Hillarious

Albert & Gretyl Trollop lead separate lives, Albert, his allotment, and Gretyl shopping, then we have Dave & Sharon Soddall on benefits and looking how they can make a quick buck, this time selling villas in Marbella but what villas? any that's put up are being demolished.
One day Gretyl's luck changes and low and behold she has been left a mansion and money and has gone on holiday to Spain. Albert not so keen on the mansion goes to the pub and meets a stranger and they get talking but at cross purposes, Albert is talking to a so-called hitman and things get a bit hairy, to say the least. Can this hitman do the job? Can Dave & Sharon make a killing in Spain, this novel should be for the stage, it funny, humourous and a great listen and the narrator Melonie Crawley is brilliant.

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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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Absolutely fantastic !

One of the best books I’ve listened to. Fabulously narrated. Gretyl and all the characters in the book are truly bought to life. I couldn’t stop listening. I have no doubt I’ll be back to read it again next year. Lots and lots of laughs, heartwarming ending. I’m hoping there’s a sequel!! Brilliant!

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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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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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An enjoyable read

A British romp, reminiscent of saucy seaside postcards. Although Gretyl is an obnoxious woman I actually grew quite fond of her as the story progressed, there is a heart of gold under all those wigs. Her long suffering husband Albert enjoys his allotment and his time spent with his best mate Stan and somehow puts up with Gretyl’s eccentricities but their romance is not quite dead. There are many humorous antics and a variety of characters - an enjoyable read - and yes, strangely I am missing Gretyl.

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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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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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This book is Funny

Would you listen to Missing Gretyl again? Why?

I loved this book, I loved the variety of characters and their antics, I loved the story, This book kept me amused the whole way through, Just reading the title make me smile thinking about it, its a pretty down to earth plot about a nagging wife who receives a inheritance and goes on holiday to Spain......but then agin its not,

What was one of the most memorable moments of Missing Gretyl?

I tried to think of 1 most memorable moment, but there are just too many and if I tried to explain them here I would just sound a little odd, but regardless I would love to read more books like this one, theres just not enough GOOD humour around.

What does Melanie Crawley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I think Melanie Crawley did a fantastic job of narrating this book, she bought all the characters to life for me.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me laugh..........really laugh!!

Any additional comments?

I would compare this book to the best of Tom Sharpe maybe even better

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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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