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Winter Holiday
- Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 4
- Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
- Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins
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- Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 3
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For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome's unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.
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I was completely absorbed by this story
- By Justin on 05-11-13
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Coot Club
- Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 5
- By: Arthur Ransome
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike – by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.
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Storming tale
- By Mr Gregory P Morris on 21-02-21
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Swallows and Amazons
- Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 1
- By: Arthur Ransome
- Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike – by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.
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Nostalgic children's adventures
- By Lou on 27-01-14
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We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea
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- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.
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The Swallows can do it on there own.
- By jon on 06-07-15
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- Swallows and Amazons, Book 8
- By: Arthur Ransome
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- Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the 12 books are still eagerly enjoyed by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.
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Wonderful
- By Amazon Customer on 24-11-18
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The Firemaker
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A burned corpse is a disturbing mystery for Beijing detective Li Yan until he enlists forensic pathologist Margaret Campbell. Having abandoned a broken life in Chicago for her work, she's as determined as Li to ask difficult questions about the man's death. But some questions have answers they'd rather not hear - facts that others are desperate to conceal. The Firemaker is the first in the acclaimed China series from Peter May, author of Runaway, Entry Island and the internationally best-selling Lewis Trilogy.
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Fantastic Listen
- By Joanne on 07-08-15
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- Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 3
- By: Arthur Ransome
- Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
- Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome's unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.
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I was completely absorbed by this story
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- Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 5
- By: Arthur Ransome
- Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike – by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.
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Storming tale
- By Mr Gregory P Morris on 21-02-21
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- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
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Overall
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Performance
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For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike – by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.
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Nostalgic children's adventures
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We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea
- Swallows and Amazons Series, Book 7
- By: Arthur Ransome
- Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.
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The Swallows can do it on there own.
- By jon on 06-07-15
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Secret Water
- Swallows and Amazons, Book 8
- By: Arthur Ransome
- Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
- Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
-
Story
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the 12 books are still eagerly enjoyed by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old.
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The Firemaker
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- Unabridged
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Overall
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A burned corpse is a disturbing mystery for Beijing detective Li Yan until he enlists forensic pathologist Margaret Campbell. Having abandoned a broken life in Chicago for her work, she's as determined as Li to ask difficult questions about the man's death. But some questions have answers they'd rather not hear - facts that others are desperate to conceal. The Firemaker is the first in the acclaimed China series from Peter May, author of Runaway, Entry Island and the internationally best-selling Lewis Trilogy.
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The lady narrator....
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- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike - by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome's unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old. Jibbooms and bobstays!
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Another great story
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- Original Recording
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England in the 14th Century. Twelve-year-old Robin’s world is turned upside down when his father, the Earl of Waringham, dies in disgrace. His inheritance lost and his family name dishonoured, the penniless Robin must begin a new life as a peasant on his own estate. He soon makes an enemy in Mortimer, the spoiled young son of the new Earl. As the years pass and the boys enter adulthood, Robin flees Waringham to seek his fortune abroad.
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Irritating music
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Jean Paget is just twenty years old and working in Malaya when the Japanese invasion begins. When she is captured she joins a group of other European women and children whom the Japanese force to march for miles through the jungle. While on the march, the group run into some Australian prisoners, one of whom, Joe Harman, helps them steal some food, and is horrifically punished by the Japanese as a result.
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A long time favourite story brilliantly told
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In AD 60, Boudica, war leader of the Eceni, led her people in a final bloody revolt against the occupying armies of Rome. It was the culmination of nearly 20 years of resistance against an occupying force that sought to crush a vibrant, complex civilisation and replace it with the laws, taxes and slavery of the Roman Empire.
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DI Ben Kitto needs a second chance. After 10 years working for the murder squad in London, a traumatic event has left him grief-stricken. He’s tried to resign from his job, but his boss has persuaded him to take three months to reconsider. Ben plans to work in his uncle Ray’s boatyard, on the tiny Scilly island of Bryher, where he was born, hoping to mend his shattered nerves. His plans go awry when the body of 16-year-old Laura Trescothick is found on the beach at Hell Bay. Her attacker must still be on the island because no ferries have sailed during a two-day storm.
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An enjoyable murder/mystery...
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Meet Agatha Raisin, high-flying public relations boss turned village sleuth. After her many years of bullying and cajoling others, her early retirement to a picture-perfect village in the Cotswolds is a dream come true.
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In this rich new audio production, acclaimed British American actress Rebecca Hall brings one of E. M. Forster's most admired works to life in this classic tale of human struggle. A charming young Englishwoman, Lucy Honeychurch, is wooed by both free-spirited George Emerson and wealthy Cecil Vyse while vacationing in Italy. Though attracted to George, Lucy becomes engaged to Cecil despite twice turning down his proposals. On hearing of the news, George confesses his love, leaving Lucy torn between marrying the more socially acceptable Cecil or George, the man she knows would bring her true happiness. Should Lucy choose social acceptance or true love?
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A good book let down by a poor reading
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Jim Taylor, Sally's oldest friend, is engaged as bodyguard to a princess. But Crown Princess Adelaide of Razkavia is not what you'd expect. She's the slum-girl Jim has been searching for ever since she vanished ten years ago. Now her life is in mortal danger, and together they must battle against unknown enemies in a country where no one can be trusted.
