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The Excitements

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The Excitements

By: CJ Wray
Narrated by: Karen Cass
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About this listen

'Not all heroes wear capes, some wear M&S cardigans! A triumph!' MIKE GAYLE
'A sublime mix of comedy, drama and adventure' JILL MANSELL
'Just pure joy from start to finish.' ALEXANDRA POTTER

Meet the Williamson sisters, Britain's most treasured World War II veterans. Now in their nineties, Josephine and Penny are in demand, popping up at commemorative events all over the country. Despite their age, they're in great form-sprightly and sparky, and always in search of their next "excitement." This time it's a trip to Paris to receive the Légion d'honneur, accompanied by their devoted great-nephew, Archie.

Keen historian Archie believes his great aunts had minor roles in the Women's Royal Navy and the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, but that's only half the story. There's a reason sweet Auntie Penny can dispatch a would-be mugger with a brolly.

This trip to Paris is not what it seems either. Scandal and crime have quietly trailed the sisters since the war. Now armed with new information about an old adversary, these much decorated (but admittedly ancient) veterans intend to settle scores, avenge lost friends, and pull off one last heist before the curtain comes down on their illustrious careers.

©2024 CJ Wray (P)2024 Orion Publishing Group Limited Cosy Literature & Fiction Mystery World Literature Crime Fiction Revenge Heartfelt Feel-Good Suspense

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All stars
Most relevant  
I wasn’t expecting such a marvellous story and am so very glad I took a chance with The Excitements. C J Wray has written such a brilliant book about unbelievably interesting women and having grown up immediately after WW2 this novel had a real impact on me. The characters, especially the Williamson sisters, spring to life off the page and Karen Cass does a fine job of narration.

It’s always a delight to be presented with strong female characters, exceptionally well written by Ms Wray whose love of her characters shines through.
The conversation with Patricia Owtram was a real bonus, particularly because women are far too often ignored in history, and was very moving, especially the closure using Jean’s own words.

There was considerable humour in this wonderful story too.

Incredibly worthwhile novel

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I enjoyed everything about this book. These women were inspiring, even with their flaws. I have three granddaughters and I only hope they have some of that ‘gumption’ in their DNA.

Feisty amazing women

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Loved it all characters. Robin Hood aspect. Love of family and insight into the war

History. Memories

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This was an entertaining story with good use of split time, beautifully read. Highly recommended

Characterisation

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A stunning story told with such style and attention to detail! CJ Wray certainly knows a lot about the war and the secret war. Her characters whether young or old, climb out of the story and appear to greet you in life. CJ Wray obviously knows a lot about people and must be a compassionate person because her characters are so real.

It was refreshing to portray elderly women as erudite and not in the way most authors portray them.

The story has love, passion, war, crime and drama!

It would make an excellent film!

The conversation at the end with war veteran Patricia Owtram who is 100 was moving and Jean’s last words closed this surprising and enjoyable epic!

Listen and read this wonderful book!

A wonderful and exciting epic with two nonagenarians as its stars! A must listen! A gem of a story!

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Ended up listening to this in one go as was so hooked on the story. Wonderful characters, twists & unexpected turns. Hope it gets picked up as a film as it’s vivacious 97 & 99 year old protagonists, mischievous decorated veterans are fascinating & fun leads. Thoroughly enjoyed the history, mystery, comedy & romance, with a delightful suprise at the end of the audiobook!

Hooked! Listened to in a day

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started out light but wonderful depth appeared as the interwoven timelines explored the history of each character.

great characters

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Must admit wasnt sure about this book when I downloaded but am so glad I did. Such a lively and lovely story that made me smile and laugh out loud in places. Reflected the times and the era with some very poignant moments and tge character of Penny was just brilliant. Hope I have that much spirit at that age!

Give this book a go, I did and loved it!

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This was a really enjoyable listen, the story is really very interesting and entertaining- I will be looking for more books by the author. The narrator was incredible, she masters many accents within this title, a real treasure!

Brilliant story and narration

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I laughed a lot at this, it's heartwarming, well researched and just a really good read.

Hidden Gem

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