrators not listen to the narrations before submitting the recorded text? Many of the voices are painful to listen to.

Narration again

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Where does State Secrets rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Despite the fact that this book isn't set in Edinburgh and only 1 of Bob's group of detectives is involved, State Secrets is the best Skinner mystery yet.. I couldn't put it down, and read far into the night desparate to find out what happened next. The twists and turns of the plot are fascinating and the setting, mostly around the Westminster Parliament is excellent. Read it to find out why!

Have you listened to any of James Bryce’s other performances? How does this one compare?

It ranks amongst the best of James Bryce's performances.. Skinner wouldn't be the same without him.

Best Bob Skinner yet

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I have read another Bob Skinner book, book 28 in the series. It was a little bit different from others in the series because of where the crime was committed. The Prime Ministers Office in the House of Commons.
It was a very clever story and it isn’t until right at the end that it is all finished in a satisfactory manner.
Highly recommended.

State Secrets: Bob Skinner

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Initially I was dubious of the book being set primarily in Westminster, the Edinburgh setting is normally one of the key attractions to the Bob Skinner books. However, the change of scenery really freshens up the story and it's great to have Bob back as the primary detective, recent texts have felt a little like he's shoehorned in to the plot. In the end this has been one of my favourite Bob Skinner books for a while. James Bryce excellent as always.

A Fresh Twist

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Where will Skinner go next! I hope to find out soon. Thank you, Mr Jardine.

Excellent story and superb narration

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