Martin Hayward and his wife Helen run a local theater group called The Fairway Players and they’re preparing for their next production, Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. But, the Hayward’s granddaughter Poppy Reswick is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that requires a costly experimental treatment. The members of the group rally to raise awareness and funds to help save little Poppy. But one of the new cast members, a nurse and former NGO worker, is suspicious of the diagnosis and the oncologist. We know that at the end of this story, someone is dead and another is in prison for the murder. Can you figure out whom from the emails, texts and letters? Two young lawyers are given that task.
This is described as a modern day epistolary novel, which is what first drew me to the story over a year ago before it was available in the US. It didn’t disappoint and my patience in waiting for the audio version paid off tenfold! I learned some time ago that this writing format is “appealing” to me (pun definitely intended), most especially when multiple narrators are used in the performance. It doesn’t take long to get a sense of the personalities of each of the characters but it did take some time to determine who was being truthful and who might be up to something. I was hooked early on and looked forward to the next email or text that might give me another clue or reinforce my theories. Of course my opinions kept shifting as that was to be expected.
I loved this story and the telling of it. The narrations were outstanding, making all of those pieces of communication come alive like dialogue instead of flat messages. I figured out a lot of the mystery but there were still hosts of unexpected twists and turns delivered before it was all revealed, even a little bit of something at the end to keep me wondering. This was a marvelous listening experience, reinforcing my appreciation of the epistolary writing style that’s really tough to master. It’s at its finest here.
Book Info
- Release Date: January 25, 2022
- Narrators: Daniel Philpott, Aysha Kala, Rachel Adedeji & Sid Sagar
- Audio Length: 12 hours, 26 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Listen to an Excerpt!
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(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
Fantastic review Jo! I bought the kindle book when it first came out but after listening to that sample i think the audiobook might be better for me! 🤔
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Thanks, Nicki💜 I can’t emphasize more strongly at how much of a difference the audio version makes. I read the first few pages and it was a whole other experience.
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I’ve added it to my audible wishlist!
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You won’t regret it!
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I had a rough time with this one, but apparently the audio was the way to go. Wonderful review, Jo!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 I knew as soon as I saw it was an epistolary novel that I’d wait for the audiobook and the difference is remarkable! I was enthralled.
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I’m so glad the audio version was so good. And, I agree – it is an excellent story. Excellent review!
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Thanks, Tessa💜 The audio performance was superb! The narrators were skilled and well defined each character. It was a great listening experience.
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Fab review! I’m glad this was a good one for you. xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 It would have been a different reading experience without the audio.
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Great review Jo. I really enjoyed this book!
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Thanks, Jacob💜 Glad you did, too!
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Glad to see how much you enjoyed this one, Jonetta! It does sound like the epistolary format was brilliantly adapted in the audio format too. Great review! 😀
P.S. I also wanted to make a quick mention that I will be moving on to my own blog going forward (temporarily cross-posting content to warn readers on Bookidote) and that I’d love for us to remain connected over on my new blog (roarsandechoes.com). Don’t feel obligated to do so though! Stay safe!
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Thank you, Lashaan💜 Off to check out your new blog!
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Thank you so much for your support, Jonetta! 😀
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I can understand how this might work better as an audiobook! As a kindle book it didn’t work for me at all, it was so much wading through emails…
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That’s exactly why I waited for the audiobook. It was brilliant in that format.
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I was worried about this as an audiobook, so I read it. I just listened to the clip and it does sound really good. So glad you got the chance to listen to it. Great review.
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Thank you, Carla💜 I wish you’d been able to listen to it!
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