The Silver Swan Audiobook By John Banville cover art

The Silver Swan

A Novel

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The Silver Swan

By: John Banville
Narrated by: Timothy Dalton
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In the second book of John Banville’s masterful Quirke series, a faked suicide ensnares the pathologist in a deadly web of cons and deceit

It has been two years since the events of Christine Falls, the bestselling novel that introduced the world to irascible Dublin pathologist Quirke. Quirke's beloved Sarah has died, his surrogate father lies paralyzed by a stroke, and he's been sober for half a year. When a near-forgotten acquaintance asks him to cover up his beautiful young wife's apparent suicide, Quirke knows he should stay clear, for the sake of his sobriety and his peace of mind. But his old itch is irresistible, and before long he is probing further into the circumstances of Deirdre Hunt's death, into a web of drugs and illicit sex that may have snared his own daughter, Phoebe. With its vivid, intense evocation of seedy 1950s Dublin, and intricate, psychologically complex storyline, The Silver Swan shows “the Irish master” (The New Yorker) at the top of his game.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Co.

 Crime Fiction Hard-Boiled World Literature Mystery Noir Suspense Crime Thriller & Suspense Historical Fiction Exciting

Critic reviews

“The eagerly awaited sequel to Christine Falls is brought to lief by none other than James Bond himself, Timothy Dalton, in a reading so good it will make listeners giddy with delight...It's all thrilling, honest, and raw.” —AudioFile

“...the second in [the] Quirke series, offers an excellent opportunity for Dalton to flash his acting chops. Dalton's reading is hushed, intense and dramatic, read as if being performed onstage.” —Publishers Weekly

“Dalton…gives a gritty, growling reading that will practically make you smell the rain on the dark Dublin streets.” —St.Petersburg Times

“Dalton's highly dramatic, fully differentiated performance keeps the plot moving swiftly and the net tightening as the novel builds to its surprising conclusion.” —KLIATT

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When I began listening to this book I was a little confused and had a little difficulty putting the pieces together. But once they came together I had even more difficulty turning off my IPOD and leaving the car. This is a GREAT story with breathtaking narration. Like a prior reviewer said, I would double back to hear the beauty of the authors phrasing. This is the first Benjamin Black book I have ever listened to and I was captivated by the imagery. Enjoyed every minute of this one and I am heading into Audible to buy more that he wrote and look up more that Tim Dalton narrates.

Sneaks up on you

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Timothy Dalton could make a catalog sound exciting. Another great listen from my new favorite author.
Not happy with app.

Can I give Timothy Dalton 6 stars?

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Kind of a fun little mystery story, very good narration by Timothy Dalton. I recommend.

Interesting story, great narration

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Timothy Dalton is great and the story is good. the recording doesn't end when the book does; it starts up again either chapter 8 (?).

recording is broken

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This is the second in a trilogy (so far) of Quirke mysteries. The stories are compelling, the characters very real and Timothy Dalton's eloquent narration is spot on. I've listened to all three novels and he enunciates so well I haven't missed a word. Best narration I've heard of the twenty books I've purchased from Audible so far.

Great Series, Excellent Narration

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