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Cry Baby

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Cry Baby

By: Mark Billingham
Narrated by: Mark Billingham, Robert Glenister, David Morrissey, Full Cast
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About this listen

A full-cast, unabridged production of Cry Baby, the gripping prequel to Mark Billingham's acclaimed debut, Sleepyhead. Starring David Morrissey, Robert Glenister and a full cast of actors, with the narrator played by Mark Billingham.

Cry Baby is the shocking first case for one of British crime fiction's most iconic detectives.

It's 1996. Detective Sergeant Tom Thorne is a haunted man. Haunted by the moment he ignored his instinct about a suspect, by the horrific crime that followed and by the memories that come day and night, in sunshine and shadow.

So when seven-year-old Kieron Coyne goes missing while playing in the woods with his best friend, Thorne vows he will not make the same mistake again. Cannot.

The solitary witness. The strange neighbour. The friendly teacher. All are in Thorne's sights.

This case will be the making of him...or the breaking.

Full cast list: Mark Billingham, David Morrissey, Robert Glenister, Candida Gubbins, Nathalie Buscombe, Mandy Weston, Rachel Atkins, Rupert Farley, Homer Todiwala, Nigel Pilkington, David John, Will Kelly, Glen McCready, Bhavnisha Parmar, Henley Ingall, Luke Stoneham.

2021, Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, Long-listed

©2020 Mark Billingham (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Psychological Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Thriller Exciting Suspense

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Critic reviews

"Cry Baby is the perfect prequel to send us back to revel in Tom Thorne's 20 years. As if we needed reminding how good Mark Billingham is." (Val McDermid)

"Tom Thorne is one of the most credible and engaging heroes in contemporary crime fiction. Mark Billingham is a master of psychology, plotting and the contemporary scene - making the Thorne novels the complete package. Twenty years in and better than ever." (Ian Rankin)

"Billingham is always a must [listen]." (Harlan Coben)
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Absolutely loved the use of a variety of voices. It helped distinguish the characters and created a real vibrancy to the read and the story. I hope more books are done like this. I would have given it five stars for performance because Mark Billingham as the main narrator was assured and easy to listen to but David Morrissey was so obviously not a Londoner! Which would not matter but it is referred to on occasion. The editing was first class - did not always rush through paragraphs or chapters but at the right moments knew when to keep silent and allow us to think about what we have just heard.

Riveting Story told Vividly

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Loved the story but it took some getting used to a cast performance ( I personally prefer just having the narrator ) but it helped that David Morrissey played Tom on tv. Nice to meet all the old characters in there early days, and meet his mum!

Another great Thorne

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Brilliant story Brilliantly written Brilliantly read Brilliantly performed Billingham at his Brilliant best .

- A must read for crime fiction fans everywhere

Brilliant

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The story is well written and performed with a few twists to avoid too much predictability.

But, for me, the overall effect was a bit depressing and jaundiced.

Good story, well told but

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Excellent. Great story, plotting, thrilling, funny in all the right places. Great cast. 5 stars in its own right; Also brilliant tribute to the excellent novels of Maj Sjöwall & Per Wahlöö , with understated narrative and dialogue, and thought provoking references to current affairs.
Having just re read Their Little Secret, Cry Baby takes us right back to the first time Thorne meets Hendrix and brings us right up to date. A great book. Thanks Mark Billingham!

Full Marks

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Really enjoyed this book and the way it was presented with a full cast. Brilliant!

optional?

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Although I prefer the books read by the author this was nevertheless a gripping tale right through to the last gasp. Well worth a listen and kept me guessing to the end.

Gripping

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A wonderful storyline in the series, a prequel , brilliant characters and plot. The narration was absolutely perfect th brought the characters to life.

A wonderful listen

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I enjoyed the story but not the performance. I found it difficult to hear David Morrissey, he was quiet and mumbled.

Good story

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One of the best of Mark Billinghams Tom Thorne books going back to his early police career meeting Phil Hendricks. Best Audible book I have listened too. Narrated by Nark Billingham with a full cast. Really enjoyable.

Excellent

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