Great, fun listen

I loved listening to the audio version of this audio book. I found it really funny and witty. It’s a good, light hearted listen. Definitely cheered me up somewhat. The narrator was fantastic and portrayed the characters well. I would definitely recommend this book 👍🏻😁

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1 person found this helpful

LOVED IT! WHAT A TONIC!

I started this one day when I was feeling sorry for myself because I had a stinking cold. I thought I would listen to one of my Audio Books rather than read and I’m so glad I did.

What a corker of a story this is. I have never laughed so much and just fell in love with all the characters. There are so many memorable moments in this book which I still chuckle at when I think of them. It is narrated my Melanie Crawley who does a fantastic job bringing all the characters to life.

I would definitely recommend this book and shall look forward to more antics from Gretyl and her crew. Please write another Si Page.

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1 person found this helpful

A hilarious story in the mould of Tom Sharpe!

Missing Gretyl was for me, one of the most enjoyable audio books I have listened to. In particular, the narrator, Melanie Crawley, brought many colourful characters to life!

I love traditional British comedy like Only Fools and Horses, and with larger than life characters and a cracking story that ends up with a pensioner causing mayhem in Marbella, there's plenty to enjoy. In particular, look out for the waxing scene and the foray at the airport. It will have you in stitches!

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Brilliant

This is a brilliantly funny book. I hated gretyl most of the time and loved her long suffering husband and also didn't blame him for wanting to get out the house all the time..

I really didn't like the soddalls but loved them at the same time for the stupid plans and get quick rich schemes.

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Hilarious

So funny, laughing all the way, Gretyl is larger than life, highly recommend this book

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Great distraction

Welcome back friends, this book was an easy listen and a brilliant, funny distraction.

There were many elements to this book , different situations and people but it was so well written that I had no problem following it and keeping everyone in the right place, well done to Si Page for such good writing.

Each character felt like I wanted to learn more about their back story, I loved what was being told about them now but being such well rounded characters I truly believed there could be a whole unknown back story waiting to be told.

Our lead heroine Gretyl is a superb, sassy and takes no rubbish from nobody a trait which serves her well throughout this tale.

The down to earth nature of the story is a breath of fresh air and could be told today and not seem out of place.

Our storyteller this time around is Melanie Crawley who does an excellent job of drawing you in to the details and does every voice brilliantly.

So if you are looking for easy listen with many funny moments then this is well worth a listen.

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2 people found this helpful

Fun but thoughtful

A fun story that comes to life with this narrator. It has thoughtful moments. Gretyls husband usually being the one who brings those moments about. Not Gretyl herself, who is a rather annoying and irritating! All part of the story mind!
To me this is an updated fun book with a reminder of Tom Sharpe back in the day.
Def worth listening to or reading.

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Fun listen

Well this was different, I normally dont do comedy and especially some types of British comedy(Australian here living in the UK) but this was so much fun. I hated and loved the characters so much but my favourite was the long suffering husband. I dont want to say anything more because of all the twists and farces but such a laugh.This brightened up my day.

The narration so suited the story and added an extra dimension.

I was given a free copy via the audible book club but the review is entirely my own.

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Absolutely brilliant from start to finish!

Would you consider the audio edition of Missing Gretyl to be better than the print version?

The audible version was perfect, so much so I have bought the book so I can compare and contrast both the audio and the written work in the near future. If the paperback is half as good it will still be fantastic.

What other book might you compare Missing Gretyl to, and why?

Unable to compare, it wouldn't be as all books have their differences even if in the same genre and both five star rated.

What about Melanie Crawley’s performance did you like?

Melanie's narration was excellent, this is the first time I have listened to her narration and certainly won't be the last time. Melanie is able to adapt her language, expressions and accents to suit all of the characters in the book perfectly, she isn't monotone and the way she narrates the story helps you to visualise the characters clearly and feel like you know them and can clearly imagine what they look like and their mannerisms and clothing, personalities and expressions. Superb.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Gretyl's crusade to protect Ponceybridge from greed and corruption.

Any additional comments?

I had seen many people mention how funny this book was and as I rarely read anything other than psychological thrillers and police procedurals, I was hesitant to read/listen to it because I struggle to find comedy "funny" be it in books or on TV; whereas my husband would belly laugh, I would raise a half smile and think it's "too daft to laugh at".
I decided to take the plunge with Missing Gretyl on audible and what can I say....It was hilarious and sad in places. Si has an absolute sterling talent and paired with Melanie Crawley's narration it was a perfect partnership.
An audio book is useless in my opinion even if it is a good story if it doesn't have the right narrator and I have listened to some which I have disliked because of the awful narration but definitely not the case with Missing Gretyl.
The story as you can see from the description is about Gretyl and Albert Trollop(e) and the Sodall family, I won't repeat the synopsis in my review. But Gretyl is seemingly at the outset an old sod, causing chaos and controversy and doesn't care who she upsets, offends or even cons, she is the proverbial pain in the backside who you hope you don't have to live near or bump into, in fact you'll want to keep out of her firing line. Hard to believe long suffering husband Arthur has put up with her for over 50 years, certainly opposites attract and he needs a medal.
The story had me in stitches and goosebumps throughout, a well constructed story which grabbed my attention from the outset. It was a refreshing read as it contained no swearing so even your dear old granny could read it without offending. Si gets the points across without need for obscenities, brilliant!!
I think my motto for the book is "Don't judge a book by its cover" no pun intended, but Gretyl won me over as awful as she came across at times, I actually had a soft spot for her even early on. People aren't always as they seem and often the way they are for many reasons, don't judge!
This was a brilliant 5 star for me, I have also learned to step out of my comfort zone and change genre more often. I have been pleasantly surprised. In fact I miss Gretyl and Albert, I hope there is another story soon.
Highly recommended.

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Fast, Witty, Silly and Fun

I needed something light to listen to and when the opportunity to listen to this came up I jumped at it and am so glad. The story revolves around Gretyl but there are several characters, who are very important to the various threads of the story and who all take some getting used to. Gretyl is not the nicest person- she is so self-centred and obnoxious that at first I thought she was more of a caricature than a character but as the tale progresses and the twists and turns unwind she becomes a more likeable person. Her Husband Albert is a real sweetie, even when he does sort of accidentally put a hit on Gretyl! Then there are the Soddalls and there shenanigans, the mysterious Arti Choke, a lovely family man and so much more, and of course a baddie we can't help hating.
The humour is mostly fast, furious and seems to me to be ultra British; with the occasional miss and a bit of overplaying a hand. Generally this is a book that makes you smile, giggle, groan and cringe.
Melanie Crawley personifies Gretyl, meaning that at times, she is screechy and irritating but then so is our eponymous irritant.
Overall I enjoyed this but suspect it is not everyone's cup of tea.

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