Cousin Kate

By: Georgette Heyer

Narrated by: Christina Cole

Brought to you by Penguin.

Kate Malvern never expected to see this kind of splendour again.

After her father's death, Kate was left an orphan, striving to make ends meet as a governess until her Aunt Minerva rescues her from poverty.

Kate hardly knows what to expect at the grand house of Staplewood. Her uncle lives in one wing, while her handsome, moody cousin, Torquil, occupies another; guests are few and far between, but even family dinners are rigidly formal. And, over it all, Minerva's word is law.

But the sudden arrival of Cousin Philip throws Minerva's control over the household into doubt, and Kate begins to suspect the shocking reason for Minerva's generosity. She has no one to confide in but cousin Philip - but for reasons unknown, he seems to have taken an instant dislike to her....

Cousin Kate is a rich and classic Georgette Heyer novel, replete with the sparkling humour, memorable characters and intricate plots that have made her the queen of the Regency romance novel.

©1968 Georgette Heyer (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Wonderful characters and rapturously romantic." (Katie Fforde)

Light Gothic

A good read. Christina Cole did an excellent job reading. The villainous Lady Broome was a perfect mix of charm and evil. The treatment of the mentally ill in the 1800s is only alluded to. Torquil is treated gently but only because of his usefulness to Lady Broome.

Great work despite painful plot

This story stands out in the prolific literature of Georgette Heyer. Still, it is, despite the painful theme, a masterwork. Heyer Somehow manages to bring in bits of characteristic humor, while the harrowing story unfolds and a rich romance takes form.
Christina Cole presents a formidable performance with dignity and beauty and lights up the occasional humor. For those of us who had looked with foreboding toward a new performance, we must feel very lucky indeed with Christina Cole. 

Cousin Kate

Good narration, but not one of Heyer 's best writings. I enjoy her recency romances.

Very Different!

Very different from any of the other Regency romances by this gifted author. I was immediately intrigued when the note of trouble was introduced early and the usual humor and romp never manifested.

It fell somewhat short of being Gothic and it didn’t get into any heavy psychoanalysis. The character of Torquil was odd. Rather than being “mad” in the sense of someone with schizophrenia, his behavior fell more into the category of intermittent explosive disorder. The novel fell short of the expectations I had at first, but it kept my attention till the end and was a pleasant change from the usual Heyer romance.

The narration kept giving me challenges because the male voices were done very loud and female voices were often too soft. I kept having to hit the volume control.

Heyer Meets Daphne du Maurier

This late entry is Georgette Heyer’s most gothic romance. There is virtually no plot but several interesting character studies. Not recommended for those new to the Regency series. Try instead most everyone’s favorites, The Grand Sophy and Venetia. I would add Frederica and an overlooked delight, The Talisman Ring.

Creepy things happen on the way to the romance…

Good enough story but there is some weird and disturbing sh**. If you need a light hearted read this is not it.

Yes!

A truly delicious Georgette Heyer audiobook. Gothic. Twists and turns. Surprise ending. I loved every minute of it.

As good as any other heyer’s book

The narrator is excellent, the story is enchanting. Don’t understand why someone did not rate it higher