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The Rose Code

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The Rose Code

By: Kate Quinn
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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About this listen

 A gripping, edge-of-your-seat historical novel from the bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Huntress!

*Winner of Historical Novel of the Year in NetGalley UK’s Books of 2021*

*Editors’ Pick Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Amazon US*

‘A terrific book bursting with vivid atmosphere’ Dinah Jefferies, #1 bestselling author of The Tea-Planter’s Wife

’Wonderful…A hugely satisfying and thrilling read’ Fern Britton, #1 bestselling author of Daughters of Cornwall

‘Immersive, thrilling and packed with wonderful characters…I absolutely loved every page of this incredible book’ Jill Mansell, bestselling author of Maybe This Time

1940, Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire.

Three very different women are recruited to the mysterious Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes.

Vivacious debutante Osla has the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses – but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, working to translate decoded enemy secrets. Self-made Mab masters the legendary codebreaking machines as she conceals old wounds and the poverty of her East-End London upbringing. And shy local girl Beth is the outsider who trains as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts.

1947, London.

Seven years after they first meet, on the eve of the royal wedding between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, disaster threatens. Osla, Mab and Beth are estranged, their friendship torn apart by secrets and betrayal. Yet now they must race against the clock to crack one final code together, before it’s too late, for them and for their country.

If you loved The Crown, don’t miss this riveting historical novel!©2021 Kate Quinn (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited 20th Century Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Mystery Royal Romance Royalty Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Romance Detective Exciting Suspense

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Critic reviews

"It’s epic in every way, brilliantly researched, beautifully written and completely unputdownable. Everyone needs it on their list for 2021." (Jenny Ashcroft)

"An intricate play of love, loss, betrayal and redemption, Kate Quinn’s novel is every bit as complex and fascinating as the codes being broken at Bletchley Park.... Impossibly gripping from start to finish, The Rose Code is a cracking good read!" (Celia Rees)

"Immersive, thrilling and packed with wonderful characters - some fictional, others real. I absolutely loved every page of this incredible, meticulously researched book." (Jill Mansell)
All stars
Most relevant  
This was an almost thoroughly enjoyable listen. But the book could have done with editing by someone from the European side of the pond. Motor cars, not automobiles. "Write to me" rather than "Write me". And various other glitches that didn't really spoil my enjoyment. But there were some mispronunciations by the narrator and I really was irritated by repeated references to Kes-wick. (For our transatlantic cousins, it is pronounced Kezzick). Otherwise I would unreservedly recommend this audiobook!

An enthralling and gripping listen.

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I loved the story, but it was slightly marred by the narrator. whilst she had a fantastic "British" accent, the pronunciation of some words was way off, and when she said the dates, it was the American way of doing it, NOT UK. Ah well. A fabulous story though!!

An exciting, moving story.

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Excellent second half, but takes a while to get interesting. Love the setting and the nuances of 1940's society.

stick with it

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I have listened and read other Kate Quinn books and she is rich a great Storyteller.

I love the way she writes about strong women during the war, those unsung heroes who may be did not physically fight but still fought in the war to save thousands of men.

All her characters are well drawn believable and you get pulled completely into the story.

Masterfully narrated by Saskia Maarleveld who flawlessly brings this book to life.

Excellent story with strong believable women

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It was so great to listen to, the story was enchanting and the 3 main characters were thoroughly developed and likeable. It’s performed to perfection and I will recommend it to all my friends and family

A wonderful historical codebreaking journey

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Saskia Maarleveld is a brilliant narrator, bringing the characters and story to life. I devoured this book! The historical aspect of the book taught me many new things and Kate Quinn’s gift of storytelling had me from the first lines. Brilliant female protagonists.

A book to get lost in

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Quite unputdownable frankly, Americanisms or no Americanisms in the Audible version. To be honest, as an American living in England I can say that I ever noticed. The story and the array of characters motored along nicely from page one. The story had everything: modern history; romance; believable characters and adventures; excellent descriptions of wartime life vis-a-vis food, fashion, motorcars, culture. Thrills and chills.
A thoroughly good read. Highly recommended.

The Americanisms in this book sure didn’t irk this American (living in England) reader

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Very enjoyable. A story that held my interest with a historical slant. An excellent narration.

A great book

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Truly outstanding narration and completely enveloping in the time and history of the war. Fabulous characters and quite beautifully written

Excellent

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I've enjoyed some books based during and around WWI and WWII, but I've become a little tired of the theme. Someone recommended The Rose Code, though, and I'm over the moon I bought it. Brilliant insight into the work at Bletchley Park, tied together in engaging stories of three strong female characters and in an engrossing storyline. All credit to Kate Quinn for her meticulous research. Saskia Maarleveld brought everything together wonderfully with her narration, including near-perfect accents. Ignore 'Kes-wick' and enjoy.

Very pleasantly surprised by this book

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