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Apple Tree Yard

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Apple Tree Yard

By: Louise Doughty
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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About this listen

Yvonne Carmichael has a high-flying career, a beautiful home and a good marriage. But when she meets a stranger she is drawn into a passionate affair.

Keeping the two halves of her life separate seems easy at first. But she can’t control what happens next.

©2014 Louise Doughty (P)2014 Faber Audio Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction

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Editor reviews

Louise Doughty’s gripping psychological thriller Apple Tree Yard is the story of Yvonne Carmichael: happy wife and career woman. When she embarks on an affair with an attractive stranger, at first it seems simple enough to compartmentalise the different facets of her life… but not for long. Narrated by the terrific Juliet Stevenson, Apple Tree Yard is a thrilling audiobook (available from Audible) that will have crime literature fans utterly gripped. Admirers of the book include such luminaries of the crime thriller genre as Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Hilary Mantel and S.J. Watson.

Critic reviews

"Brilliant and bruising. Obsession, betrayal and blood-letting...." (Ian Rankin)

"A superb novel... I really didn’t want to finish it. And I don’t say that very often." (Julie Myerson)

"Realised I’d been holding my breath for the last forty pages. Gripping." (Val McDermid)
All stars
Most relevant  
I enjoyed this book while listening to it, but have been surprised how much the story stayed with me. The story and characters were more powerful than I realised at the time I first listened. It is a while since I listened to this book and an considering listening to it again, which I don't now ally do.

Surprised me

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Would you consider the audio edition of Apple Tree Yard to be better than the print version?

I can't answer as I have only listened to the audible version..

What was one of the most memorable moments of Apple Tree Yard?

Waiting and wondering what crime had been committed by Y for her to end up in court at the Old Bailey

What about Juliet Stevenson’s performance did you like?

Her measured and calm voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many moments, but the build up in court when Y knows that Appletree Yard is about to be mentioned.

Any additional comments?

A fantastic book which. I highly recommend.

Best Audible book I have listened to for a while

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Any additional comments?

The passion, the betrayals, the guilt, the fear; it was almost unbearable to listen to. One knew that it could and would go wrong but when and how? The plot was beautifully nurtured by portraying the main character as intelligent, hard-working, ambitious and with a family life. All very normal until it is all threatened by a casual meeting. Louise Doughty, the author, is a superb writer and I can't wait for another book. Of course, Juliet Stevenson was magnificent as the narrator. Her different "voices" portrayed calm detachment, fear and bewilderment to such good effect. Such a good story and so horribly plausible.

Stunningly written and achingly well narrated!

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This is a long winded read. I had to listen to most of it in double speed. It's full of pointless description and the meandering thoughts of an empty and shallow woman. Boring. I don't really see the point of it although it did have me gripped at times. Unfortunately the gripping moments were caused by expectation that just evaporated into nothing. Juliet Stephenson excellent as usual.

Good in parts but ruined by empty vacuous main character

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I loved this book and immediately downloaded the TV series to watch it again. This is such a well written book with fantastic dialogue and a great storyline. My only slight niggle was Juliet Stevenson, I much preferred Emily Watson her portrayal of the character was much softer, I found the audible character a bit harder and less easy to have empathy for.
But all in all a great listen.

Fantastic listen

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This story will surely appeal to the escapism of many readers. The narrator was mature and fluent and read with understanding. Perhaps a more soothing ending would be appreciated but this was real and true to human nature.

Thoughtful and intelligent

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This is an excellent book, I thoroughly enjoyed. The narrator was Brilliant!! I would highly recommend, I was gripped from start to finish and I'm going to look for more books by this author.

Excellent

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I really enjoyed this book. Kept me gripped all the way through. Juliet Steven’s superb ordered this book based on Juliet Steven’s narration.

Loved it

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This is a really good story, sex with a twist though hardly Mills and Boon. I did think he might get off in the end?

Super

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Having watched the tv series, I wanted to read the book, and was very pleased I did. Much more psychological and intense than the tv series was able to portray, and got to the nub of family relationships.

Loved this

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