Eloise

By: Judy Finnigan

Narrated by: Anna Bentinck

The Sunday Times #1 bestseller

Discover the debut novel from the iconic Richard & Judy book club champion

***Don't miss Judy Finnigan's heartrending new novel. ROSELAND is out in November 2023 and is available to pre-order now***

'Romantic and rain-lashed. . . a stirring and intriguing read'
Louise Candlish
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'Gripping . . . captures the mystery and menace of Cornwall in glorious gothic style'
Liz Fenwick

'Highly readable, incredibly moving . . . Eloise had me turning pages late into the night'
Dorothy Koomson
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What secrets did she take to her grave?

Eloise and Cathy have been best friends since childhood, growing up together against the idyllic backdrop of Eloise's family home on the Cornish coast. When Eloise dies after a long battle with breast cancer, Cathy is devastated.

Cathy returns to Cornwall for the funeral, but soon begins to have disturbing dreams, implying that Eloise's death was not all it seems. With a history of depression, Cathy is only just recovering from a nervous breakdown and her husband Chris, a psychiatrist, is concerned that she is losing her grip on reality once again.

Stung by her husband's scepticism, Cathy decides to explore Eloise's mysterious past. But as she is drawn ever deeper into her friend's great - and tragic - secret, Cathy soon finds herself in unimaginable danger.
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WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING ABOUT ELOISE AND JUDY FINNIGAN

'A moving meditation on grief, family bonds, motherhood and female friendship.' Sunday Express
'A haunting, pacy page-turner, with a real ghostly feel - a must read.' Fabulous Magazine
'Impressive debut.' Woman & Home
'A great first book from the Queen of the Book Club.' Essentials
'A warm and promising debut.' Daily Mail
'Judy deserves to be taken seriously as a writer of thoughtful, descriptive fiction.' Choice
'The kind of book you shouldn't start if you don't want to stay up all night.' Western Daily Press
'Haunting thriller.' Cornwall Today
'Atmospheric, creepy and original, Judy has written a blinder of a first novel.' Sun
'An assured first novel.' Choice magazine
'Keeps you guessing.' Sidmouth Herald
'Kept me glued to the pages until the very end.' Jersey Evening Post
'An absorbing, thought-provoking tale of family skeletons, betrayal and the enduring spirit of friendship.' Good Book Guide©2012 Judy Finnigan (P)2012 Hachette Digital

Wearisome

I loved the concept of this story, and I look out for Anna Bentinck's great performances, but halfway in some recycled themes began to irritate me seriously; the strong but powerless female motif disturbed me, the over-confident, insensitive male motif equally bothered me, and the muddled thinking tying them in knots drove me dilly. I was glad to finish the book and see how the story concluded, and I was happily surprised.
Not one to listen to again, though, for sure.

Enjoyable

When I began reading this book, I thought it was about the conflict between the rational and intuitive aspects of the mind, in the guise of a ghost story. But, I wasn't exactly right. It isn't a love story either, for the lovers barely spend any time with each other, though they are both fascinating characters. It isn't a story of family life, domestic conflict and its resolution either. But all these elements blend well and the story moves along at a fast clip. The beautiful coastal village where the story is set, is lovingly described. The narration is excellent. I loved the fact that this is a happy story. Trouble hovers like gathering storm clouds, but the storm is exciting and enjoyable in its own way. Unlike 'The Thirteenth Tale', this is not a dark and gloomy tale. If I have any complaint, it is that the behavior of Cathy's husband is unrealistic. It is difficult to believe that he is not concerned about the children's safety at the end. Also, he does not deal with his disagreement with his wife like a man who has enjoyed a long, stable and happy marriage. His approach to protecting his wife's peace of mind isn't convincing either. But, l had a good time listening to this book and would strongly recommend it to others.

Easy listening

Story was good, a little unbelievable that Cathy's husband would really treat her like that or that she would really put up with being spoken to like that either.
Reader was ok I felt she gave the main character a voice that was too pathetic.
Overall an way listening experience and good first book.