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  • The Magpies

  • By: Mark Edwards
  • Narrated by: Elliot Hill
  • Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (945 ratings)
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The Magpies cover art

The Magpies

By: Mark Edwards
Narrated by: Elliot Hill
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Summary

Meet the neighbours from hell, in the gripping thriller that reviewers and readers describe as "fast-paced", "chilling", and "impossible to put down".

When Jamie and Kirsty move into their first home together, they are full of optimism. The future, in which they plan to get married and start a family, is bright. The other residents of their building seem friendly too, including the Newtons, a married couple who welcome them to the building with open arms.

But then strange things start to happen. Dead rats are left on their doorstep. They hear disturbing noises, and much worse, in the night. After Jamie's best friend is injured in a horrific accident, Jamie and Kirsty find themselves targeted by a campaign of terror.

As they are driven to the edge of despair, Jamie vows to fight back—but he has no idea what he is really up against....

The Magpies is a gripping psychological thriller in which the monsters are not vampires or demons but the people who live next door. It is a nightmare that could happen to anyone.

©2013 by Mark Edwards. (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

What listeners say about The Magpies

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  • 4 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The Magpies

Wow what a creepy psychological thriller this book is, Not many books get you hooked from the start but this did, I finished this book so quick because I could not stop listening,
This poor couple move in to this apartment starting a new life, but you may think you have the neighbours from hell think again!!
Everything about this story is brilliant and you really warm to the characters I would put this book in my top 10 without a doubt.

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22 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Juvenile

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

I have no idea.

What will your next listen be?

Something of a more mature storyline without those cringe-worthy sex scenes.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator was good.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Magpies?

The sex scenes and the foolish decisions.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Definitely worth a spin

The beauty in most scary stories is in the normal life that surrounds it, in Magpies all appears normal, what could be more normal than IT guy and nurse in their first home together. The story builds and becomes more sinister with each chapter, it is beautifully written to create that sense of unease and general concern. The characters are for the most part believable and likeable. The narration is excellent Elliot Hill reads at the right pace and is very easy to listen to.
My only criticism is that some of the sexual scenes are a little over described, not in a James Herbert written for the hormone engorged teen, but a little unnecessary at times.
This is not an expensive audiobook, might be less than the cost of a credit in some cases, so you might want to consider buying, or do as I did and add it to your wish list and wait for a sale. Worth giving it a go.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

WARNING! This book is highly adictive

What made the experience of listening to The Magpies the most enjoyable?

The story is compelling, it made me want to listen to more and more, twists and turns aplenty. Makes you question how well you know your neighbours?

What did you like best about this story?

How seemingly perfectly stayed and sensible people can be driven to certain actions through junk mail. The writer guides you into the story with expertise

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

The narration was fine, perfectly listenable although if I had to nit pick I think female narrators voice males better than males voice females, however as the lead is a man it is understandable why this book is read by a man. I think Elliot Hill does however bring to life the character of Jamie well, in respect of his age and lifestyle.

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

Often sent a shiver down my spine

Any additional comments?

Highly reccomended

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Awful story and narrator

This book made me cringe, it was so corny. I felt like the writer over emphasised everything, explaining every thing that was happening in great detail. Surely all great writers know that you have to SHOW not TELL...overall, I struggled to get past chapter 3. When he talked about ‘touching her bottom’ in chapter 4, I’d had enough...I could bear the cringe no longer. No one actually talks like that in real life!

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Horrific happenings but not a horror

Would you try another book written by Mark Edwards or narrated by Elliot Hill?

Not sure. I found the sex scenes gratuitous and dull and I found myself not really warming to the couple - there wasn't much depth to them.

Would you recommend The Magpies to your friends? Why or why not?

Maybe, however I think there are other books that I would recommend before this.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Elliot Hill?

I didn't like his narration - at times he read sentences with totally the wrong cadence. Also there was some weird editing every now and then, when there would be an unduly long pause between sentences.

Was The Magpies worth the listening time?

It's worth a listen for sure.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

I've had neighbours like that

If you could sum up The Magpies in three words, what would they be?

It does happen

What did you like best about this story?

Although fiction it is so true. I've had neighbours complain about me chopping onions so I could totally relate and sympathise

Which character – as performed by Elliot Hill – was your favourite?

The hippie witch lady lol

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I had time I would have

Any additional comments?

I like books that make me speak out loud or shake my head when I'm on the train.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very good psychological thriller

Where does The Magpies rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I haven't listened to many audiobooks of this genre but I really enjoyed this one & if I were listing my favourites over the past 12 months or so this would be quite high on that list

What did you like best about this story?

The story had a real intensity from start to finish with a lot of stand-out moments

Which character – as performed by Elliot Hill – was your favourite?

Elliot Hill's performance of main character Jamie was superb

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Prepare to be shocked......

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Don't waste money or a credit on this rubbish.

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

People who like a really easy and child like story.

Has The Magpies put you off other books in this genre?

No

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Elliot Hill?

Not sure

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment and amazement that a book this bad can be published

Any additional comments?

This has to be the worst written book i have ever read. I would say it is aimed at 12 yr olds, but that's an insult to authors to do aim at 12 yr olds.
I kept thinking i could write a better story that this and i have NO desire to write a book whatsoever.
Don't waste your time money or a credit on this bilge.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Glad this is linked to my kindle!

I chose this because it is whisper synced and I had just signed up to Kindle Unlimited.
Am loving the story (although it does go on an on about how much in love the couple are, how much they have sex - I get it - move on!)
However I think the performance is not good at all.
Too many long pauses between words, emphasis on the wrong word and the female voices are dire.
Will finish on my kindle I think

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4 people found this helpful