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The Vanishing Witch

By: Karen Maitland
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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Summary

The critically acclaimed Queen of the Dark Ages, author of Company of Liars, introduces a chilling novel set against the backdrop of the Peasants' Revolt.

Take one wealthy merchant. Add one charming widow. And one dying wife.

The reign of Richard II is troubled, the poor are about to become poorer still and landowners are lining their pockets. It's a case of every man for himself, whatever his status or wealth. But in a world where nothing can be taken at face value, who can you trust? The dour wool merchant? His impulsive son? The stepdaughter with the hypnotic eyes? Or the raven-haired widow clutching her necklace of bloodstones?

And when people start dying unnatural deaths and the peasants decide it's time to fight back, it's all too easy to spy witchcraft at every turn.

©2014 Karen Maitland (P)2014 Headline Digital

What listeners say about The Vanishing Witch

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book

If you could sum up The Vanishing Witch in three words, what would they be?

It is a very interesting story which develops all the characters as it moves through the story. It was the first book from the author that I read and I would read another. In three words "Explore medieval superstitions"

What other book might you compare The Vanishing Witch to, and why?

I haven't read any books from that era.

What does Jonathan Keeble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

His reading of the book brings and understanding of the characters particularly some of the minor ones who have such an impact on the main story.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No I just enjoyed the tale

Any additional comments?

Not without adding a spoiler

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great performance and very enjoyable.

I found this book surprisingly captivating. This despite the fact that is not my usual reading genre. This book kept my interest right to the end . I

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

Twists and turns to the very end

An enthralling story, read with fantastic characterisation, a holy enjoyable listen. Karen Maitland captures us into her world until the very end.

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

spellbinding

The plots twist and thicken ... who will survive, who will die? Loved the ending.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

a great yarn..

I didn't think I was going to enjoy this story. It started slowly but became a fantastic listen. the characters are well defined and you become very involved in their lives. an enjoyable story and we'll worth listening

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant

Loved this book , my book of the year so far! The narration was as brilliant as the story and the writing ❤️thank you Karen

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Keeps you listening

The characters are fascinating and the historical detail whisks you effortlessly away into the period. There are no grating lectures, nothing superfluous, but rather a perfect spoonful of history with every sweet mouthful. Loved it.

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

The Vanishing Interest

This started out really well, but I felt it ran out of steam towards the end and I wasn't sure all ends were tied up. There were elements that were definitely not for children, but overall this did feel like a book for younger readers. To me, a better book in a similar vein would be Witch Child by Celia Rees. There were a few twists and turns here and there, but they were fairly predictable and the central character, Robert, wasn't very likeable.
The narration was excellent.

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Happy to read again

Gripping story and excellently read. The narrative illustrates the life and colour of the time (Richard II) and brings it all to life.
Highly recommended.

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2 people found this helpful

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

Riveting!

This was Very enjoyable, thrilling and unpredictable.
Narrator was excellent, he made the story come alive.

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