An unexpected tale with unique consequences.

As a woman in her 50s, I'm drawn to books with older protagonists. I loved Brenda and Effie, although their journey in this book didn't take the direction I was expecting, I enjoyed each encounter and predicament they found themselves in.

Both Paul Magrs and Joanna Tope are new-to-me. Paul's skills as a writer drew me into this story. Joanna's performance as narrator brought it alive.

My only complaint is the ending. It's very abrupt and felt jarring. But I enjoyed this audiobook and will look out for more in the series.

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Consistently amusing and absorbing

Listened at bath time in 25 min chunks. A rollicking good yarn beautifully read with convincing characters ... which is genius given the tale. A must listen!

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1 person found this helpful

Gothic goings on.

A brilliant start to a great series of books about Brenda and Effie, characters are introduced and storm clouds brew over Whitby Harbour. The new covers done by Snow books are much more in keeping with this series. Pure enjoyment.

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I just couldn't stop

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect and was quite right (came by recommendation).

Things didn't go as planned when I tried to preempt some parts of the story. Which, I was very happy with. Kept me on my toes. The observations in human nature especially those aspects we often don't speak aloud or share were keen, elicited melancholy and at times humerous.

The heroines are everyday people. Quite the antithesis. And when I say normal. Middle aged, routine driven, fish and chip eating, bingo playing. ..normal.

The narrator does an excellent job of reinforcing the normality and has a subtle, well established style. Very easy to listen to.

I am now rushing on to listen to the next installment!

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4 people found this helpful

just wonderfully different.

I wanted some middle aged to elderly female protanganists, and something that had a happy feel good factor. This was it! fantastical, sweet, funny and leaves you feel happy but keen to know what's next. The narrator was superb and I'm my opinion, one of the best I've ever heard!

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3 people found this helpful

Charming gothic mystery adventure in Whitby

I just listened to this in its entirety on my last day of holiday in Whitby and on my train journey home. It’s perfect. I need more.

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1 person found this helpful

The first of an amazing series

I absolutely adore this series and am listening to it again. Read perfectly by Joanna Tope it is a comic horror noir series. Think Malcom Pryce with less Druids and more monsters

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2 people found this helpful

A raucous affair

This story was so much fun. Brenda and Effie gadding about Whitby solving mysteries kept me thoroughly occupied. I absolutely loved Joanna Topes performance too. She really brought life to all the characters, making each distinct and engaging. I highly recommend this story and will definitely be listening to more in the series

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Good start poor finish

The first two thirds is excellent. The performance is superb. The characters are realistic and flawed and their actions make some sense. The last third builds in the plot for later books with characters making stupid decisions and everything feels silly. It also loses some of the genuine tension that was built up in the first part. Worth a listen but I'm not going to read the next one.

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Enjoyable and good natured romp

Enjoyable and good natured romp, d efinitely looking for sequels to this. The reader is excellent!

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2 people found this helpful