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The Curse of the Burdens

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The Curse of the Burdens

By: John Wyndham
Narrated by: Carl Prekopp
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About this listen

James Burden has unexpectedly inherited Shotlander Priory after his cousin dies mysteriously. Little does he know that the old Prior, crossing the worn threshold for the last time, had called down a curse on those who were to take over the property. 'By fire and water,' he had said, 'your line shall perish.'

They had seemed the foolish words of an old and dying man. For nearly four hundred years, the descendants of Sir James Burden had held the property, though it had never passed from father to son.

Until now....

Nothing appears as it seems as mysterious characters, unexpected developments, and emotions start to unravel....

©1935 John Wyndham (P)2022 Audible, Ltd Mystery Traditional Detectives
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Apparently there isn't a printed copy of this book to be found so it's a huge treat for Wyndham fans to have this available and especially included! Thank you! It's one of the earlier books (learned all this from a YT video) and hence not as great a story is the authors other books. Still a worthy listen though and well read by Carl Prekopp.

Great performance

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The story was rather good along the lines of an almost Agatha Christie type of thing. Because I've read and enjoyed his more science fiction type of novels, I was a little taken aback. But the plot is good. Over all enjoyable but very different from his later works.

John Wyndham evolving

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Im a big fan of Wyndham's work but this was a tiny bit boring and average compared to his usual work but is for free so a good time killer.

A ok but slightly boring story

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I really enjoyed this novella - gripping once the plot evolved! Very much set in 1935, when it was published. Unsettling elements of later dystopia. Female characters have obviously always been strong and feisty!

Detective Story/Gothic Horror

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Not the usual John Wyndham offering - I kept wondering if was the same John Wyndham, but apparently it is.
It had the feeling of an old black and white movie to me. Many will hate it because of the dated writing, but I found it oddly charming. Even the odd murder is dealt with in an almost gentle manner. Great stuff.

Loved this old fashioned little tale

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