A Ripping Yarn

I wanted to listen to an addictive and intriguing, ghost story and The Colony fulfilled those requirements. A good 'ripping yarn' despite many stereotypical flaws of characterisation and of the narrative outline.

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Saved by the narrator

I would have given up on this book if it hadn’t been for the narrator. This is perhaps a personal preference for reading material, the story was to me too far fetched and the red herrings of aliens a bit silly. However, David Rintoul’s narration brought the story to life. All that being said, if given the opportunity, and please note that I just love the west coast of Scotland, I wouldn’t want to visit New Hope Island!

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Very spooky horror mystery.

Well written mystery. Enough possibilities to keep you guessing. A lot of different elements: ghosts demons. A touch of the Blair Witch. Black magic. Slavery psychopathic evil. Even the possibility that it was all faked. Keeps you interested. Even a touch of romance.
Would make a good film if it is not one already.
Would have been better with a cast instead of just one reader. There was not enough difference between the voices of the different characters. But he did his best to build the suspense.
Overall I would recommend this to anyone who likes spooky or horror stories. Better than most in the genre.

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Brought to life by the narrator

I am not normally a horror genre listener as I have a vivid imagination and this story reminded me of what a great horror narrative can be like. in fact it took me longer to listen than normal because I couldn't listen at bedtime such was the vivd narration. The story was good but was enriched by the storyteller. I would recommend to anyone seeking a vocal adrenalin hit!

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Kept me listening

Any additional comments?

Firstly have to say hate the new audible format..secondly also hate the way they now give you question boxes for your review...like sitting an exam or filling in an application form! Now for my review....I really liked this story it was gripping and I listened to it late one evening when the rest of the household went to bed and i was looking over my shoulder whilst ironing & listening.I personally love David Rintouls narration and his character voicesI felt the ending was fine (I know some reviewers thought it ended abruptly) The only criticism I would have was that a lot of the characters seemed to be perfect and the descriptions of how beautiful they were did get on my nerves. why couldnt one of the heroines be over weight without a dress sense?The best F.G Cottam for me was the waiting room ,although this one did come in second

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8 people found this helpful

Really good book

What did you like best about this story?

Just thought the plot was good along with the characters and was very atmospheric

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Thought the narration was excellent

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6 people found this helpful

Chilling...

David Rintoul has long been one of my favourite narrators and delivers a masterful performance in this baleful novel. The menacing pacing, vivid characterisation and bleak-desolation of a remote Highland isle make it hard to put down...

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1 person found this helpful

Meandering plot, abrupt end, badly dated attitudes

The book sets up an intriguing premise but then the pacing falls off badly. The middle of the book is the narrative equivalent of a computer program's 'loading...' dialog as minor plot developments are dragged out v..e..r..y s..l..o..w..l..y. Then all of a sudden, it's over. It feels like having ground towards the conclusion at a glacial pace, the author suddenly realised he had to hand in his final draft the following morning and banged out the ending in a couple of hours to meet his deadline. The characters are all one-dimensional stereotypes and from the way they're written you'd think this book was released in 1963, not 2013.

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Boring

Sadly I just didn't enjoy this at all. I found it very tedious and not at all scary, barely even interesting. Each to their own, some may like this but is wasn't for me.

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Brilliant!

I really enjoyed this book. It was gripping, atmospheric unexpected and brilliantly well read. Can’t wait to read book 2!

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