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The Long, Long Afternoon

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The Long, Long Afternoon

By: Inga Vesper
Narrated by: Janina Edwards, Adam Barr, Mikhaila Aaseng
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About this listen

A stunning 1950s set debut mystery brimming with atmosphere and perfect for fans of Tangerine, Small Pleasures and Mad Men.

Yesterday, I kissed my husband for the last time....

It's the summer of 1959, and the well-trimmed lawns of Sunnylakes, California, wilt under the sun. At some point during the long, long afternoon, Joyce Haney, wife, mother, vanishes from her home, leaving behind two terrified children and a bloodstain on the kitchen floor.

While the Haney's neighbours get busy organising search parties, it is Ruby Wright, the family's 'help', who may hold the key to this unsettling mystery. Ruby knows more about the secrets behind Sunnylakes' starched curtains than anyone, and it isn't long before the detective in charge of the case wants her help. But what might it cost her to get involved? In these long hot summer afternoons, simmering with lies, mistrust and prejudice, it could only take one spark for this whole 'perfect' world to set alight . . .

A beguiling, deeply atmospheric debut novel from the cracked heart of the American Dream, The Long, Long Afternoon is at once a thrilling mystery and an intoxicating vision of the ways in which women everywhere are diminished, silenced and ultimately under-estimated.

©2021 Inga Vesper (P)2021 Bonnier Books Ltd Detective Fiction Historical Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Marriage

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All stars
Most relevant
Good story line. Kept you guessing. Narrator read characters very well. Will buy author again.

The Long, Long afternoon

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This author was new to me and I'm so glad it was recommended. The picture of American suburban life in the 50's & how it was for women was well portrayed, on top of which is a gripping whodunit!

excellent narrators and a gripping story!

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I can't remember why I got this; might've been a 2for1 or daily deal, and I'm so glad I did. Just a couple of clunky bits of story construction but beyond that, one of the best reads I've had lately - and I listen to a lot! So good I've spent a credit on her one other book listed on Audible

A really good listen

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I enjoyed the imagery and the historical element recounting what it was like in the 1950s in Santa Monica. The story was intriguing and Inga’s writing has a poetic flow in parts.
It was a saddening insight into the enduring trauma that children of domestic and sexual abuse experience into adulthood and this is the undermining theme of the main character’s, Joyce, struggles and impacts her relationships. I found this too dark at times as I wasn’t expecting it.

A step back in time to the 50s

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My 1st audiobook&I loved it
The characters were brilliant, and narration was top class. The storyline was easily followed and the different perspective gave a great insight into the story. Would recommend

Pleasantly surprised!

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