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Stone Bruises

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About this listen

'Somebody!' I half-sob and then, more quietly, 'Please.' The words seem absorbed by the afternoon heat, lost amongst the trees. In their aftermath, the silence descends again. I know then that I’m not going anywhere...

Sean is on the run. We don't know why and we don't know from whom, but we do know he's abandoned his battered, blood-stained car in the middle of an isolated, lonely part of rural France at the height of a sweltering summer. Desperate to avoid the police, he takes to the parched fields and country lanes only to be caught in the vicious jaws of a trap. Near unconscious from pain and loss of blood, he is freed and taken in by two women - daughters of the owner of a rundown local farm with its ramshackle barn, blighted vineyard and the brooding lake. And it's then that Sean's problems really start...

Superbly written, Stone Bruises is a classic nail-shredder of a thriller that holds you from the beginning. The narrative slowly, inexorably tightens its grip as the story unfurls and will keep you guessing until the unnerving and shocking final twist...

 Crime Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Crime
All stars
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Ultimately the book is good, but on several occasions I almost gave up on it as it took so long to get to the point! The characters were built up very well, but as a Simon Beckett fan I felt a bit disappointed and you had to stick wth it until the last couple of chapters to really enjoy it. On the whole it was a bit slow in building.

Good book but not Simon Beckett at his best.

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I have to agree with those who gave this 5 stars across the board. I felt totally immersed in the story, virtually all the way through. It was well constructed, the characters were well developed, Jonathan Keeble's narration was flawless as ever and an undercurrent of tension was maintained throughout the story. It may not have been in the 'David Hunter' realm of forensic investigation but I say "well done" to Simon Beckett for producing a great story, slightly out of his usual sphere.

Superb listen

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This intricate story unravels by returning to London from France. An unlikely tale of an accidental criminal that is made totally credible by the expert writing.
The amazing talents of Jonathan Keeble make this an absolute joy to listen to. His French accent is completely believable as are the tones and nuances he gives to each character. This man can bring any book to life and twinned with such good material he's a gift!

Great Listen.

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Reasonable story well performed by JK (as usual) a bit of a strange format going back and forth but once started it actually made it difficult to stop. Parts were predictable but enough were not to maintain interest.

Easy Listening

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I really like this author’s storylines, and Jonathan Keeble’s narration.
I just wish his male ‘heroes’ were not always so wet and easily manipulated, which ends up giving me angst as I listen and have to click forward to keep my equilibrium.

Good Listening, mostly

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