A Perfect Obsession
By
Caro Fraser

Review of Book
This is the fifth novel in the hugely popular Caper Court series, set in The Temple area of central London – home to the cream of the English legal system; its barristers, QCs and their clerks. A Perfect Obsession is set around 49-yr old QC, Leo Davies, his colleagues and acquaintances. The cover describes him as, “charismatic and attractive to men and women alike, but tiring of his hedonistic lifestyle.” It also describes the novel as a compelling story of lust, love and jealousy, once again bringing the affairs, friendships and feuds of 5, Caper Court brilliantly to life - which vastly oversells the story. First impressions were of a story with too many characters to keep track of (maybe this works better with the complete book), and of most of them being selfish and amoral individuals. This made it difficult to warm to or feel any sympathy for those characters. There eventually emerged a fairly good plot, which was well written and constructed, and could be appreciated better with repeat listening.

Review of Nat’s reading
After initial disappointment that he didn’t have much scope for his incredible gift for voices and portrayals, (in comparison to some of his other audio work), repeated listening showed that he was actually doing a much more subtle job with this novel. His reading was as immaculate as ever, and the richness and variety of his tones that we’ve come to expect and enjoy so much became more apparent also with repeat listening. Being unlike Nat’s other recordings, this is an excellent development of and addition to his repertoire, and therefore one not to be missed.

Published by
Penguin Audiobooks
Abridged version ISBN 0141805005
5th June 2003
Available on cassette only at present
Running time 3hrs approx