A selection of review comments, and an average rating for each Audiobook read by the Audio Waves Book Club at Orkney Library & Archive.
‘My review on beautifully ugly is an easy 5 stars. This is the best audio book I have listened to yet. I still think about the ending and how much it blew my mind. I also found the reader very easy to listen to.’
‘Really enjoyed this twisty thriller based largely on a remote Scottish island, with some elements reminding me of The Wicker Man with its sinister overtones and strange happenings.’
‘I can see why some critics have called it far fetched and overblown, but if you can suspend your disbelief you’re in for an enjoyable and entertaining ride – a ferry ride to a very dark place!’
‘Thank you for introducing me to a new author. The story was delightfully circular. The use of the same storyline for different characters created an intriguing tension throughout. The unsuspected ending is what I always hope for in a mystery.’
‘This was my first Borrowbox borrow! And I really enjoyed it! Couldn’t stop listening. Easy to follow storyline for the easily distracted! Enjoyed the characters and plot twists. 4 stars from me.’
‘An interesting, brief listen at just 1 hour 20 minutes.’
‘It took me a while to adjust to her voice, but at 90 years old it’s a rare privilege to hear an older woman speak about her amazing career.’
‘Interesting life story, good to have it read by Shirley herself, but its brevity was a bit strange. It felt like I was listening to an older woman than she actually is – perhaps her earlier memoir may be more informative.’
‘A short but enjoyable listen. I wouldn’t normally listen to something like this but found it interesting.’
‘Covers everything from her legendary film roles to political activism it has something for everyone. Who else would be able to name check Elvis Presley, the Dalai Lama, Fidel Castro, and Frank Sinatra amongst others – what a life!’
‘A brilliant book in the Vera Stanhope series.’
‘One thing I have always enjoyed about her books is that she presents a variety of possible culprits and the outcome is never quite definite until the very end.’
‘I quite liked The Rising Tide. The story was contained enough that I could enjoy it even without having read the other books in the series.’
‘Occasionally, a brief character description would show an excellent insight to human nature, which I really enjoyed. But, I wasn’t quite sure of how Vera honed in on the guilty party, so I perhaps missed something.’
‘Janine Birkett (in the audio I have) narrates the book superbly, keeping track of the many characters’ voices and moving the story along.’
‘I had not tried any Ann Cleeves books before this. Now I am wishing for a trip to Lindisfarne! With a careful eye to the tide times, of course.’
‘A book for fans of crime thrillers and fans of Orkney.’
‘Enjoyable book…looking forward to reading the next one when it comes out.’
‘Interesting to try an audiobook for a change. Very atmospheric…probably even better if you’re familiar with Orkney.’
‘I could not always relate to Freya and struggled with following her thoughts sometimes.’
‘Very good. I enjoyed listening to this.’
‘I enjoyed listening to This Charming Man. I’ve read a few Marian Keyes and I like her witty style which Niamh Daly gets across brilliantly with her lovely Irish lilt.’
‘Terrific plot, characters and warmth in this book. Annoying ‘notes’ style for the character of Lola.’
‘Entertaining but not life-changing.’
‘Really enjoyed this one.’
‘A great story, good fun and excellent choice of narrator.’
‘I’d read this one before but it was lovely to revisit as an audiobook.’
‘Read a few Marian Keyes and always enjoy them.’