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The Godsend
- Narrated by: Hannibal Hills
- Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Horror
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Summary
Alan and Kate Marlowe are a typical, loving, middle-class couple, with four small children. But they wish they had just one more, a beautiful baby daughter. So when a strange young woman abandons her infant at their house, they view it as a blessing - a godsend - and adopt little Bonnie as their own.
But not long after Bonnie’s arrival, terrible things begin to happen to the Marlowes, starting with the death of their son Matthew. As the tragedies mount, Alan suspects that Bonnie is somehow responsible. Is he losing his grip on sanity? After all, surely this angelic child could not be responsible for such horrors?
The classic first novel by Bernard Taylor, The Godsend (1976) earned widespread critical acclaim on its initial publication and was the basis for a 1980 film. Taylor’s chilling novels Sweetheart, Sweetheart and The Moorstone Sickness are also available from Valancourt.
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What listeners say about The Godsend
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- Janalyn
- 31-08-20
There is no horror like a classic horror story
It’s a ring a knock at the door Kate find a young woman asking to come in and have been being raised with good manners she invites her in. The girls name is Susan and she greatly Outstate her welcome so much so she eventually gives birth a baby girl and is still staying at Alan and Katie‘s house. Kate notice that she is emotionally ill equipped to care for the precious baby girl.So when Alan and keep wake up the fam 💘 So when Alan and Kate wake up to find her going, Kate is secretly happy she has two boys and this precious little girl would make a great addition to their home. It’s just said something just don’t sit right with Alan, but to keep Kate happy he says nothing. The name for Bonnie and all is well until they’re older son Matt is found suffocated to death on one of Bonnie’s first mornings with the family. Slowly but surely Allen’s suspicions mount is one thing after another turns their happy life into a hellish existence. How can I convince Katie bug Bonnie is doing it she’s just a process newborn baby right? This book was so good I love classic horror stories. They don’t depend on jump scares just psychological intensity and emotional provocation Using words on the page. That is real talent and to add Hannibal Hills as a narrator you know you have yourself a winner. He is one of the best narrators when it comes to horror and science fiction. It doesn’t get much better than this I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves real horror.
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- Deedra
- 19-10-20
The Godsend
This book was just as good today as it was the first time around!A couple befriend a woman who then vanishes,leaving her newborn behind.The couple adopts her,then suffers loss after loss. Excellent narration by Hannibal Hills!I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
1 person found this helpful
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- Michelle Titherington VanDaley
- 19-09-20
Compelling
This is my first by this author and I enjoyed the writing style and steady pace of the story. As a mother I couldn't help imagining myself in the situation and could honestly see both Alan & Kate's side of the story. The narrator is one of my absolute faves and never dissapoints in bringing life & dimension to the story & characters.
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- Amazon Customer
- 03-09-20
No good deed...
The Godsend is a horror story from the 70's, and while it doesn't have the twisted gore you might find in today's books (or movies), it still manages to be every bit as disturbing as when it was originally written, especially if you happen to have any small children in your life. A chance encounter alters the lives of a young English couple, leading to a surprise addition to their family that sets them on a road to ever increasing tragedy. Hannibal Hills does an absolutely fantastic job of breathing life into this tale of death. (Sorry, couldn't resist that, lol) But seriously, Mr. Hills does a great job with the narration, really making you feel the anxiety of our hero as his world crumbles around him and he seems helpless to stop any of it. I was given a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.