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Narration very poor
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The Big Six
- Swallows and Amazons, Book 9
- By: Arthur Ransome
- Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong
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- Unabridged
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In this (more or less) sequel to the adventures of Coot Club, Arthur Ransome returns once more to his beloved Norfolk Broads where trouble is again brewing for Joe, Bill, and Pete, the three boatbuilders' sons who live aboard the Death and Glory, and the three Coots, Tom, Dorothea and Dick. The problem seems to be that boats are constantly being set adrift and all the evidence points squarely at the three Death and Glories. In a clever bit of detective work, the Big Six manage to exonerate themselves and catch the villains.
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Great story, well read
- By Katie on 18-06-19
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A Fine Balance
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- Length: 25 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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With a compassionate realism and narrative sweep that recall the work of Charles Dickens, this magnificent novel captures all the cruelty and corruption, dignity and heroism, of India. The time is 1975. The place is an unnamed city by the sea. The government has just declared a State of Emergency, in whose upheavals four strangers - a spirited widow, a young student uprooted from his idyllic hill station, and two tailors who have fled the caste violence of their native village - will be thrust together, forced to share one cramped apartment and an uncertain future.
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My favourite book ever
- By Jane Showering on 16-10-18
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Far from the Tree
- Thirty Miles Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Rob Parker
- Narrated by: Warren Brown
- Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
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Brendan Foley has worked to balance the responsibilities of a demanding job and a troublesome family. He’s managed to keep these two worlds separate, until the discovery of a mass grave sends them into a headlong collision. When one of the dead turns out to be a familiar face, he’s taken off the case. Iona Madison keeps everything under control. She works hard as a detective sergeant and trains harder as a boxer. But when her superior, DI Foley, is removed from the case, her certainties are tested like never before.
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Outstanding!
- By Sue on 13-07-20
Summary
For anyone who loves sailing and adventure, Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series stands alone. Originally published over a half-century ago, the twelve books are still eagerly read by children and adults alike – by all those captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Such longevity is not only due to Ransome’s unparalleled gift of storytelling, but also his championing of qualities such as independence and initiative; virtues that appeal to every generation, whether young or old. The fourth book in Arthur Ransome's classic series, Winter Holiday takes intrepid explorers John, Susan, Titty and Roger Walker, and fearsome Amazon pirates Nancy and Peggy Blackett to the North Pole. Joined by budding novelist Dorethes Callum and her scientist brother Dick, the children plan an ‘Arctic’ expedition. But unforeseen events separate the travellers and disaster nearly strikes in the exciting climax of their race to the Pole.
Arthur Ransome was a prolific writer of children's books. Born in Leeds in 1884, it was his father, a nature-loving history professor, who inspired his love of the outdoors and nurtured a passion for fishing. As a child he enjoyed active, outdoor holidays: sailing, camping and exploring the countryside. He used many of these holiday settings for his children's stories, notably the much-loved Swallows and Amazons, a book that sits comfortably in the category of ‘timeless classic’. In 1936 he won the first ever Carnegie Medal for the sixth book in the Swallows & Amazons series, Pigeon Post.
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What listeners say about Winter Holiday
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- Victoria
- 23-06-13
As good as the book
I have been reading all the swallow and amazon books over and over again for the last 30 years and only now are they on audiobook. Winter holiday is how you imagine winters were when you were a child (some of mine were) and you get snowed in and extra time off school. The story is brilliant with a twist at the end that Arthur Ransome manages to achieve in many of his books. The characters are just as I have imagined them, and I still want to be there and be one of them. Although some of the books are about sailing this one is not but if you love winter wonderland and snow from the comfort of your fireside this is an adventure story for you.
14 people found this helpful
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- Mrs M E Burstow
- 06-01-19
A magical story
Perfect listening for a long car journey in the middle of winter.
The ending was especially good. Real edge of the seat stuff. In hindsight Arthur Ransom is enlightened in his treatment of young women. strong assertive leaders. Even if Susan did all the cooking!
6 people found this helpful
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- Newport
- 26-07-16
Love it
Winter holiday is a real adventure story. Any child or adult who loves Arthur ransome stories will love this. Magical and quintessentially English.
4 people found this helpful
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- Ruth
- 24-08-20
Another Great Story
This is one of my favourite Arthur Ransom books, having read them countless times.
Narration was good. I never tire of these wonderful tales.
3 people found this helpful
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- Geoff Hall
- 20-06-18
Loved every minute of it!
if only my own childhood had been so idyllic and full of adventure. Even at 40, this series of Arthur Ransome books makes me want to get away on some adventure of my own fueled by tea and cake!
This is the fourth one I've listened to and will be completing the rest in due course :)
3 people found this helpful
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- Mrs. G. Chew
- 12-06-18
The link between the Lakes and the Broads
This is how Dick and Dorothea Callus meet the Swallows and the Amazons.
It seems to me, as someone who has been a story-maker, that Arthur Ransome wrote a lot of himself into Dickinson and Dottie :)
3 people found this helpful
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- hope
- 12-06-17
loved it
great kids stories fab to listen together with the kids we have really enjoyed it.
2 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 20-03-17
Spiffing!
We are loving these books. So refreshingly innocent but still exciting for my computer junkies.
2 people found this helpful
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- AnneB
- 29-06-16
good ild fashioned children's adventure
great story, good driving narrative and building suspense. Great characters, amazing confident but falable children. fab all round book for most ages from say 6 and up.
2 people found this helpful
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- AJ Roocroft
- 06-10-18
great classic
what a great classic a must listen and should be in everyone's book collection I'm looking forward to getting the rest of the series
1 person found this helpful