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A review by wisecraic
Hounds of the Underworld by Dan Rabarts, Lee Murray
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
**I was provided an advanced listening copy from the publisher through NetGalley.**
Content warning: Please be aware of violence against animals in this work and pursue further information about content before choosing to read.
Kiwi authors Dan Rabarts and Lee Murray present the first book in a new series, Hounds of the Underworld. Readers follow Penny Yee, a scientist on the verge of losing her laboratory who takes on a contract as a science consultant to the police force. As Penny doesn't drive, she has to rely on her adoptive brother Matiu to chauffer her to various locations for the contract. Matiu has a criminal history and is hearing voices that make him want nothing to do with the murder cases Penny has to investigate. Add to the fact that Matiu's imaginary friend, Makere has returned and is giving him no peace, and there is more to these murders than Penny may have anticipated.
Hounds of the Underworld blends aspects of horror, crime noir, and a hint of locked room mystery. Certainly, this is a take on the genre that I, personally, haven't read before. Author Dan Rabarts pulls dual duty as the audiobook narrator for Matiu and Susan Holt provides voice for Penny. I think the choice to use two narrators for the different perspectives was smart and that the narrators chosen really put in work that contributed to making this novel a success. Combined with sound effects reminiscent of old radio shows between scenes, the audiobook did well at personifying the noir style.
Unfortunately, in order to enjoy this work, there must be a very significant suspension of disbelief. The entire premise is a stretch. Penny doesn't seem to have any real subject matter expertise that would make her a suitable scientific consultant to the police, nor would a science consultant be allowed basically carte blanche to wander between crime scenes and actually investigate the crimes herself, particularly unaccompanied aside from her brother who has a significant criminal record. There is also a lot of uncertainty around Matiu and trying to determine how much of his experience is mental health related or whether the issues are supernatural. As such, I was repeatedly taken out of the story by the sheer absurdity of what was taking place, and feel that there was a little too much of an ask for me to buy in to the various plot points.
This leaves me middle of the road. The story was interesting and fun, but there were many factors which made it not for me. I do feel like there is an audience for this type of novel, but would not necessarily recommend it to anyone with interest or insight into actual police procedure. Go in for the vibes and enjoy.
Content warning: Please be aware of violence against animals in this work and pursue further information about content before choosing to read.
Kiwi authors Dan Rabarts and Lee Murray present the first book in a new series, Hounds of the Underworld. Readers follow Penny Yee, a scientist on the verge of losing her laboratory who takes on a contract as a science consultant to the police force. As Penny doesn't drive, she has to rely on her adoptive brother Matiu to chauffer her to various locations for the contract. Matiu has a criminal history and is hearing voices that make him want nothing to do with the murder cases Penny has to investigate. Add to the fact that Matiu's imaginary friend, Makere has returned and is giving him no peace, and there is more to these murders than Penny may have anticipated.
Hounds of the Underworld blends aspects of horror, crime noir, and a hint of locked room mystery. Certainly, this is a take on the genre that I, personally, haven't read before. Author Dan Rabarts pulls dual duty as the audiobook narrator for Matiu and Susan Holt provides voice for Penny. I think the choice to use two narrators for the different perspectives was smart and that the narrators chosen really put in work that contributed to making this novel a success. Combined with sound effects reminiscent of old radio shows between scenes, the audiobook did well at personifying the noir style.
Unfortunately, in order to enjoy this work, there must be a very significant suspension of disbelief. The entire premise is a stretch. Penny doesn't seem to have any real subject matter expertise that would make her a suitable scientific consultant to the police, nor would a science consultant be allowed basically carte blanche to wander between crime scenes and actually investigate the crimes herself, particularly unaccompanied aside from her brother who has a significant criminal record. There is also a lot of uncertainty around Matiu and trying to determine how much of his experience is mental health related or whether the issues are supernatural. As such, I was repeatedly taken out of the story by the sheer absurdity of what was taking place, and feel that there was a little too much of an ask for me to buy in to the various plot points.
This leaves me middle of the road. The story was interesting and fun, but there were many factors which made it not for me. I do feel like there is an audience for this type of novel, but would not necessarily recommend it to anyone with interest or insight into actual police procedure. Go in for the vibes and enjoy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Animal cruelty