
An Imitation of Darkness: DC Ruth Hunter Murder Case Book 3 Audiobook
An Imitation of Darkness is the third audiobook in Simon McCleave’s DC Ruth Hunter Murder Case series. Set in London in 1998, the police-procedural mystery follows Ruth Hunter and Lucy Henry as they investigate an actress’s murder amid suspected misconduct and a possible stalking connection.
At a glance
- Third instalment in the DC Ruth Hunter Murder Case prequel series.
- A 1998 London murder investigation involving a young actress, suspected sexual misconduct and a possible stalker.
- Narrated by Rachel Atkins; the unabridged recording runs 7 hours and 18 minutes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- A complete, unabridged story in a single 7-hour-and-18-minute audio edition.
- The London police investigation and suspected stalking give the mystery a clear crime-procedural focus.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Format | Audiobook |
|---|---|
| Version | Unabridged |
| Listening length | 7 hours and 18 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Narrator | Rachel Atkins |
| Author | Simon McCleave |
|---|---|
| Publisher | W. F. Howes Ltd |
| Publication date | 19 August 2021 |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners looking for an English-language police procedural with a murder investigation and psychological twists.
- Those following the DC Ruth Hunter series or interested in a narrated crime mystery set in London.
Less suited to
- Buyers seeking a standalone story may want to confirm whether earlier books are needed for context; this is book 3 in the series.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
64% 64% - 4 stars
27% 27% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback describes the story as gripping and page-turning, with praise for its plot twists, pacing, readability and characters; the supplied summary also notes mixed views about accuracy. The reported enthusiasm may appeal to listeners wanting a brisk crime mystery, while the accuracy reservations matter more to buyers who prioritise historical or procedural fidelity. The aggregate rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 5,963 ratings, but that figure alone does not explain individual reactions.
Positive themes
- Customers highlight the plot twists, engaging characters, readability and fast pace.
Mixed feedback
- Customer feedback reports mixed opinions about the book’s accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
What is An Imitation of Darkness about?
DC Ruth Hunter and DC Lucy Henry investigate the murder of a young actress in London in 1998, with the case potentially linked to misconduct in the film industry and a suspected stalker.
Is this a standalone audiobook?
It is identified as book 3 in the DC Ruth Hunter Murder Case prequel series. The listing does not say whether it can be enjoyed independently.
Who narrates it and how long is it?
Rachel Atkins narrates the unabridged English audiobook, which has a listening length of 7 hours and 18 minutes.























