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Eleanor (1463 KP) rated The Hiding Place / The Taking of Annie Thorne in Books

Jul 24, 2019  
The Hiding Place / The Taking of Annie Thorne
The Hiding Place / The Taking of Annie Thorne
C.J. Tudor | 2019 | Mystery, Thriller
9
8.2 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Excellent audio edition narrated by Richard Armitage available (0 more)
One book two names: The Hiding Place (US) The Taking of Annie Thorne (UK) - Very Odd (0 more)
Supernatural small town horror meets twisty thriller
I listened to this book on an audio edition narrated by Richard Armitage who did a superb job of bringing the protagonist Joe Thorne to life. There is much of the dialog in this book that is interspersed with Joe’s own contradictory thoughts but I found it all so well narrated it flowed very enjoyably. Based in a part of the world I’m very familiar with the accent and attitudes (well written) all fitted perfectly.

Returning to his childhood home; the former mining town of Arnhill has few attractive qualities; and some very upsetting memories for Joe. As we learn about Joe’s past; which is still very present in Arnhill we get a cross between a creepy mystery horror story and flat out crime thriller. Annie Thorne was Joe’s sister, she disappeared at age eight and reappeared 48 hours later but was somehow different….. When he receives a mysterious note suggesting that history is repeating itself in Arnhill he is drawn back.

It’s dark and twisty tale full of easily pictured characters. Joe himself is far from a reliable narrator and even his true motives are less than clear. The story is well written with some very high standard dialogue that really pulls you into the setting. I can imagine the supernatural nature may be a put off to those just out for a solid mystery thriller but I don’t think it’s too in your face creepy horror. In fact I could have gone for more delving into the history and supernatural origins side of things. The more standard mystery and thriller side of the book has some interesting twists and turns and I give the book a general bump for the high quality audio adaptation I experienced.
  
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ClareR (5996 KP) rated Killing Beauties in Books

Feb 5, 2020  
Killing Beauties
Killing Beauties
Pete Langman | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Killing Beauties is about the female spies (She-Intelligencers - isn’t it funny how they could make even that sound like an insult 🤔) who worked for the exiled Charles Stuart during Cromwells reign. Charles Stuart himself sends two female spies back to England to turn Cromwell’s Secretary of State, John Thurloe, into their accomplice using their feminine wiles and training. This is actually based on the true story of two female spies - not something that any of us are usually taught in history lessons at school (perhaps due to their methods!). This is a story with heaps of subterfuge and betrayal, and women who are determined to do the best job they can for their King and their secret society. It was quite amusing in places, which was a little light relief in an otherwise tense story. There’s loads of great historical detail too - think sights, smells and sounds.

It’s a really fun book - fast-paced and with a feeling of danger. I loved it!

Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising the book, and for Pete Langdon for commenting along with us readers!