Gripped from first listen to last

Lots of twists and turns. A variety of characters and a totally unexpected finale took me on a historical tour around England.

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Passable

Entertaining story lifted by superb naration but let down by a rather uninspired, unexplained and yet somewhat predictable ending.

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Very glad I decided to get this one

Given it's called 'A novel of the plague' I understandably thought it would be about people dealing with the plague which it isn't... well it is, but not in the way you think it will be. It is completely unexpected and original and the narration is brilliant. Not in the least depressing and very addictive.

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historical mystery

the idea of this novel is fantastic and, for the most part it is pulled off well. the charictors are an intreaguing bunch of miss-fits who are traveling across England trying to avoid the plague. the reason I've knocked this booked down a star was that I though the ending was just a little weak but, hey, I probably couldn't ave done any better but it just didn't quite work for me.

lastly, a word of praise for David Thorpe. I've come across him on a number of ocasions as he has read books for the RNIB's Talking Book Service for some years. I've always enjoyed his readings and here, he does another wonderful job distinguishing clearly between the charictors voices. an inspired choice by Oakhill Publishing to use him.

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A fine fine work

This is work of great distinction, it is easy to listen to. It might not have garnered the accolades that a certain H Mantel has, but nonetheless, I would recommend this so much higher than Wolf's Hall.

There is a certain sense in which the characters and places come to life which is atypical of modern literature.

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Murders, lies and the plague!

Any additional comments?

I have not come across this author before and I didn't think the genre was going to be my thing, but I chose it anyway due to the good reviews and I'm really glad that I did! I was initially put off by the sheer length of the story, but once you're listening/reading then it doesn't feel long.

The novel is about a group of people who come together as they try to dodge the plague. Each individual's story is told and there are various murders and crimes committed throughout the story, so whilst there are no 'cops' in it if you are a detective/crime reader then this would probably do it for you. This isn't a fast paced seat of your pants read, but the pace of the story correlates well with the theme - a journey (on foot), not a journey in a formula one car!! This ticks along nicely and you really get in to it, you get the feeling of gloom and hysteria that is taking hold as the plague decimates the country. The characters are good and the story is believable. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this as I am generally a thriller/crime reader of stories that fly through without you being able to take a breath! There is also a good twist at the end, I certainly wasn't expect it!

The narrator is fantastic and really brings life to the characters and their journey.

All in all this was a surprising find and whilst it won't have you gasping for breath like some fast-paced thrillers do this will slowly take hold of you until you suddenly realise you're completely and irrevocably hooked!

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atmospheric and creepy

a very well read and paced story that really puts you in the era. I loved the use of superstition and prejudice as means to add twists to the characters and their individual tales... I didn't find it at all predictable and thought the slower chapters helped build the suspense

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Fascinating story

Would you listen to Company of Liars again? Why?

Probably not, but I would listen to more from Karen Maitland. The depth of the historical detail really brought that time to life

Who was your favorite character and why?

Zophiel. Awful as he was, the character was so well developed and so brilliantly portrayed by David Thorpe I was caught between finding some humour in his cruelty and wanting to see him get a good kicking

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Nearly all of them involving Zophiel

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There is humour in this book, but I found visualising this time in history fascinating.

Any additional comments?

Karen Maitland brought this period, and the characters to life. The narration is as good as it can get

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Enthralling

Even after finishing it I am still wrapped up in it and enraptured by it,an amazing book and one I look forward to listening to again,

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Bleak but enjoyable

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, really good performance - I loved the narrators choice of accents. A good "road movie" of a book with an unfolding story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Company of Liars?

That would be telling but cripple's wedding was unsettling and memorable

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The monastery

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

You can't run from fear

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