It Takes a Town cover art

It Takes a Town

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It Takes a Town

By: Aoife Clifford
Narrated by: Jo Van Es
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About this listen

So many people had reason to hate her, but did anyone have reason to kill her?

Everyone dies famous in a country town, but glamorous Vanessa Walton was a shining star. A celebrity since a television commercial when she was a child, Vanessa is back on the front page for all the wrong reasons; after a terrible storm she has been found dead at the bottom of her stairs.

At first her death seems to be a simple accident, but anonymous letters are discovered that suggest otherwise–and when 16-year-old Jasmine Landridge claims it is murder, she suddenly disappears. As the police begin to investigate, secrets are exposed and friendships unravel.

What happens to a community when murders and abductions sit alongside petty workmates, teenage tribulations and longstanding friendships? It will take a town to solve this crime, but what will be broken in the effort to piece together the truth?

‘A vivid story of small town allegiances and secret grudges that drew me in and didn't let go! I was pinned to my chair.'–Amanda Hampson, author of The Tea Ladies

©2024 Aoife Clifford (P)2024 W. F. Howes Ltd Crime Fiction
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Good characters, good storyline with enough intrigue to keep you wondering. The narrator was really good too, overall a great listen

An enjoyable listen

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It Takes a Town by Aoife Clifford

Former child star Vanessa Walton returns to her hometown in country Australia, where she's a glamorous big fish in a small, shabby chic bowl. One night, after a big storm, Vanessa is found dead at the bottom of her stairs.

Sergeant Carol Duffy is new to town and has just begun her investigation when Jaz Langridge, stepdaughter of one of the wealthiest men in Welcome, suddenly goes missing one day after school. Is there an influential crime ring in town? Well-known locals Frankie and Mer join forces, long-held secrets are exposed, and friendships unravel.

Although this is not technically a cosy mystery, it does have some pretty cosy elements. The cover art is beautiful, with little vignettes of story elements, including the staircase, a nosy neighbour peering out a window, and a brilliant use of colour.

Thumbs up 👍 If you like books set in small towns with plenty of quirky characters, I think you'll like this one.

Go read a book!

Body count: 1—possibly more, but I can't tell you because it would be a spoiler.

Almost a cosy mystery

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This was so well written with many twists and turns that I didnt see coming. Such a gorgeous evocation of a smallish town in Victoria. The characters all ring true. I hope the author makes this into a series featuring Carol and Billy et al. The narration was also excellent. Wish there were more books from this author.

Loved this book

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.