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  • The Work of Art

  • Somerset Stories, Book 1
  • By: Mimi Matthews
  • Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
  • Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (108 ratings)
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The Work of Art cover art

The Work of Art

By: Mimi Matthews
Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
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Summary

"Matthews weaves suspense and mystery within an absorbing love story. Readers will be hard put to set this one down before the end." (Library Journal, starred review) 

An Uncommon Beauty....

Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it’s caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland - a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke’s clutches, she’s going to need a little help. 

An Unlikely Hero....

Captain Arthur Heywood’s days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name. 

Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her - and her heart - in more danger than ever?

©2019 Mimi Matthews (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about The Work of Art

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Lovely story

When I first started to listen to this I thought that I wouldn't like it. The narrators voice was a bit 'breathy'. I read the other reviews and decide to go on with the book. I am so glad I did, I got used to the narrator and even came to love his voice.The story was a lovely romance, not in the usual way, and the ending was a surprise.

I have never listened to this authors work before but will search out another title to listen too.

I have been listening to 'heavy' books lately so this was a pleasant change.

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3 people found this helpful

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

First Class performance, ok story

I would have given for 4 stars for the story if the heroine would not have been so incredibly stupid at the end. Alex Wyndham is a great narrator! I actually choose this book while searching by narrator.

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3 people found this helpful

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

Really enjoyed this

I don’t listen to many historical romances because they’re usually a bit rubbish, but thought I’d give this one a go. So glad I did! It’s brilliant! Only one small niggle about how the plot goes towards the end, but it’s not enough for me to mark it down. The subtleties and romance were so well done that it felt really genuine. It doesn’t have sex scenes, but the book doesn’t really need them. You still feel the attraction and building closeness with those scenes off page. Well worth a listen.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant!

I loved this story. It has everything, lovely characters who you become involved with, a good story with intrigue, mystery, emotion and romance. I was actually moved to tears on occasion. And it had dogs and horses! Thank-you Mimi Mathew's !

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A brilliant narrator - one of the best I’ve found

For those inspired by the Netflix series who are looking for a Brigerton type novel - this is it.
Good story in classic bodice ripper genre - good detail about fashion and fabrics of the period -
Alex Wyndham does an amazing job on the different voices and characterisations - moved to the number 1 slot in my ‘narrators to follow’ list toppling Mark Meadows this month

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A new author

This is the first book I have listened to by this author and I couldn’t put it down.I had never heard Alex Wyndham read before and I warmed to him as the book progressed.
I shall certainly look for another book by Mimi A

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2 people found this helpful

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

A most enjoyable book

I originally bought the kindle version last year and enjoyed the story so much that I wanted to try the audio book. Alex Wyndham was an excellent narrator, simply brilliant. He brought the story and characters to life with such passion. I read a lot, mostly regency romance and Mimi Matthews is one of my favourite authors.

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2 people found this helpful

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

Good story

Good story which kept me guessing. It flagged a bit at 3/4s but the characters kept me interested.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

“Dr Ratcliffe’s Restorative Jelly”

If you know what I’m referring to, then you know…

Suffice to say, this story starts off in an easy going manner - just a book to pass the time - until THAT PHRASE comes up in conversation! Well!

My ears prick up from that moment, because I’m momentarily cast back to a very favourite (top 3) Heyer novel. I started to pay closer attention and was drawn into this very credible story (although for its time, perhaps not).

The lady is naive but truthful. If she didn’t understand something, she asked. She is unafraid to challenge actions, conversations or inaction. In turn, he reciprocates - not fully to begin with - and thus we are spared the tedious plot dragging misunderstandings. This is very refreshing.

I don’t believe that I have read Ms Matthews’ work previously, but she seems to be the 2nd contemporary author who can handle Regency Romance without making it twee. The Queen, of course, is Georgette Heyer, but a close second (story, humour, romance and intrigue), is Stella Riley.

In terms of narration, Alex Wyndham is one of the best in this genre, although on this occasion, I wasn’t as impressed. Still good, but not on top form.

I shall read/listen to more from Ms Matthews.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Ok. Inoffensive. Not a page turner.

Fairly interesting. Didn't like the narrator style of reading. A bit clipped and unconversational. Spoilt it for me so I didn't bother to finish it.

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