enjoyable

tried this couple of months ago, couldn't cope with narrator whispering. tried again better.

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Very enjoyable

An early John Wyndham originally published under the pseudonym John Benyon. It was written some years before the Second World War and very much of its time, but all the more enjoyable for that. Some reviewers have criticised Zoe Thorn’s narration but I thought it suited the book excellently. Her diction was clear and her voices of the different characters were perfect. An easy going listen for a relaxing afternoon.

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boring

started off well but became more confusing as the story went on, I kept having to go back to see what I'd missed ..in the end I was past caring.

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Not vintage Wyndham

I enjoyed this crime thriller, it's not sci-fi but there's still an interesting female lead, a great sense of society and place and the obvious fear of a War to come and it's potential dreadfulness for the civilian. By the way the narrator is very good but not Zoe Thorn, she announces herself at the end as Zoe ......

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1 person found this helpful

Before it's time thriller, nostalgic delivery

This novel was published in 1935 and the only thing that dates it is the narration. Zoe Thorn does a good job but I'd be interested to hear it without the obligatory plummy English accents so often attributed to the time. Its still good but I think it would be taken far more seriously if it were recorded with less affected accents. The plot isn't dated at all & the denouement is chillingly appropriate now.

Brilliant story of intrigue which would gain more stars if it sounded less like a black & white BBC home service pastiche. However, that does give it a charm some listeners will prefer.

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One for the wyndham enthusiast.

I enjoyed JW’s science fiction and was expecting something similar. Unfortunately these earlier books demonstrate how his skills improved with time, and although there were some decent events, overall I was disappointed. If you need to pass some time on a journey, this is a reasonable choice but don’t expect his later entertainment value.

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Super thrilling and brilliantly read

I loved how the scene was set straight away taking you back in time. Old style police procedures and tactics were brilliantly captivating. the whole plot to the story had me imaginating a black and white movie, with the villains in suits and hats. Vintage Cars, coal fires, ladies dressed authentically... A brilliant plot and if you love retro, this is the book for you.

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Shame

Have been enjoying the John Wyndham books on audible but I had to return this one after just a few chapters as I couldn’t get on with the style of the narration - very breathy and whispery. As if they’d been told to keep the noise down in the studio! Shame, as the story was set up to show promise as a mystery.

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Well read, well said

An early work I think. Some excellent twists and turns in a mystery that unfolds with commentary from the characters on social and political issues. Nothing however gets in the way of a rattling good tale. If you can accept historical differences in mores, you'll enjoy this immensely.

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Very good

It was a story that took me back to when I used to Read his books a long time ago. I love the diction use of words not normally use and every day conversation.
Though it still has a message we could all learn from today.

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