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  • The Mortal Word

  • The Invisible Library, Book 5
  • By: Genevieve Cogman
  • Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
  • Length: 15 hrs and 26 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (162 ratings)

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The Mortal Word cover art

The Mortal Word

By: Genevieve Cogman
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
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Summary

In 1890s Paris, a librarian and a detective must track down a killer – before the city goes up in flames. The Mortal Word is the enthralling fifth instalment in the Invisible Library series from Genevieve Cogman.

A corrupt countess. A spy in danger. And an assassin.

Peace talks are always tricky – especially when a key diplomat gets stabbed. This murder rudely interrupts a top-secret summit between the warring dragons and Fae, so Librarian-spy Irene is summoned to investigate. With her detective friend Vale, she must track down the killer – as peace hangs by a thread.

Accusations fly thick and fast. Irene soon finds herself in the seedy depths of the Parisian underworld on the trail of a notoriously warlike Fae, the Blood Countess. However, the evidence against the Countess is only circumstantial. Could the assassin – or assassins – be closer than anyone suspects?

Continue the witty and wonderful series with The Secret Chapter.

©2021 Genevieve Cogman (P)2021 Macmillan Publishers International Limited

Critic reviews

"Captivating story with animated characters...cracking pace." (Guardian)

What listeners say about The Mortal Word

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Improving all the time!

Naturally this is entirely subjective - I enjoy this series a great deal, though I’d never argue for it to be placed among the greats. This is my favourite so far, it’s more complex and Irene is finally beginning to believe in herself.

In this book the stakes are higher, and Irene needs to be cleverer, more subtle and more politically savvy - peace talks are happening but someone (or more than one) powerful definitely wants to make sure they go down in flames, and possibly trigger a war. Irene needs to marshal all sides to investigate, hold on to her surety that truth is the only way a lasting peace can be attained and ensure a successful end to the negotiations.

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loved it!

loved it X as exciting as ever. interesting to identify with the characters Faye and dragon and librarian

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Brilliant Narration and fantastic book

I have adored this series so far, I'm glad I still have some to go and hope that the author continues with this series or another series. Her writing is so good!

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Catching plot

Even quite a few books into the story - the series is captivating and unpredictable! The narrator is outstanding

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This would make a great film

Well done Genevieve. Another great piece of fiction well narrated by Kristin. I am really invested in the characters you have developed over the series. Looking forward to the next book

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Just wonderful listening!

I absolutely love this series. It is everything I adore about fiction. There is a Dragon, a Detective similar to Sherlock Holmes and a unique Librarian. This book was another interesting tale about a possible peace conference.
I have thought for a little while that Irene is Albreicht's daughter. It will be interesting to see if I'm right.
Stunning series most definitely recommend.

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  • 06-06-22

just keeps getting better and better

brilliant, well written, well spoken, another "page turner" cant wait for the next book to listen to.

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book 5

Once again an excellent story with much development of the characters. a 5 star read which coild be read as series or stand alone.

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Kristen Atherton is phenomenal

Loved the story. Bonkers as normal, but addictive. Kristen is an amazing narrator. For petes sake give her an award ( or a job on tv). Can’t wait to listen to the next story

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Cracking good adventure!

Loved it! The narrator is fantastic, the story is engaging and the whole series is a delight.

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