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The Beholders

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The Beholders

By: Hester Musson
Narrated by: Ashley Tucker, Harriet Carmichael, Elliot Fitzpatrick
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About this listen

'Held me completely in its thrall until the very last line’ SUSAN STOKES-CHAPMAN

'I was hooked from the start' DAILY MAIL

A SUNDAY TIMES HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH

A TIMES BESTSELLER

SHORTLISTED FOR THE HISTORICAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION DEBUT CROWN PRIZE

June, 1878. The body of a boy is pulled from the depths of the River Thames, suspected to be the beloved missing child of the widely admired Liberal MP Ralph Gethin.

Four months earlier. Harriet is a young maid newly employed at Finton Hall. Fleeing the drudgery of an unwanted engagement in the small village where she grew up, Harriet is entranced by the grand country hall; she is entranced too by her glamorous mistress Clara Gethin, whose unearthly singing voice floats through the house. But Clara, though captivating, is erratic. The master of the house is a much-lauded politician, but he is strangely absent. And some of their beautiful belongings seem to tell terrible stories.

Unable to ignore her growing unease, Harriet sets out to discover their secrets. When she uncovers a shocking truth, a chain of events is set in motion that could cost Harriet everything, even her freedom…

©2024 Hester Mussons (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers
Crime Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Gothic Historical Horror Mystery Thriller & Suspense Scary Exciting Fiction

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Critic reviews

‘A dark slice of the sort of gothic nineteenth-century readers were warned against. Thrumming with tension and posing chewy questions about power and complicity, within two pages it had me in its grip and I couldn’t bring myself to look away. Uneasy, unsettling, and unputdownable’ Lianne Dillsworth, author of Theatre of Marvels

‘A well-researched and thoroughly convincing page-turner’ Laura Shepperson, bestselling author of The Heroines

‘An atmospheric historical thriller with layer upon layer of secrets and twists that kept me guessing right through to the novel’s exquisite ending. Simultaneously enthralling and unsettling, this book examines the darkness beneath the surface of Victorian society with deft and unflinching brushstrokes. I can’t wait to read more from Hester Musson’ Katie Lumsden, author of The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

'Continues to surprise with a series of twists and revelations in its plot’ Sunday Times

‘A goose-bump-inducing atmosphere… prepared to be consumed!' Debut Digest

‘I adored this historical debut and fans of gothic fiction will too. I was absolutely rooting for Harriet the whole way through’ Nina Pottell, Prima

'An enjoyable and gripping read'Irish News

'Unputdownable' My Weekly

All stars
Most relevant  
I ended up enjoying this more than I thought I was going to at first. It is a thoughtful and well written story.

Unusual

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The narration was fantastic, a gripping and beautifully written gothic tale with a mysterious, unfolding plot that will keep you guessing with rich and complex characters. absolutely loved it.

A gripping story

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Enjoyed the story and characters. Well written & good narrator performance. Worth a read for sure.

Enjoyable storyline

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This novel is set in late nineteenth-century England where a young housemaid, Harriet Watkins, finds herself caught up in an unexpected web of deceit and intrigue. It didn't go at all in directions that I expected but I found it a very enjoyable listen. I also felt that th story got better as the book went on. The narration is excellent.

Interesting tale of a Victorian maid

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The whole story kept me gripped. It had a very gentle beginning and I was under the impression it would take a certain path but the twist kept me guessing. Well worth your time if you enjoy historical tales.

Unexpected twists.

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I struggled to get into it but I enjoyed it eventually. When I persevered with it.

Took a while to get going

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Everything about this book is excellent, gripping from start to finish. The tale is cleverly woven and the characters are skilfully unveiled. Very interesting historical facts shuffled in that aren't preachy but added for relevance to the narrative. Really enjoyable.

Superb Story, Excellent Narrator.

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Such an engrossing story. Great characters and wonderful depth. I highly recommend as a gripping thriller.

Couldn’t stop listening!

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the blurb had me skeptical but this is one of the best books I've listened to. Truly enthralling

Fae exceeded expectations

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Really enjoyed the story, kept me hooked throughout. Well narrated, thoroughly enjoyed will definitely read more from the author

Great story

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