John Banks: 19 Jun 2020

Good afternoon dear, patient reader and welcome to the first posting since the beginning of May! Apologies once again for such a gap, though you may be pleased to know that not a moment of the interim has been wasted. Let me explain a little.

The Covid-19 lockdown has been in force here in the UK since March and as a consequence, many industries and organisations, including my own, have closed down. I've mentioned here previously, that I've been thinking of how I could possibly work from home and to cut a long story short, after much thought and a fair chunk of my financial reserves, I now have a professionally built and equipped recording studio from which I can work. Making this happen and bringing together all the necessary resources during lockdown, has not been especially easy, though once the decision had been made, I tried to move as quickly as possible. Just in the nick of time, the studio was ready; there are still a few additions and alterations to make in order to be more comfortable for long recording sessions - I certainly need a more forgiving chair than I currently have - but I'm delighted to say, that construction was completed last Thursday and on Friday morning, I started to record an audio book, details to follow. This week, I continued to record the book, which wrapped up yesterday and on Wednesday, managed to squeeze in an audio drama, again, details to follow. So I think it can reasonably be said, that the new home studio is off to a flying start!

In all the activity of building a studio and prepping a book, a drama and some Games Workshop voice over narration (see animation above), I haven't yet been able to post news of this month's audio book release, which is 'The Curator' by MW Craven, the third of his 'Washington Poe' series, which I am delighted to have been asked to narrate. Here are some details:

The Curator

"It's Christmas, and a serial killer is leaving displayed body parts all over Cumbria.

A strange message is left at each scene: #BSC6.

Called in to investigate, the National Crime Agency's Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are faced with a case that makes no sense. Why were some victims anaesthetised, while others died in appalling agony? Why is their only suspect denying what they can irrefutably prove but admitting to things they weren't even aware of? And why did the victims all take the same two weeks off work three years earlier?

And when a disgraced FBI Agent gets in touch, things take an even darker turn. Because she doesn't think Poe is dealing with a serial killer at all; she thinks he's dealing with someone far, far worse - a man who calls himself the Curator.

And nothing will ever be the same again...."

Produced by Neil Gardner & Narrated by John Banks

Length: 9 hours - 23 minutes

As the audiobook was released a couple of weeks ago, on 4th June, there are reviews available, something I'm never usually in a position to include. So here are a few that say very complimentary things (!):

Excellent as always

I normally like to go short and to the point with reviews. But honestly how can I make you understand how insanely good the Poe and Tilly saga is. It could be if well done one of the best series on tv ever in my opinion. Why no one isn't snapping this up, it blows my mind. The characters are thought of so well, the stories are just amazing. I will need to stop raving on, no surprise that Mr Craven gets another 5 shiny stars from me. He again had me on all hook and tenders, I applaud you sir 👏👏
ps the narration is as always the best !

Absolutely brilliant

John Banks' narration is excellent, he really brings the book to life.

Poe & Tilly are back, and the wait has definitely been worth it. Tilly’s character is maturing whilst her adorable traits still remain, along with Poe’s dogged determination they make a brilliant team. Craven takes you on a twist and turn journey to find The Curator. It is fast paced, enthralling and unlike most crime novels the ending is completely unpredictable.

A definite must listen.

Fantastic!

It is a must to have experienced in the earlier stories to be able to fully appreciate this one. Great storyline and characterisation. A job exceptionally well done!

Absolutely bloody brilliant

I was not sure what to expect from a third Washington Poe entry, often third books can be lacklustre but OH BOY, this one is quite the opposite. I was sucked in and full on glued to my earbuds the entire time.

I don't know where to begin with an attempt to describe this story, it's too bizarre to describe rationally, up, down sideways, whichever ways, this is a roller coaster way beyond any I've ridden before.

Buy it, listen now, you will love it (unless you have a delicate sensibilities as this is far from cozy) .

Johns Banks is absolutely the perfect narrator for this book, in fact I wish he could record new versions of all the books I've ever listened to.

Amazing

wonderful twist and turns, on the edge of your seat plot and the funniest humour!

* * * * *

Cover art for MW Craven's previous 'Washington Poe' books, which I also had the pleasure of narrating, has been revised, in order to be consistent with the new artwork on 'The Curator', which I think looks very smart indeed.

...all for now; more just as soon as it happens!