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Murder Before Evensong cover art

Murder Before Evensong

By: Reverend Richard Coles
Narrated by: Reverend Richard Coles
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Summary

THE INSTANTLY ICONIC NO. 1 BESTSELLER

Canon Daniel Clement is Rector of Champton, where he lives alongside his widowed mother—opinionated, fearless, ever-so-slightly annoying Audrey—and his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.

When Daniel announces a plan to install a lavatory in the church, the parish is suddenly (and unexpectedly) divided: as lines are drawn, long-buried secrets come dangerously close to destroying the apparent calm of the village.

And then Anthony Bowness—cousin to Bernard de Floures, patron of Champton—is found dead at the back of the church. As the police moves in and the bodies start piling up, Daniel is the only one who can try and keep his community together... and catch a killer.

©2022 Richard Coles (P)2022 Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Critic reviews

"I've been waiting for a novel with vicars, rude old ladies, murder and sausage dogs...et voila!" (Dawn French)

"Whodunnit fans can give praise and rejoice." (Ian Rankin)

"A warm funny joy from start to finish." (Sarah Millican)

What listeners say about Murder Before Evensong

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Overall thoughts on this book

After a rather slow start I enjoyed the story very much, the highlight for me was the wonderful vocabulary Rev Cole’s has in describing events and happenings. A good read,

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Loved narrator, story ok

Brilliantly read by Rev Richard Coles and can really see this being adapted for TV. But as far as storyline it was lacking. Also too much time on the loos being installed than the actual Murder Mystery.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Disappointing

This book started well and I had high expectations. The characters were well drawn. However it seemed plodding slow to me. The murder didn't take place until the end of chapter 10. I like Richard Cole but wonder if another voice would have delivered it better.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

avetage

it was ok but nothing special. Too much theological detail and idyllic England I'm afraid

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic thriller

The fact that it is read by a real Reverend who is also the author adds something extra special to the book. I found this a great easy listen and kept me guessing till the end.

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  • KH
  • 17-06-22

A bit lightweight

This book is well written and maintained my interest to the end. It has an interesting set up and main characters, which would make for a good series of books. I also liked RC's narration and was impressed by the different voices and accents he gave to the characters. However, it was unsatisfying overall because although the story had potential and intriguing elements, the mystery/crime investigation element was too thin and the characters insufficiently developed. I prefer a longer book with a more expanded investigation and resolution. But if you like something shorter and more straightforward, this would suit you. It reminded me of the Alexander McCall Smith crime books, a gentle lightweight read.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Needs a professional narrator

Couldn't get into the story properly because of the author's narration. Rev Richard is perfect at narrating his own memoirs but is very much not the right person to read his own fiction. It's impossible to distinguish his characters without an actor doing it, and the pace and tone are all wrong. Please fix this for the inevitable sequel.

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Beautifully written.

With the plot sophistication of Agatha Christie and witty, unromanticised observation, Richard Coles has captured febrile village politics over several generations. Bloody, but somehow still delightful, this book is a wonderful introduction to Cannon Clement. I eagerly await the next instalment.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

very predictable ending

humour around village brilliant , plot weak, maybe would have been better read by actor who could have broght characters alive.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

Have to say I was deeply disappointed with this book. Not sure if it was the nasal, monotone in which it was delivered or just the wordy format of the story. It reminded me of school essays where you inserted as many similes as possible.

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