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When Eight Bells Toll

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When Eight Bells Toll

By: Alistair MacLean
Narrated by: Jonathan Oliver
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About this listen

From the acclaimed master of action and suspense. The all time classic

Millions of pounds in gold bullion are being pirated in the Irish Sea. Investigations by the British Secret Service, and a sixth sense, have bought Philip Calvert to a bleak, lonely bay in the Western Highlands. But the sleepy atmosphere of Torbay is deceptive. The place is the focal point of many mysterious disappearances. Even the unimaginative Highland Police Sergeant seems to be acting a part. But why?

This story is Alistair MacLean at his enthralling best. It has all the edge-of-the-seat suspense and dry humour that millions of readers have devoured for years.

 Action & Adventure Classics Crime Thrillers Fiction Genre Fiction Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Police Procedural Sea Adventures Thriller & Suspense Thriller Adventure Crime Suspense Highlander

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Critic reviews

  • ‘Keeps up its high-wire tension all the way. Not to be missed’ Guardian
  • ‘A cracker-jack opening. Insistently readable’ Evening Standard
  • ‘Breathless action…and a sterling plot’
    Financial Times

‘Almost perfect MacLean’ Lee Child
All stars
Most relevant
Sudden jump in the story at 5h 53m approx
On the one hand the protagonists are on the boat with Lady Skuros. Then they are in Torbay at the police station with an Italian prisoner.
Didn't spoil the story too much but needs checking.

Alistair McLean at his best

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I read this years ago and enjoyed it even more listening - the narrator has the perfect voice for this wonderful now vintage story.

Perfect narrator

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Clever plot that was woven together well with many twists and turns that kept you guessing.

Great story.

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This has always been one of my favourite Alistair Maclean books. I have read it a dozen times and, in my head, have used accents and dialects that I thought suited the characters. Now I have listened to someone else's interpretation and, to be honest, am disappointed. I missed the little gems of humour that I always found made this book special, but the narrator seems to have played these down. To me, he also seemed to narrate too "loudly" when I have always "read" the lead character especially to be softer spoken. I doubt I will listen to it again, it will be one of the occasions when a book in the hand is better by far.

When Eight Bells Toll

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Story detail adhered to excellently, but narration is haughty and condescending, unlike Macleans original.

No warmth from this hero.

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