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The Good Liar

Now a Major Film Starring Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen

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The Good Liar

By: Nicholas Searle
Narrated by: Martin Jarvis
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About this listen

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of The Good Liar by Nicholas Searle, read by Martin Jarvis.

This is a life told back to front. This is a man who has lied all his life.

Roy is a conman living in a small English town, about to pull off his final con. He is going to meet and woo a beautiful woman and slip away with her life savings.

But who is the man behind the con, and what has he had to do to survive this life of lies? And why is this beautiful woman so willing to be his next victim?

©2016 Nicholas Searle (P)2016 Penguin Audio Suspense Thriller & Suspense

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All stars
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This was an enjoyable listen and I'm glad I continued to the end.
However with the constant flitting between characters and years it was a little hard to follow the story. Whereas with a physical book you could flick back to check names and facts you obviously can't easily do that in audio.

Good story but difficult to follow in audio version

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Is it my imagination, or does every other book these days have 'liar', 'lie' or 'lying' in the title? It seems to be the vogue in psychological thrillers at the moment, although I stress at the outset that this book does not really meet the criteria for this genre.
Nicholas Searle has crafted a very well-worked and cleverly presented storyline that falls wonderfully into the category of a good read. The author does little to disguise the hidden relationship between the characters and, to my mind, the book is all the better for that. I saw the light about half way through the novel and became intrigued to see how the protagonists would deal with the new reality.
The characters are well drawn and the pace is fast. Arrogance and pomposity are interwoven with cunning and humility, bringing all the personalities to life.
I attended a crime writers' evening where the aspect of books written for one or other of the sexes was discussed. When applied to this book, I consider it could be happily read and appreciated by either sex.
As to the narration, I felt that Martin Jarvis framed his approach to the narrative around the principal character and carried off that aspect really well. There were times, however, when I felt the carefully delivered, punctilious enunciation (I can imagine Roy saying that) grated on me somewhat, but it is a minor criticism in an otherwise faultless rendition.
The Good Liar is definitely on my short list when it comes to my turn for recommending a title for the Book Club

So many lies!

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Beautifully narrated and a story with so many twists. Each character held you with their part of the story. one of the audiobooks to enjoy over again.

Brilliant!!

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This book was a surprise from beginning to end. I listen to many audiobooks and until now do not rate or comment on them. This book is so exceptional and gripping from start to finish I recommend it to everyone. This is some debut novel.

Wow

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Thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking read. Excellently narrated. Great twist as the story progresses. Would definitely recommend.

The Good Liar

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This is a well written war story told during certain times of a con mans life. It's slow, and ambles back through the years concluding with a final twist at the end. The characters are well written with depth and each plays a part in the story. All are brought to life by the marvellous Martin Jarvis.

It does require concentration but it's well worth it.

An Overlooked Gem

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Martin Jarvis changes voices seamlessly. He changed the atmosphere, the settings in a continuous ebb and flow moving the story along. Beautifully read! Fantastic tale. Had me guessing all through. Chuckled. Cried. Really great story.

Awesome

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great story, good performance, would make an excellent film if not already done. Lovely twist in the tail.

So glad I found this book

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Great novel and excellent narration by Martin Jarvis . Enjoyed the film and then purchased the audible book .
Have listened again and found new nuances to the plot and story .

Excellent

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If you could sum up The Good Liar in three words, what would they be?

Just buy it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Good Liar?

The moment when you "get it". Up until this point the listener is being slowly pulled in, sometimes with an air of confusion, and then it clicks. Very well conceived.

Which character – as performed by Martin Jarvis – was your favourite?

It has to be the main protagonist, Roy.

Any additional comments?

Half-way through you start to doubt the good reviews. Yes, it's interesting and all that but where's it going? Then, as the story unravels you begin to appreciate the fine qualities of the storyline. It's really very good and Martin Jarvis (I'm no big fan, to be honest) is simply brilliant. I don't think that anyone else could bring the characters to life so perfectly as he has done.

Tremendous story, superbly told.

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