Ein sarkastischer Philosophieprofessor mittleren Alters, der eine Rivalität zu seinem zartbesaiteten Kollegen Jeremy pflegt und eine eher schwierige Beziehung zu seiner Exfrau hat.
Allerdings muss er sich um Wichtigeres als häsuliche Zwistigkeiten und akademische Fehden kümmern.
Denn er arbeitet nebenbei als Privatdetektiv.
Bewaffnet mit einem schnellen Verstand, einem Arsenal an philosophischen Zitaten und einer Sucht nach Angst stürzt er sich in jede verdächtige Situation, die sich auftut.
Sein neuester Auftraggeber ist die Familie Steele – einer Ansammlung von notorisch kriminellen Gangstern, deren Sohn und Bruder Danny ermordet wurde.
Werden Rooks philosophische Ermittlungen den Fall knacken?
Oder ist die dunkle und gefährliche Welt der Steeles eine Nummer zu groß für ihn?
„Ein fantastisch origineller Detektiv.“ – Robert Foster, Autor von ‚The Lunar Code‘
Steve Attridge ist ein mehrfach ausgezeichneter Drehbuch- und Romanautor. Zu seinen Filmen zählen ‚Hawkins‘ und ‚The Boot Street Band‘. Weitere Bücher von ihm sind ‚Waking Dreams‘, ‚Behind Closed Doors‘ und ‚Bottom List‘.
Endeavour Press ist einer der führenden unabhängigen digitalen Verlage.
"I'm not naturally bleak. It's a view I've worked hard to attain and constantly fine-tune, a view emanating from the settled conviction that the darkest thinkers are the most joyful."
Steve Attridge's Philosophical Investigations is a quick, enjoyable read centered on a jaded philosophy professor turned investigator named Paul Rook. Rook's training in philosophy, I'm happy to say, is of absolutely no help in his investigations, but does add to the mood he evokes. I can see myself reading more of this series. 3.5 stars
I had stumbled upon this book when I was searching for an audiobook of Ludwig Wittgenstein's "Philosophical Investigations" on audible.com, don't ask me why. An eponymous detective story about a sarcastic middle-aged professor of philosophy who "moonlights as a private investigator"? Now, that's weird! In a good way, though. I was intrigued. It helped that the book was free for audible members (those audiobookaholics among us who pay for a monthly subscription), so I immediately added it to my library. Most importantly, it was quite short (less than 5 hours on audio), so when I was between the listens, I decided to give it a try.
I had no high expectations, but I enjoyed this first installment in the series about philosophizing detective and detecting philosopher. Professor Paul Rook is not a likeable character, neither he is a shining example of moral virtue -- some of his actions and convictions are pretty much deplorable. He is satisfyingly complex: witty, sarcastic, brilliant, politically-incorrect, cowardly, courageous, tender, cruel, disgusting, charming, petty, generous, loving father, disastrous husband -- all in one. Alive, that is. He really does comes to life right from the first page and stays this way.
As Professor Rook investigates a murder of one of the sons of a notorious British gangster family, he also finds time for a hilarious underhanded battle with the head of faculty and a verbal duel with his ex-wife's boyfriend. It's never a dull moment.
I will be sure to read more of Professor Rook's adventures. Somehow there are no audiobooks for the 2nd and 3rd books, but I plan to read them in an ebook format, hopefully soon.
This was certainly an interesting story. Really liked the character Rook. Strange families, characters and intriguing story line. Enjoyed this more than I expected. Shows there are some really strange families out there.
I love British whodunnits; this is one reason why!
First of all, I paid $0 as it was in the Audible Plus catalogue. “Philosophical Investigations” is a mystery about a nefarious family dealing with the sudden deaths of loved ones.” The plot and characterizations were deliciously unique. My second listen by Steve Attridge and Michael Fenton Stevens, I can only hope that Audible will make the rest of the Paul Rook series available. An addictive listen and unique investigation into the family tragedy, Attridge and Steven’s grabbed me and held never let go through the five-plus hour mystery. Stevens’ brilliant portrayal of eccentric and clever Paul Rook was spot-on. He proved his narrative talent with each and every character’s varying dialects. As serious as this case may be, there are some welcome laugh-out-loud moments. At a little more than five hours, I had hoped for more. I am craving other complexellent adventures with Paul Rook. (Stevens’ narration is a must; I can think of no other to bring these oddly entertaining characters to vivid life.) Highly recommended. May we have more please? Bravo to all involved in bringing this remarkably unpredictable series to Audible! A sincere thank you. Epic, I say! EPIC! EPIC! EPIC!
This would be a 2.5 stars. I’d read another in the series as I did like the main character. I felt there were too many characters for such a short novel and it made the book difficult to follow at times. I listed to this on audible and wasn’t a fan of the narration.
Occasionally a book comes along that is both well-conceived and well written, grabbing your interest on page one and holding it for the duration. This is not that book.
Respectfully, this may be a source of entertainment for others, but I would only keep it around to swat flies, balance a wobbly table or throw at an errant teenager. The fact that other people have enjoyed this book leads me to believe that there is something wrong with me and I should seek medical attention.
Convoluted plot but it’s the side stories that captivated me - driving his boss nuts and getting back at the MP who’s sleeping with his wife. These are so beyond ludicrous that one must laugh.