Delightful storytelling, I laughed, I cried.

Profoundly brilliant truths told with humour, as ever. Only Forward has been a favourite since it's publication, this book is in the ranks as well.

ememess tells excellent stories in wonderful ways and if you disagree, well, you're wrong

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MM Smith Channels Neil Gaiman

This felt like a more whimsical story than his usual fair. Not in a bad way, just that he held back the horror elements a smidgen and added more playful elements. I think Neil Gaiman fans who haven't read Michael Marshall Smith before would enjoy this as an entry point.

The narrator was excellent, my only criticism would be his child voice for Hannah was a little too whiny for me.

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What an excellent book (chance of spoilers)

I've been a fan of Michael Marshall Smith since I discovered "Only Forward" in a book shop in 1994 - that became one of my favourite books, one that I recommend to people all the time. Hannah Green is no exception, Michael is a clever story teller, he draws you in with humour, darkness and characters that you fall in love with. This is an ingenious story, that unfolds and opens up from a tiny beginning to become huge and involving. It has moments that are funny, moments that are scary, and moments of urgency where you can't wait to turn the page. It is inventitive and original and is anything but mundane. Its not as sci-fi as his earlier books, and is an impressive spin on the story of the Devil. You could make comparisons to Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" and even "Neverwhere" but with Michael's unique dark and witty style. It is an excellent book, one of, if not the best that Michael has written.

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slow start

The writer was quite sardonic which suits my British sense of humour, although at the beginning that felt like all he had. But as the characters developed I warmed to them. The narrator did an excellent job.

I enjoyed the little philosphies popped in about life is just as it is, the balanced nature, and the struggles we go through. Really liked the ending. Often stories are left for us to decide...I enjoyed knowing how everyone continues with their lives.

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I agree, Hannah is unlikable.

The story had an interesting premise about the existence of good and evil but I couldn't get on board with the main thread of what Hannah was striving for. Perhaps this subject is cathartic to the author. I agree with other reviewers that Hannah's sense of entitlement, continual whining and demands are a needles distraction. The story centers around Hannah, making it feel at times like it is a book for children and I that spoiled it for me too.
However, there are some very funny and wistful moments in this book and worth listening to for some of the adult characters banter.

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A return fro Michael Marshall in his "Smith" guise

This a great return from Michael Marshall back to his original writing style and genre and a worthy resurrection of Michael Marshall Smith. First things first, I admit that I am a bigger fan of MMS than MM, so this review and my ratings may be a bit biased.

Down to the book, it is another great fast-paced rollercoaster ride, which has many 'out-there' themes and plenty of quirkiness in a coherent self-contained world, much like his previous offerings. Unlike his previous offerings, this time he has stuck very much to the present day and infused it with plenty of fantasy rather than diving into the future and infusing his writing with sci-fi. I would say that his writing has matured since his early days (almost certainly due to his many novels under the name Michael Marshall), although the sense of fun and wonderment that made Only Forward such a rewarding read is once again present here.

Thank you for returning to "Smith" again, I didn't think it would happen and am so glad that it did.

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A treat for all ages

Off the wall view on the devil, could we do without him? I fear not, there's worse out there...

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loved it

love this author, been a massive fan for a long time.
This one did not disappoint!
loved the relationship at the end

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Magical Realism Dipped In Whimsy

Let me start by saying that this really is a good book, and I often found myself saying 'Well that was unexpected' or 'didn't see that coming', but this book is full on magical realism dipped in whimsy.

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Gripped until the end!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I adore Michael Marshall Smith's work, and this did not disappoint. I'm new to audiobooks but the narrator read clearly and kept me engaged in the story.

The story itself was gripping, and I loved the twists and turns. I really enjoyed it.

Which character – as performed by William Roberts – was your favourite?

The Old man in the black wrinkled linen suit and the demon.

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

I laughed quite a few times due to Hannah's thoughts and decision making.

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