These Old Shades

The Alastair-Audley Series, Book 1

By: Georgette Heyer

Narrated by: Sarah Nichols

Society believes the worst of Justin Alastair, the notorious Duke of Avon. When he encounters a young boy, Léon, who is running from his abusive brother, Avon employs the boy as his page, parading him around parties and other society events in full view of his bitter rival, the Comte de Saint-Vire.

But the truth is soon uncovered: Léon is in fact a girl named Léonie and is actually the legitimate child of the Comte and his wife. While Avon is intent on his plan to reveal the Comte’s duplicity and ruin him publicly, he is charmed by Léonie’s kindness, falls in love, and becomes a changed man.

First published in 1926 to great commercial success, These Old Shades showcases Heyer at her romantic best and remains a charming and entertaining listen for all fans of historical romances.

Public Domain (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Excellent performance!!!

This is one of my favourite books by Georgette Heyer and was hoping that the audio would be just as good. It was an excellent experience!! Sarah Nichols gave a stellar performance. She brought the characters to life in such a way that I think Ms. Heyer would have approved.
I hope she narrates some of my other faves like Friday's Child, Venetia and The Black Sheep.

Favorite!

Quirky, funny and unexpected. The characters shine through with their witty conversation and great dialogue. I love the fact that this is not PC and the characters are just who they are.. is that makes sense. Great reading too!

My favorite book

This is my all time favorite book. I’ve read it about 4times in the last 30 years. Heyer brings characters to life.

For the tomboys

Loved the story and the afterward. I had no idea why it read differently than the GH novels I have enjoyed before, but learning that it was written decades before its publication (when Heyer was 19?) explains a LOT. Thoroughly enjoyable.

So good I keep replaying

The “hero” got me hooked on this genre many years ago & I keep coming back periodically to indulge.

Pig Person..🤭😂🤩

A wickedly wonderful adventurous romp. Every time Lionie call the villain Pig Person it was wildly funny. The writing was clever and the use of language was delightful.

love this narrator for Heyer novels!

I really love the voice actor, its easy to follow her! The story is a georgette Heyer classic!

Satisfyingly predictable

I have not read a Georgette Heyer book that I didn’t like, and she didn’t disappoint!
Though the conclusion was fairly predictable, how she got there was a delightful journey.
Between Heyer’s awesome dialogue and the talented narrator, this was a wonderful listen that I know I will enjoy again.

Much better edition

This is one of my favorite books made delightful by the performance of the reader. I couldn’t get through the earlier audio book because the narration was so nasal and poorly done. I was very happy to find this newer, unabridged version.

Wonderful treat

Very fun! Read it after reading reviews. Very delightful. I highly recommend it. A fun way to experience a French adventure.