Showing results by narrator "Des Dillon" in All Categories

Spring 1905, England. When Helen Schlegel goes to stay at Howards End - the country home of the Wilcox family, her own life, along with that of her sister Margaret, is changed forever. This is the tale of three families at the beginning of the twentieth century: the rich Wilcoxes, the gentle, idealistic Schlegels and the lower-middle class Basts. Frequently cited as E. M. Forster's finest work, Howards End brilliantly explores class warfare, conflict and the English character. This BBC dramatisation skilfully brings the classic novel to life.

Hop in, buckle up, and get ready to RIDE with Elmo! He’s driving around in the Elmobile, which can magically turn into ANYTHING – a train, a helicopter, a giant spring, or even a banana!

Random House presents the audiobook edition of The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet. ‘No one lives this way unless they want to hide something.’ When Caroline and Francis receive an offer to house swap, they jump at the chance for a week away from home.

Former homicide cop Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels has two vacations planned. One at a Bed and Breakfast with her old pal Chandler. Another a visit to a themed escape room with Phineas Troutt, her daughter Sam, Harry McGlade, and his son Harry Junior. Vacations are supposed to be an escape. But what if you can't escape? When both trips go terrifyingly wrong, Jack and those she loves must fight for their lives against a collection of villains too horrible to comprehend.

Cowerworth is the picture perfect neighbourhood. Its manicured lawns and low crime rates make it the ideal place to raise a family. But in a quiet suburb, someone is always watching. And all eyes are on the couple who have just moved in. Marcus and Gina are everything you could want in neighbours: polite and friendly. They seem to be the perfect fit. Except Marcus has a secret. And you're his next victim. You just don't know it yet.

Jessica Bay has it all—and it's all too much. Between moody teenagers, a hectic job and a husband who can recall that the last time they slept together was 632 days ago but somehow can't remember to put the bins out, Jess is close to breaking point. Desperate for change, she moves the family to a tiny island in the English Channel. An island that has a secret: it can take you back in time to relive any day in your past. To have another go at doing it right. 

Most people travel to Croatia for its endless sunshine, pebbly beaches and crystal clear sea. Kate goes there to disappear. She needs to escape from a life that has fallen apart in spectacular and public fashion, and no one on the beautiful island of Hvar knows who she is or what she's running away from. Until she meets another lonely soul.

When he awakens ten years in the past, Kiden Coldsteel dedicates his second chance to becoming a legendary mage to prepare for the terrors to come, when the Acolytes of the Old Gods are destined to shroud the world in darkness forever. Kiden does not have the benefit of years of training as a mage. His martial skills aren't enough alone. He must rely on his method of Law of the Opposites, approaching magic in a way that goes against every established theory. Until then, he must locate the strongest mage humanity has ever produced and earn his support, or else humanity won't stand a chance…

As usual, 17-year-old Alice Teale walked out of school at the end of a bright spring day. She's not been seen since. Alice was popular and well-liked, and her boyfriend, friends and family are desperate to find her. But when the police start asking questions, it becomes clear that almost everyone has something to hide. Torn between a host of suspects, Detectives Beth Winter and Lucas Black don't know which way to turn. But then they receive a disturbing package: pages from Alice's precious diary. Who could have sent them? And have they done with Alice?

A lot can happen on the way from one place to another, especially when an overnight flight makes for an unexpected romantic encounter between strangers seated together; a trucker finds life beyond the ranch where he grew up; and a bored Midwestern housewife tries to escape Kansas City.

There have always been deaths in the small town of Eriston over the years - more than can easily be explained. People dying in their houses, behind locked doors. Sean Cole thought he'd spotted a pattern. Thought he was on the trail of a killer. Now he's dead, too. When his daughter, Rebecca, returns to the town, she realises that her father might have been onto something. But can she find the murderer before he finds her? Because if she can't, her father's shabby old Victorian house is no place to hide.

Squirrel is not like most dogs. Born a stray, she must make her own way in the world, facing busy highways, changing seasons, and humans both gentle and brutal. Her life story, in her own words, is marked by loss, but also by an inspiring instinct to survive. And when it seems she will roam the woods and country roads alone forever, Squirrel makes two friends who, in very different ways, define her fate.At once heartrending and hopeful, Ann Martin’s exquisite story of a dog’s life is told with her trademark grace and insight.

This is a story of boyhood friendship and irrepressible vitality told with the speed of trains and the understanding of the awkwardness, significance, and fragility of that time. This is a day in the life of two boys as told by one of them.

Rachel is determined to be the perfect mother. She has a birth plan, with a playlist and a bag ready by the door. She’s chosen a lovely light cream paint for the nursery, and in wide-eyed, innocent Abbie she’s found the perfect person to help her with her baby. Because every mother needs a bit of help, don’t they? But Rachel needs a little more than most. She still makes sure her bedroom door is locked before she goes to sleep. She still checks the cameras that are dotted throughout the house.

Ex-cop Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels, ex-criminal Phineas Troutt, and ex-private eye Harry McGlade are all healing after a near-fatal encounter. But it's tough to mend when there's a serial killer prowling the halls at night, draining patients of their blood.

In this engrossing series, Drs Sarah Dillon and Corin Throsby set off on a quest to discover how some of our most famous, best-loved books were written. What was happening in the author's lives and how did that influence the process of creation? Following the clues, they attempt to solve the mysteries of these great works of literature - uncovering a wealth of fascinating information along the way.

Reflecting on the Beach Boys’ long, fascinating history, this book tells the story behind 50 of the band’s greatest songs from the perspective of group members, collaborators, fellow musicians, and notable fans. The band's music is as influential now as it was 50 years ago, and this retelling of how the iconic rock group found itself in the annals of pop culture couldn't come at a better time.

A global pandemic has devastated the world. Facing a rebuilding time of generations, two scientists come up with a solution: Send someone back in time to prevent the horrible accident that released the deadly pathogen on the world. The problem with their discovery? The time travel process is fatal to anyone trying it. The solution? Create someone with the ability to survive the transition across timelines.

Each year, 10 pioneering scholars are selected as New Generation Thinkers and given the unique opportunity to bring their groundbreaking work to life on radio. New Generation Thinkers have explored the arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond and continue to share ideas, bring people into their world and expand horizons everywhere. To mark 10 years of this incredible scheme, this collection brings together the 100 winners from the past decade.

The closing down of the steelworks meant the end of being in work - but John and his pal don't intend it to be the end. "Keep hens! That's the answer."