Gentlemen & Players cover art

Gentlemen & Players

the first in a trilogy of gripping and twisted psychological thrillers from bestselling author Joanne Harris

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Gentlemen & Players

By: Joanne Harris
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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About this listen

Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Susan Hill, Nicci French and Val McDermid, this is an astute and intelligent psychological thriller centring around obsession and rage from international multi-million copy seller Joanne Harris. Fast paced with unexpected twists and turns, it will get right under the skin...

'[A] gripping psychological thriller... Harris is one of our most accomplished novelists and Gentlemen & Players, with its pace, wit and acute observation, shows her at the top of her form' -- DAILY EXPRESS
'[A] delicious black comedy ... the plot is so cleverly constructed, the tension so unflagging, you'd think she'd been writing thrillers all her life' -- DAILY MAIL
'It kept me on the edge of my seat and I was thinking about it long after I turned the last page' -- ***** Reader review
'An intricate, engrossing novel' -- ***** Reader review
'Wonderfully, horribly plausible' -- ***** Reader review
'I read it in three days which is as close as I get to "couldn't put it down"' -- ***** Reader review
'Well written and enthralling' -- ***** Reader review
'A must read....' -- ***** Reader review
'Absolutely loved this book!' -- ***** Reader review

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At St Oswald's, a long-established boys' grammar school in the north of England, a new year has just begun. For the staff and boys of the school, a wind of unwelcome change is blowing. Suits, paperwork and Information Technology rule the world; and Roy Straitley, the eccentric veteran Latin master, is finally - reluctantly - contemplating retirement.

But beneath the little rivalries, petty disputes and everyday crises of the school, a darker undercurrent stirs.

And a bitter grudge, hidden and carefully nurtured for thirteen years, is about to erupt.

The trilogy continues with blueeyedboy and Different Class.

Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Exciting Scary Witty Funny

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Critic reviews

[A] gripping psychological thriller... Harris is one of our most accomplished novelists and Gentlemen & Players, with its pace, wit and acute observation, shows her at the top of her form
[A] delicious black comedy ... the plot is so cleverly constructed, the tension so unflagging, you'd think she'd been writing thrillers all her life
With a lightness of touch, Harris illuminates just how resentment of privilege and exclusion can lead to violent resolutions... Marvellously mischievous
[A] clever story of obsession and revenge... Ms Harris has scored another success
A classic whodunnit with the characters carefully crafted and the tension at a knife edge
A terrific and absorbing suspense novel, with a cast of characters you come to really care about and enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes
Book groups of the world, watch out
A wonderfully clever book, rich in atmosphere, crawling with fascinating characters, and packing a terrific surprise as well (Elizabeth George)
[A] literary gobstopper with an aniseed heart ... wildly entertaining
A diverting and absorbing story which will delight her legions of fans
All stars
Most relevant
There were times when the author racked up the tension so much I could hardly bear to keep listening. This is an amazing psychological thriller with a gasp out loud twist at the end. Dark, gripping and very well read. This is a great listen.

Gripping and clever

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Would you consider the audio edition of Gentlemen and Players to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print edition. However, I have watched and read previous Joanne Harris novels and this one is VASTLY superior. I'd love to read a sequel. Perhaps, in preparation for a second career, considering his approaching retirement, Mr Straightly could take up sleuthing during the school holidays.

What other book might you compare Gentlemen and Players to, and why?

Hmmmm, something along the lines of Ruth Rendell, perhaps.

What about Steven Pacey’s performance did you like?

Steven Pacey is my favourite narrator and is the reason I bought the book in the first place. His performance is, yet again, engaging, versatile and perfectly judged.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The twist at the end was definitely a surprise!

Any additional comments?

I don't normally enjoy Joanne Harris' books. I have found the ones I have read trite, sentimental and predictable. On the evidence of this book, I need to give other novels of hers a go.

A Revelation!

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Slow start, but grows on you - have downloaded the sequel. Without giving TOO much away: the identity twist was a bit laboured, and I "got it" long before the revelation, but a good read (listen, in my case) nevertheless.

Interesting characters and setting

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Brilliant narration adds to an enthralling tale of murder and mayhem. Wonderful use of language, plot and pace made this book most enjoyable, uniquely humorous and grotesquely witty at the same time. What a talented author.

Unique, enthralling, murder at its best!

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Really compelling read. Hard to guess what was next. Brilliant. Fabulos observations of the schooling system and inequalities of our education system.

Enthralling read with kots of twists and turns.

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