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The Cunning Man

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The Cunning Man

By: Celia Rees
Narrated by: Shirley Barthelmie
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About this listen

Finn's not at all sure about the Salt House. Overlooking Westwater Bay, it brings back all her nightmare fears of drowning. Of the ghosts of the dead reaching for her. And Westwater is dangerous. Countless seafarers have drowned here, their ships lost - broken on the vicious Viper Rocks. Lured by the wrecker's false lights, summoned by the dark enchantments of cunning men - masters of storms and tides. Or so the legends say.

©2000 Celia Rees. (P)2006 Bolinda Publishing
Suspense Thriller & Suspense

Editor reviews

Celia Rees’ mastery of setting and suspense is showcased in The Cunning Man, a riveting supernatural tale.

Given a bell-clear, emphatic performance by Shirley Barthelmie, Rees’ YA novel stars Finn, who has been haunted by nightmares since moving to a seaside cottage. She meets a friendly local, Mike, and soon learns that the cottage is cursed and wonders whether an angry character named Mr. Griffiths is involved.

Barthelmie tells the story in brisk, tension-filled performance, and adopts a Cornish accent when portraying some of the characters Finn encounters.

Critic reviews

"Enough drama and atmosphere to keep you right on the edge." (The Daily Telegraph)

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