DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK.

This is the best Audible book (out of hundreds)I have ever read/listened to. I have never written a review on Audible; however, Mr. Todd deserves recognition. He evokes every possible emotion: sympathy; amusement; fear; derision; contempt; revulsion; and horror. Mr. Maitland’s writing is akin to that of literary masters of psychological suspense wherein the most seemingly normal events build to a crescendo of dread and a denouement which leave the observer/reader aghast. If you are a fan of Ruth Rendell (aka Barbara Vine), Patricia Smith, and Val McDermid, you will love this book.
Mr. Simkins is the perfect choice as a narrator. He brings Mr. Todd to life and thoroughly enhances the experience of the story. I wish I could find more of his work. The pairing of Mr. Maitland and Mr. Simkins is simply brilliant.
My jaw literally dropped several times while I was listening; I gasped aloud on a regular basis; and I often said aloud, “Oh, Mr. Todd! No you did NOT!”.
I rationed my daily dose of Mr. Todd to make him last longer. I did not want it to be over! At the ending credits when the Audible host says, “Audible hopes you have enjoyed this book,” I announced ‘YES I DID.”
Mr. Todd will be a hard act to follow.

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Absolutely loved it!!!

Kept my attention beginning to end. Loved his writing style. I felt like it was going in one direction and it would completely change.

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Brilliant writing. Reminded me of Edgar Allen Poe

It is rare for me to use the words "blown away with writer's talent" in a review, however, this book is simply brilliant. I listened to it from Audible and, luckily, stayed with it even though it began quite normally. Okay, a guy describes his small house and odd, grown kid. Not much there, then, as the story unfolds, the humor starts and I was hooked. I laughed, even to the point of hooting. What a brilliant writer! Maitland's writing style reminds me of Edgar Allen Poe. I'm ordering his other books today. I think my ears began to perk up when the first child dies, then the second; both from SIDS. Made the hairs on the back of my neck raise up a little bit setting the tone of what was to follow.
I also enjoyed the narration by Michael Simkins; use him again. His British accent was perfect for the part.
When I listen to a book, I enjoy guessing what is going to happen next and I often find myself admiring the techniques used by the writer. This writer has the ability to introduce a character or a seemingly small and unrelated event (foreshadowing) and later use it as the most important fact in the story. Just fabulous work!!
I think we all know these characters. I'm certain I worked with the boyfriend. LOL The humor was such a shock it often made my head jerk around.
I'm wondering how they are going to make this into a movie and who will play the parts? Indeed they will, but it will be a challenge.
I'm left with the main idea that this man thinks he is a cool, calm, controlled, successful, smart person, yet he is a total opposite. As Robert Brown wrote, "Would some power the giftie give us, to see ourselves as others see us," right?
Enjoyed; brilliant; easy to give a 5 star. Want more from this writer. This book did what I love about books, it kept my attention, drew me away from my daily problems, and thoroughly entertained me.
THANK you Audible; great selection.

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