A Load of Old Bones (2005) – Suzette Hill Free Audiobook

Written by Suzette Hill
Read by Leslie Phillips , Simon Hurst, Grant Russell
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 96 Kbps
Unabridged

A Load of Old Bones (2005)

The first book in the Francis Oughterard series

A novel by Suzette Hill Read by Leslie Phillips , Simon Hurst, Grant Russell

Length 6hrs 21min Bitrate 96kbps Mono From CD’s

This review is from: A Load of Old Bones: An Unfortunate Murder
Suzette Hill’s “A Load of Old Bones” is not a mystery per se but lives and breathes through the characters it portrays. Maurice the cat (as in Chevalier, I am sure) is one of the most amusing characters I have encountered in many years of reading. Be prepared for some wonderful word play and a totally delightful egocentricity.
That said, the dog lovers amongst us (and I count myself one) may well feel cheated by the rather bovine attitudes of Bouncer, Maurice’s side-kick. However, his native wit and cunning is displayed on one or two occasions and his diary entries do have a gruff charm of their own. Indeed, the two animal protagonists are a delightful counterpoint to the hapless (or is that amoral) Reverend Francis Oughterard, whose observations of the world around him are particularly chuckle-worthy if you have experienced the parochial nature of some parts of the Church of England.
Approach this novel wishing to be entertained and you will be; take things too seriously and you might just be offended. Stereotypes abound but they are all individuals. Enjoy.

A delightfully whimsical debut mystery that provokes nearly as much hilarity as whodunit.

Set in the 1950s in the village of Molesill in Surrey, the Vicar Francis Oughterard seeks only a quiet life following his move from an inner city parish. But his peaceful existence is soon shattered when Elizabeth Fotherington returns from Italy and constantly appears on his doorstep. Her visits are unpredictable and frequently accompanied by gifts – but when the knitting starts, madness is only a hair’s breath away.
The removal of Elizabeth Fotherington poses an important question for Maurice, her cat – where will he lay his head, or rather where will he get food and lodging in the style to which he has become accustomed.
Meanwhile the disappearance of Reginald Bowler, the local bank manager, poses a similar question for his dog Bouncer. So Maurice sets about acquiring then both a suitable new home.
With the demise of Elizabeth Fotherington life for the Reverend Francis Oughterard has become fraught with problems, his nerves stretched to breaking point, with officious policeman poking round, uninvited guests, and to cap it all a visit from Horace Clinker the `mad’ bishop. Poor FO is smoking furiously, and chomping his special humbugs at the same time.
The narrative is fresh and sparkling; told from the points of view of Maurice the cat, Bouncer the dog and the vicar. Bouncer’s most earnest hope is that Maurice will fall off the damn gatepost. Just when I thought that I had run the gauntlet of amazing names up popped Flirty-Girty, a Pomeranian who has annexed the affections of William, a Great Dane of immense dignity and proportion.
I loved this book, and was thrilled to discover the second in the series already in print, which I instantly obtained, and found just as enthralling. Very highly recommended.