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The Secret House of Death

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The Secret House of Death

By: Ruth Rendell
Narrated by: Simon Russell Beale
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About this listen

Louise North doesn't care what the neighbors think. She lets her lover leave his car just outside her house in broad daylight, telling everyone he is a central heating salesman. Still, it's a shock when she's found shot dead, covered by the equally dead body of the "salesman."

It was his third visit to the gloomy house on Orchard Drive. Each time, he parked in the same place. Each time, he carried a briefcase. And each time, Louise North greeted him at the door.... Susan Townsend was the only resident with no interest in the affair going on next door, or in the neighbourhood gossip about it. Yet when Susan finds Louise shot dead, underneath the equally dead body of her lover, it is Susan who must help Louise’s husband, Bob, to get back on his feet. But is she really a helpful neighbor or, a murderer?

©1968 Ruth Rendell (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Crime Thrillers Mystery Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Thriller Exciting

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All stars
Most relevant  
A great twisty turn. Loved the characters and it wasn’t dated at all. I’m sad I’m nearly at the end of her books.

Loved this one

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A very, well written story, with plenty of twists and turns… gripping and a very entertaining listen.

A good listen, brilliantly read

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saw the twist a while off but it was still an excellent listen. Deeply interesting and a very good character study.

intricate story, well narrated

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A rather sedentary tale of what should have been an exciting foray into the depths of wickedness some people will steep to in order to get what they want. The characters were neither here nor there, and despite the good narration, they all seemed a bit weak. Not the usual suspense I have come to expect from this author. Fairly disappointed.

This never really gets off the ground.

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Great story full of twists and turns. The characters all really brought wonderfully to life by a fantastic narrator.

Superb

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I really enjoyed this book. It is set in another era, and the narrator's voice was just perfect for it (like the voiceovers from documentaries from early-mid last century). It was not the most gripping whodunnit, since it is quite easy to guess who and how from early on. I just enjoyed the book for what it is. I also loved the descriptions of the smallest details. I've only read a few of RR's books, but have enjoyed them all!

Old school thriller

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An excellent story of murder, jealousy and intrigue. Excellently narrated and we are drip fed information beautifully.

Intriguing

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I realised half way through that this book is nearly 60 years old but aside from the occasional phrase and the names, it’s aged perfectly. I’m not sure how much you’re supposed to be guessing and how much it’s rather a “we’re in on it” story, but it’s riveting either way and the narrator is pitched just right. I was sorry when it was over.

Brilliant. When is she not?

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The hardback can be a confusing read, but in the hands of an experienced narrator, it is a delight. SRB enjoys the characters, giving each of them life. The numerous ladies are distinctive, and when later they appear, are immediately recognisable.
Rendell’s style and SRB’s craft are a perfect match.

An excellent listen

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I didn't find this novel as compelling as many of the author's other books. The characters didn't come sufficiently to life that it mattered what happened to them. Notwithstanding this caveat the novel is still worth a listen as it an interesting, if not original, story.

Worth a listen

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