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The Soldier's Curse

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The Soldier's Curse

By: Tom Keneally, Meg Keneally
Narrated by: Paul English
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About this listen

A fast-paced, witty and gripping historical crime series from Tom Keneally and his eldest daughter, Meg.

In the Port Macquarie penal settlement for second offenders, at the edge of the known world, gentleman convict Hugh Monsarrat hungers for freedom. Originally transported for forging documents passing himself off as a lawyer, he is now the trusted clerk of the settlement's commandant.

His position has certain advantages, such as being able to spend time in the Government House kitchen, being supplied with outstanding cups of tea by housekeeper Hannah Mulrooney, who, despite being illiterate, is his most intelligent companion.

Not long after the commandant heads off in search of a rumoured river, his beautiful wife, Honora, falls ill with a sickness the doctor is unable to identify. When Honora dies, it becomes clear she has been slowly poisoned.

Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney suspect the commandant's second-in-command, Captain Diamond, a cruel man who shares history with Honora. Then Diamond has Mrs Mulrooney arrested for the murder. Knowing his friend will hang if she is tried, Monsarrat knows he must find the real killer. And so begins The Monsarrat Series.

©2016 Margaret Keneally and The Serpentine Publishing Company Pty Ltd (P)2016 Bolinda Suspense Thriller & Suspense Crime Witty Fiction
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I have thoroughly enjoyed this story and its characters. It is the first of five books in the series (only 4 on Audible currently) The tale is written with the details that take one’s imagination to places I’m glad to be reading, rather than experiencing the life as those who have done so many years past. My own relatives arrived in the 18th century, to think of them living in such circumstances…. The entire series is a lesson in our history with some license for the telling of a good story. I can only hope that the 5th book is released on Audible soon!!

The first of five well written Tales

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A great book which was well read and paced.
Enjoyed the story and found it interesting.

Well read

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What made the experience of listening to The Soldier's Curse the most enjoyable?

The story line is a beautiful blend of fiction and non-fiction

What did you like best about this story?

The attention to detail on what it was like to live in the early 1800's in convict Australia

What does Paul English bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Paul's voices for each character brings believability to the whole story

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Could not say it made me laugh or cry, but you could feel the 'deadened' emotions of the convicts

Any additional comments?

Cannot wait until book 2

Keneally's have brought to life the convict era

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Good Australian history. Well written story that keeps you interested. Excellent narration. I enjoyed it!

Well worth a listen

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Really enjoyed this book.
And looking forward to the sequels.
Gave good insights into the the early settlement experience.

Good historical experience, brilliant.

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I was enthralled by The Soldier's Curse. Well researched and also entertaining. The reader was superb.

Gripping historical novel

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After hearing part of A Soldiers Curse read on radio, my husband and I were keen to hear it all. Loved every part of it. Ready for the second one now.

Beautifully written and read

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. A simple story with just enough tension to provoke curiosity. Beautifully written prose.

What other book might you compare The Soldier's Curse to, and why?

No comparison. Thomas and Meg Keneally stand alone.

Have you listened to any of Paul English’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No. A colourful reader with the amazing talent of characterisation.

Fantastic!

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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.