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Unravelling Oliver

By: Liz Nugent
Narrated by: Sam O'Mahony, Roy McMillan, Kevin Hely, Tracy Keating, Stephen Hogan, Kathy O'Brien, Steven Laverty, Michele Moran
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Publisher's Summary

Penguin presents the unabridged downloadable audiobook edition of Unravelling Oliver by Liz Nugent.

Winner - IBA Crime Fiction Book of the Year.

Liz Nugent's gripping audiobook of psychological suspense, Unravelling Oliver, is a complex and elegant study of the making of a sociopath in the tradition of Barbara Vine and Patricia Highsmith.

Oliver Ryan is a handsome and charismatic success story. He lives in the suburbs with his wife, Alice, who illustrates his award-winning children's books and gives him her unstinting devotion. Their life together is one of enviable privilege and ease - enviable until, one evening after supper, Oliver attacks Alice and beats her into a coma. In the aftermath, as everyone tries to make sense of his astonishing act of savagery, Oliver tells his story. So do those whose paths he has crossed over five decades. What unfolds is a story of shame, envy, breathtaking deception and masterful manipulation.

Only Oliver knows the lengths to which he has had to go to get the life to which he felt entitled. But even he is in for a shock when the past catches up with him.

Liz Nugent has worked in Irish film, theatre and television for most of her adult life. She is an award-winning writer of radio and television drama and has written short stories for children and adults.

Unravelling Oliver is her first novel.

©2017 Liz Nugent (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"Truly excellent, beautifully written...strongly recommended." (Sophie Hannah)
"Compelling, clever and dark, unlike any other psychological thriller you will have read before...you'll gobble it up in one go." ( Heat Magazine)
"Incredibly brilliant." (Marian Keyes)

What listeners say about Unravelling Oliver

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Terrific story

This author Liz Nugent is very clever and writes a good yarn. Great narrators. This is the sort of story I just love. I’m going to give the author another go.

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Different

This quite enjoyable to listen to. makes you realise what some go through.. Found the different narrators a little confusing.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Interesting psychological mystery

I enjoyed this book for the various perspectives, including that of the perpetrator. I
I am always looking for the psychological analysis behind the crime and this author was particularly good at achieving it in this book.

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A gripping story

This book had me wanting to find time and opportunities to listen to the next chapter. I liked the multiple voices adding new layers to Oliver’s mysterious past. It is beautifully written, for example the author’s description of the grandfather clock “ticking its metronomic miseries”....and more wonderful descriptions bringing scenes alive.

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Excellent

Loved this book. The narration was pitch perfect. Well done to the cast and Liz Nugent!

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Much better when you listen to it twice

What made the experience of listening to Unravelling Oliver the most enjoyable?

It was intriguing. The plot was a surprise. Olivers character was molded by his circumstances, which were explored both subjectively and objectively

Which scene did you most enjoy?

when olivers deception was uncovered

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Brilliant Disturbing and delivered with astonishing performances!

I was hooked from the first few minutes by the chocolatey performance of the main character. It wasn’t long before that hook became, at times, most uncomfortable as this superb story immerses you into a study of psychopathy and consequence. I don’t think you’ll hear better performances - they’re THAT GOOD. What they bring to Liz Nugents work is the most compelling fleshing out of already rich characters. It’s absolutely a ‘must read’

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Unravelling Oliver

Another amazing read from Liz. Nugent..brilliant layered story. Really enjoyed it. It’s a must listen this one.

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A Must Read

Such a beautifully crafted story; told by numerous characters all with the wonderful Irish lilt. As the story unfolds, a tiny thread leads to the ultimate betrayal. A poignant tale of love and hate and lies.

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