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Blackstone and the Great Game

The Blackstone Detective Series, Book 2

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Blackstone and the Great Game

By: Sally Spencer
Narrated by: Andrew Cullum
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A series of kidnappings seemed like straightforward, run-of-the-mill crimes at first, but Inspector Sam Blackstone soon realises they are anything but.

This gang is so ruthless that it shocks even the hardened London criminal underworld. And it is plain to Blackstone that this is just a preliminary skirmish - that the gang ultimately intends to play for much larger stakes. But Blackstone's problems are only just beginning.

When the son of the visiting Maharajah of Chandrapore is taken in a full-on ambush, Blackstone realises that the previous kidnappings were just practice for a plot that impacts not only Britain, but it’s whole Empire. Blackstone finds himself caught up in a game of cat and mouse, frantically trying to pin down the loose threads to find the lost prince before it’s too late.

©2019 Sally Spencer (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd Crime Historical Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction
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Critic reviews

“Spencer is an accomplished craftsman who serves up a good puzzle and deftly solves it with intelligence and insight” (Publishers Weekly)
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Although the central character Blackstone is a police inspector this is more a tale of derring-do with some simplistic political background.

Blackstone is an attractive protagonist with an interesting back story, a good brain and an engaging manner. I would happily read more about him.

What prevents it from being simply being a good yarn is the racist language the author gives to the villains. It is clear the words are being used to show just how bad they are but the author really did not need to use what are some of the worst racist words quite so often. A few times would have conveyed the impression. I was constantly flinching. I can deplore the use of these in books written decades ago but can accept that the language is of its time. I am surprised at a present day author using them and at the publisher allowing it.

Old fashioned adventure story but beware the language

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Absolutely disappointed. I liked the first in the series, But I can barely listen to this installment. Why the author has chosen to use the N Word is beyond me. It’s not a British word and doesn’t add to the story in any way. I will be asking for a refund and putting in a complaint.

Absolute disappointment

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I returned this book, as I couldn't get past the repeated use of the word n****r in the second chapter, it was quite shocking to hear it said over and over again.
I can't understand how this wasn't picked up in the editing/recording, and something else substituted.

I liked the first Blackstone book, but I don't think I'll be getting any more by this author.

How is it acceptable to use n****r in 2024?

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