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The Crime Writer

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The Crime Writer

By: Jill Dawson
Narrated by: Regina Regan
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About this listen

In 1964 the eccentric American novelist Patricia Highsmith is hiding out in a cottage in Suffolk, to concentrate on her writing and escape her fans. She has another motive, too - a secret romance with a married lover based in London.

Unfortunately it soon becomes clear that all her demons have come with her. Prowlers, sexual obsessives, frauds, imposters, suicides and murderers: the tropes of her fictions clamour for her attention, rudely intruding on her peaceful Suffolk retreat.

After the arrival of Ginny, an enigmatic young journalist bent on interviewing her, events take a catastrophic turn. Except, as always in Highsmith's troubled life, matters are not quite as they first appear....

©2016 Jill Dawson (P)2016 Isis Publishing Ltd Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Fiction

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I picked this book as I had read ‘Fred and Edie’ a few years ago by the same author and enjoyed reading a fictional account of real events. I enjoyed The Crime Writer a lot - such an interesting main character and brilliantly read. All the characters were wonderfully voiced and believable. The narrative itself was really engaging as I swithered between believing and not believing Pat’s accounts of events. I avoided the temptation to research information on Patricia Highsmith until I’d finished the book! Pace was good throughout although there was a small section where I wanted to urge things to move and they duly did.
I’d definitely recommend and now feel compelled to read some of Highsmiths work too.

Great performance

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I didn’t know anything about Patricia Highsmith and now I’m jumping all over everything she’s written. Thank you Jill (and the incredible narrator Regina - possibly the best I’ve ever heard)

Wonderful Story and Excellent Narration

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An intriguing insight into a mind wired a little differently from the norm. Has made me want to read more of Jill Dawson AND Patricia Highsmith.

Superb narration and excellent, unguessable plot

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I am not usually a fan of fictionalised versions of real people...I had a tendency to break off to check if x or y event actually happened. This don't happen with this book because I found myself so engrossed in the world of Dawson's 'Pat' that the reality became irrelevant. I think that Highsmith might have enjoyed the book...while it's no 'Talented Mr. Ripley' (what is?)- the story is effortlessly suspenseful and has some intriguing things to say about the imagination and the way it impacts on our experience of the world. It is in no way as pretentious as that makes it sound!

Intriguing as one of Highsmith's own novels.

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This book was read brilliantly and I loved the concept of the story. I did not know that the main character Patricia and her friend Ronnie were actually real people, indeed well known writers! I feel more educated now. I have been able to enjoy the book twice as a result. The knowing gives the book greater weight. The snails were a delightful touch.

An intriguing read.

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I found the central character unpleasant, but quite realistic, in a presentation that, to me, was much more reminiscent of an abusive male figure - abusive women's flavour is different. if I'd had a mother like Pat's, I suspect I would have turned into a pretty damaged person, too . But I didn't like her partner, either. I think this was intentional, and well done, but I can't say I enjoyed it as such.

I get the utter exasperation of helplessness leading to violence.

Overall, I think it's was realistic characterisation, and I didn't really like any of the bunch, other than the make supporting character, who was positively saintly.. If this is just good writing by the author and she writes about different themes equally well, I'd read more of hers.

think I might have turned out like her if I'd had a mother like hers.

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