Narration is awful sorry

I’ve really enjoyed Fiona Shaw narrating the other books, but her narration here is absolutely awful. Her regional accents are bloody terrible, I actually thought it wasn’t her. Can’t believe Richard Osman listened to this and gave it the go ahead.

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5 people found this helpful

Strikes a different tone

I admit, I had my doubts 1/3 of the book in but Osman once again proves that this book series is the gift that keeps on giving. Narration wise, I can understand the frustration about the accents, although if one is not from the UK, they can't tell the difference. However I must say, Lesley Manville just made the books feel more alive than Fiona.

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4 people found this helpful

Great book but I miss Lesley's narration.

I love this series and couldn't wait for the next book. Of course, it ended too quickly. My only negative comment is the narrator. I really, really liked Lesley Manville's narration.

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3 people found this helpful

Don't let the change of narration put you off!!

Another excellent story with the characters we've come to love .. they may sound a little different but their individual personalities remain unchanged and come through loud and clear.
Intriguing storyline again with some unexpectedly heart wrenching passages too .. expertly and sensitively written and narrated.
Looking forward to the next one!!!

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2 people found this helpful

Wow

I’ve enjoyed listening to the three previous books in the series, they’ve been well written, with good, well paced plots and great characters BUT this is where the comparison ends.
What has been written in this book is an emotive journey, which pulls no punches and tackles the hardest of hard topics. No spoilers, but, Richard writes well beyond his years, examining a topic that is harder to quantify than pretty much any other topic. He handles it with insight, sensitivity, humour and humanity and it will leave you with an indelible mark in your memory.
The crime story is of course as good as ever, but the exploration of the characters is second to none. Easily the best of the four books to date and probably my favourite book of the year.
I don’t know what you’ve been putting in your coffee this year Mr Osman but as long as it’s legal (and I have my doubts after this book!) keep it up.

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1 person found this helpful

Griping, funny and sad

Another superb book and (without spoiling the storyline) for me the chapters around Stephen are possibly the finest I’ve listened to. Dementia is a challenge for all and I listened to chapter 16 several times, whilst both laughing out and being very emotional as his story concluded.
Numerous magical moments throughout and I loved the big guy and his attitude to life.
Looking forward to book 5!
Tim D.

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1 person found this helpful

Continuity of the characters. Book 4

Continuity of the great characters. Each has earnt their place. Great storyline. I love listening on audio books and it is well read.

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1 person found this helpful

Brilliant once again

Another brilliant book from Richard Osman, an excellent read, very funny, poignant, sad, tears were spilled. Just love all the characters and how they come alive with Fiona Shaw’s narration.
will listen to it again and buy the book.

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Very hard to put down

I'm not going to comment on Shaw's ability to do accents. That has been well documented already. Everything else about this novel is just magnificent. Osman is brilliant at characterisation and it's so refreshing to see someone so skilful apply that to characters that are all in their last trimester. I've loved all four of these books. Please keep them coming Richard.

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Another great book.

I'm loving Fiona Shaw's narration. Really enjoying the characters, the humour and especially the dementia letter. Absolutely broke my heart. Richard Osman knows how to end a book. I think his 2nd book had the best end...ever! Bring on book 5.

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