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  • The Whispering Muse

  • By: Laura Purcell
  • Narrated by: Sheila Atim
  • Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (81 ratings)
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The Whispering Muse cover art

The Whispering Muse

By: Laura Purcell
Narrated by: Sheila Atim
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Summary

'Laura Purcell, a skilful purveyor of gothic tales, has created another darkly twisting narrative in The Whispering Muse' Sunday Times 

'Spooky, atmospheric, brilliant... I think I love it the best out of all Laura's books. Watch out for it - but beware...' Bridget Collins, author of number one bestseller, The Binding 

'Deliciously creepy, riveting and full of heart with compelling characters and brilliant twists ... glitteringly dark and mesmerising' Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne and Elektra 

_______________ 

Be careful what you wish for... it may just come true. 

At The Mercury Theatre in London's West End, rumours are circulating of a curse. It is said that the lead actress Lilith has made a pact with Melpomene, the tragic muse of Greek mythology, to become the greatest actress to ever grace the stage. Suspicious of Lilith, the jealous wife of the theatre owner sends dresser Jenny to spy on her, and desperate for the money to help her family, Jenny agrees.  

What Jenny finds is a woman as astonishing in her performance as she is provocative in nature. On stage, it's as though Lilith is possessed by the characters she plays, yet off stage she is as tragic as the Muse who inspires her, and Jenny, sorry for her, befriends the troubled actress. But when strange events begin to take place around the theatre, Jenny wonders if the rumours are true, and fears that when the Muse comes calling for payment, the cost will be too high. 

©2023 Laura Purcell (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

What listeners say about The Whispering Muse

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Her best yet!

I'm a huge Laura Purcell fan and was looking forward to her latest story. it didn't disappoint! The twisting plot came to life with the skilled narration. Gothic horror at its best!

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • TB
  • 03-04-23

Good story, but a little OTT.

Not as subtle as Laura Purcell's previous books, and with an occasionally annoying heroine. The reading is mostly very good, but the mis-pronunciations grate.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book

I've read, not listened to, the Corset and really loved it. This book is good too, maybe slightly longer than necessary. The narrator is absolutely fantastic, I'll be searching her out again.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

I only listen to audio books when driving for work purposes. This book had me looking for reasons to drive! I couldn’t “put it, switch it off”, I thought it was a very clear and well written story and flowed really well, furthermore it was a solid ending which I kind of foresaw but still had enough element of surprise. Another great book by the author; I’m a real fan and have enjoyed all her titles so looking forward to the next one for sure.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Didn't make any sense.

Story made no sense to me. I could picture it but I really didn't understand why the protagonist, a servant more or less, disliked her employer so much straight away and got away with being so rude. The story jumped around. Gave up and got my credit back.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another gripping story by LP

A gripping story, I couldn't press pause... brilliantly read to keep the story alive. I could feel and smell the Theatre, amazing!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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intense story of souls sold

Great book and a very captivating story. it was very dark in places and I struggled a bit as I can't do gore but I managed to get through it as would be a shame not to. an adult story told in a very descripted way. loved it!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful characters and wonderful story

I loved the characters in this book, they were so vibrant and refreshing, the story kept me on tender hooks all the way through. I will definitely look out for more books from this author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Highly recommended

Well-paced & super engaging! Easily one of my favourites. The narrator also did a very good job!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A tremendous gothic horror

My 2nd favourite of Laura Purcell. It kept picking up speed and was a brilliant read. Absolutely brilliant

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