Valley of Secrets cover art

Valley of Secrets

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Valley of Secrets

By: Charmian Hussey
Narrated by: Tim Pigott-Smith
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About this listen

Abandoned as a baby, Stephen had nearly given up hope of ever finding his family. This epic adventure follows his change in fortunes as he receives an unexpected letter from a strange source and sets off on an unforgettable journey.

From a drab room in London, where the rain confirms the greyness of his life, Stephen travels to a Cornish Valley; remote, exquisitely beautiful and heavy with secrets.

©2013 Charmian Hussey (P)2013 Hachette Children's Books Action & Adventure Fiction Adventure

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All stars
Most relevant  

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend the actual book to a friend. This is a favourite of mine but unfortunately it's so abridged I think even someone who hadn't read the full version would wonder about the loose ends and abrupt changes.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There aren't many to choose from but apart from Stephen, who is wonderfully old fashioned, it has to be good old 'B'. It would have been nice to see more of him perhaps later in the book.

What does Tim Pigott-Smith bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He reads the story wonderfully and with great accents, and certainly brings to life the "Whoomp whoomp whoomp"!

Do you think Valley of Secrets needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I would love a follow up book even just to read more about day to day life of Stephen and his family. The book does end in a nice way however, which simultaneously ties things up and leaves things open to hint at what might develop.

Any additional comments?

I did enjoy listening to this audiobook as the narration was very good and the story was as wonderful as ever. Unfortunately because this is one of my all time favourite books which I've read at least 3 or 4 times I was painfully aware of the fact that (despite what it may say next to the title) it's incredibly abridged. I found myself thinking of things I remembered happening and being disappointed when they weren't mentioned at all. Without mentioning spoilers, I was very annoyed when it came to the reveal that huge chunks were completely left out and some types of things (quite important things in my opinion!) weren't even mentioned once!! If you are interested in reading this book I would highly recommend it.... but perhaps not by listening to this version!

Well read, good story, but very abridged!

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One of my favourite stories. It's such a shame so much is missing in this read. I really wanted the full book.

Beautiful story but abridged.

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It has literally missed out on every single moment I love in this book. So altered in fact, that I have had to buy the book to read normally, as this is missing half of the details, and isnt worth listening to. Very disappointed.

Why is half of the book missing?

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As this was my favourite childhood book, I wanted to give the audiobook a try as it’s been a decade or so since last reading it. Despite the excellent narration, the story was clumsy and missed all the wonderful descriptive writing I remembered enjoying as a child. I dug out my old copy to cross reference and almost half the story had been chopped out! I’d give this a miss, though thoroughly recommend reading the original book.

Horrifically abridged

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I was really disappointed - this audiobook is marketed as unabridged, but it is not. If you are looking for abridged, this is fine. But I would prefer to know what I’m spending my credit on! A shame as Tim Pigott-Smith is a good narrator.

Very abridged!

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