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  • The Dying Light

  • Detective Matt Ballard Series, Book 3
  • By: Joy Ellis
  • Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies
  • Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (251 ratings)

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The Dying Light cover art

The Dying Light

By: Joy Ellis
Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies
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Publisher's Summary

Whisper Fen Holds Dark Secrets 

As the mists roll over the fens and enigmatic lights twinkle in the distance, only the locals know their way along the hidden paths through the mysterious watery terrain of one of England's most beautiful and sometimes dangerous places. 

Detective Matt Ballard may have retired but there's still plenty going on in the fens to keep him busy. 

Someone trashes an old lady's garden and daubs her isolated cottage with hateful graffiti. Emilia Swain seems to be totally harmless, so why is she being targeted? 

Matt's best friend Will and his wife Kate moved to Holland House to put their past behind them. But Kate's mental state is deteriorating and she's obsessed with the tragic history of the house and an old doll she finds in the garden.

And why is Kate suddenly friends with a loner who haunts the fens? Has the dreadful past come back to haunt the present owners?

Former detectives Matt and Liz want to help their friends and neighbors. But how can you help people who don't want to be helped?

©2020 Joy Ellis (P)2020 Tantor

What listeners say about The Dying Light

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Strange happenings

The Dying Light is my least favourite book by Joy Ellis. I appreciate the storyline, although I found the subject matter rather creepy, which is possibly the intention of the author.
Will and Kate (only just realised the significance of their names) are not an endearing couple, in fact I rather disliked them. I felt no sympathy for Will, his character is too wishy washy for my liking.
It is still a good listen, just not up to the standard I expect from Joy Ellis.

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2 people found this helpful

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

Another great storyline

Had been looking forward to a new audiobook from this author. While the storyline held my interest I was very disappointed with the narration.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Very dark and depressing story - not for me

The good: The narrator for this and the 2nd books is WAY better than the first. Although DS(?) Jason was a bit hard to listen to at times :)
The bad: overall, I really struggled to finish this one, and don't think I'll tackle anymore of the Ballard books - mainly because this one was so dark and depressing, and I miss 'the team'. I dislike books that bring me this far down - it was awful.
The ugly: mental illness or not, reality or not - the abuse the MC put up with from his wife was/is not acceptable, and made me want to slap her myself - and him, for not getting help a lot sooner than he did.
Emotional reaction to the book - yes. Did it leave me feeling satisfied, upbeat and wanting to read more? No. I read for entertainment, not to feel disturbed and sad. (really enjoyed the other two series, despite them dealing with murder and mayhem though)

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

Not her best

Usually love Joy’s work but found this one drawn out and the ending anticlimactic. There was an over focus on one of the main characters troubles, we get it, she’s mentally unwell! Still a pleasant listen due to the style of writing though.

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

Great twisting storyline

Very entertaining with a twisting storyline quite dark. Good introduction of new and old characters on the fen. Missed professor Rory!

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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

Glorious

The Absolute Best of Joy Ellis.
This Book left me gasping, Goosebumps, Tingling Spine and Sadness but above all, deep appreciation the The Author’s compelling Storyline.
A must ‘read’.

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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

Great story line and characters.

Another terrific story from Joy Ellis. Loved the twists and believable characters. The narration was good.

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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

Excellent

Excellent series. Quite different in a lot of areas from her usual storyline. A wonderful twist at the end. Narration was excellent and I’m sure you will enjoy it.

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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

Surprise ending

What a winding, twisting, exciting and painful journey the story took you on.
I find the narrator is better to listen to with earphones as it’s grating listening through my phone.

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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

dying light

good story. started of slow but soon developed into an interesting plot. first story of Matt Ballard that I have read.

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