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The Vanishing of Margaret Small

An uplifting and page-turning mystery

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The Vanishing of Margaret Small

By: Neil Alexander
Narrated by: Annie Aldington, Rachel Atkins
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Meet Margaret Small: 75, plain spoken, Whitstable native and a Cilla Black super fan. Shortly after the death of her idol, Margaret begins receiving sums of money in the post, signed simply 'C'.

She is convinced it must be Cilla, but how can it be? To solve the mystery of her benefactor Margaret must go back in her memories almost 70 years, to the time when she was 'vanished' to a long-stay institution for children with learning disabilities.

An absorbing and page-turning mystery with a dual timeline, The Vanishing of Margaret Small takes readers into a fascinating past, and introduces an unforgettable literary heroine. Cosy Detective Family Life Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Mystery Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Heartfelt Exciting Feel-Good Suspense
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Critic reviews

'Compelling and authentic...Margaret's story is quiet but her voice is mighty.'
'Margaret is the most original and memorable character I have come across in years - she's completely unforgettable...one of those stories that sits heavy in your heart long after you've finished reading it. An absolute joy.'
'A beautiful story of human spirit and its power to thrive against the odds. I'm so glad that I read it and got to meet Margaret.'
'A fantastic, feel-good story...rich in nostalgia and a joy to read. A book that will keep you smiling long after you finish.'
'Beautifully observed and poignant. An outstanding debut.'
'A captivating and charming story. Margaret will warm the cockles of your heart.'
'Calling all fans of uplit! A tender, thought-provoking and totally gripping novel from a wonderful storyteller deserves to be a huge hit!'
'This an evocative, endearing, entertaining and thoroughly delicious character portrait and a terrific first novel.'
All stars
Most relevant
I really enjoyed Margaret’s story. It was sweet, sad, touching, charming and uplifting. I found every opportunity I could to listen to it! Fictional books with characters with learning challenges are often a bit jarring and their abilities inconsistent, but this character felt well-rounded and ‘real’.

I’m disappointed that one small mystery wasn’t wrapped up but I’m not going to plot spoil.

An engaging and charming read

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Lovely book. Fab main character and beautifully handled some very touching and powerful topics. Thank you x

Heart warming x

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This is the best book I have listened to. Brilliant story, I hope it’s not as long before he writes his next one.

Best Book ever

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When I started to listen to this story I had no idea what it was about. However, I was hooked from the beginning. The narrator was absolutely magnificent. I cannot imagine anyone else delivering this story any better. I felt drawn in immediately. Having worked and volunteered in this field between 1972 and 1976 I found myself so emotionally invested and I have to say confused because I was involved at a time when change was happening. I also worked and volunteered with people who cared so very much. I found this an inspiring book but also a very emotional story. There are books that change your lives, I feel that is the power of a good story snd this story has done that for me. I can’t explained how or why but the tears I cried for Margaret were different to any I have cried before - so thank you for this book. To the narrator’s who were excellent and to the author for telling a story that is one of the most powerful I have read.

One of the most moving and thought provoking books I have ever listened to too.

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This was a very different type of story but really engaging and drew me in so I cared about the characters and experienced so many different emotions. It was well read and the performance suited the characters. I enjoyed this book, would recommend it and will definitely look out for the author in future.

Very Engaging Listen

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