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The Short Straw

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The Short Straw

By: Holly Seddon
Narrated by: Debbie Chazen
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About this listen

 Leaving isn't safe... But staying would be deadly.

'An addictive read. . . Patricia Highsmith meets Shirley Jackson' - GILLIAN MCALLISTER

'A deliciously creepy tale of three sisters forced to take refuge in an abandoned mansion. Seddon deftly weaves between past horrors at the manor and the present-day struggle of the sisters to survive the night. What sets this thriller apart is the stellar writing and bone-chilling atmosphere Seddon creates.' - SARAH PEKKANEN, bestselling author of Gone Tonight

Three sisters find themselves lost in a storm at night, and seek safety at Moirthwaite Manor, where their mother once worked. They are shocked to find the isolated mansion that loomed so large through their troubled childhoods has long been abandoned. Drawing straws to decide who should get help, one sister heads back into the darkness. With the siblings separated, the deadly secrets hidden in the house finally make themselves known and we learn the unspeakable secret that binds the family together.©2023 Holly Seddon (P)2023 Orion Publishing Group Crime Fiction Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Crime Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant
I liked the back story of The Manor and how the consquences of parents had an effect on the next generstion. Great story line which was interwoven with the past.

A very good listen

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Another attention grabbing book by Holly Seddon exploring the relationship between sisters and different generations

Gripping

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The reviews and descriptions of the book made me think it was going to be edge-of-seat type suspense. When in fact the majority of the book is about the 3 sisters talking about their past and present (and family life)! Yes it is set in an atmospheric 'scary' house and I kept thinking something was going to happen any minute...but not really. Quite disappointing.

Average

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Another unique, captivating story from Holly Seddon. I listened on Audible and Debbie Chazen was a superb narrator, never failing in her depiction of all the various characters and bringing them to life. It was suspenseful, unusual and totally believable with the unexpected, disturbing twist at the end that we have grown to expect from Holly.
It's a long book but it never drops your attention and your relationship with the main characters are just like in real life - one day you love them, the next they irritate the life out of you but you always want the best for them.
Clever story and beautifully written. Highly recommended.

Great story - couldn't stop listening!

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