The Death of Dalziel: Dalziel and Pascoe Series, Book 22 [Audio Download]

The book, a direct sequel to the previous "Dialogues...," centres around 3 relationships, each of which can only end in disaster: DC Bowler and his new girlfriend "Rye" Pomona; DS Wield and a rent-boy informer; and (the core of the book) Peter Pascoe and his nemesis Franny Roote.

The book is full of unpretentious erudition and sharp character observation, the plot is very cunningly structured, and every page is a joy to read.

One of the best books I have ever read, imo right up there with the likes of "Worldly Powers" or either of the Amises at their best.

The book begins with several seemingly separate threads and leaves the reader wondering "how the heck is he (Hill) going to resolve this?" Having read all of the Dalziel and Pascoe stories to date, I knew this would happen. However, I was still amazed at how all the threads are finally interwoven to form the detailed tapestry that Reginald Hill usually comes up with.

In essence, a cracking story maintaining the standards Reginald Hill has set with his Dalziel and Pascoe books to date. If you haven't read Dialogues of the Dead I would recommend that book be read first though.

Then you'll love this Death's Jest-book because it features plenty of Rye and Hat. But as always it's fat Dalziel who's stealing (and running!) the show. Especially now that Pascoe is once again trying to deal with his eternal deamon, Franny Roote. Or is he simply playing a cruel Jest on poor Peter?

Before I start my personal appreciation a warning : although the whole series of D&P novels build on each other, this novel is a real sequel to the Dialogues. So if you haven't read the first, you'll be unable to appreciate this one.

I loved this book because it has the intrinsic Hill qualities : different story lines unfold themselves to a resolution that leaves no loose ends untied, the Dalziel character (a god's gift) and the superb storytelling talent of the author.

However, this book is not the best in the series. I've mixed feelings about the Franny/Pascoe storyline : the build up is sometimes annoying but the finale makes up for it. I expected more from a book that resolves a lot of stories spanning multiple novels. Also, for a non-native English reader, Hills wordgames and references to English literature sometimes stand in the way of the story.

Conclusion : as always solid work from Reginald Hill but only if you've read the brilliant Dialogues of the Dead.