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In the Absence of Miracles

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In the Absence of Miracles

By: Michael J. Malone
Narrated by: Angus King
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About this listen

A young man discovers a family secret that turns his world upside down in this dark, emotive, shocking psychological thriller by number-one best-selling author Michael J. Malone.

John Docherty’s mother has just been taken into a nursing home following a massive stroke and she’s unlikely to be able to live independently again. With no other option than to sell the family home, John sets about packing up everything in the house. In sifting through the detritus of his family’s past he’s forced to revisit, and revise his childhood.

For in a box, in the attic, he finds undeniable truth that he had a brother who disappeared when he himself was only a toddler. A brother no one ever mentioned. A brother he knew absolutely nothing about. A discovery that sets John on a journey from which he may never recover.

For sometimes in that space where memory should reside there is nothing but silence, smoke and ash. And in the absence of truth, in the absence of a miracle, we turn to prayer. And to violence.

Shocking, chilling and heartbreakingly emotive, In the Absence of Miracles is domestic noir at its most powerful, and a sensitively wrought portrait of a family whose shameful lies hide the very darkest of secrets.

©2019 Michael J. Malone (P)2019 Audible, Ltd Crime Fiction Crime Thrillers Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Modern Detectives Mystery Psychological Romance Romantic Suspense Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Heartfelt

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All stars
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The plot and the reviews made me excited to listen to this book, unfortunately it took a dark turn which wasn’t for me. The narrator didn’t engross me either.

This book wasn’t for me

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Very good domestic noir revealing secrets that are terribly shocking. Narration by Angus King is excellent.

Very good sad story with an impressive narration

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A strong and brave story dealing with maternal abuse, but including all the complexities of response that victims go through. No needless violence and the reasons for reactions were left subtle rather than being rammed down readers’ throats, encouraging empathy.

Despite the Scottish setting, once again, there’s a disappointing inclusion of Americanisms that jar in the reading/listening (‘normalcy’ instead of normality and ‘catch up to’ instead of catch up with), but thankfully, not too many to put off a non-US audience.

Thoughtfully written and overall better than expected

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John, a dutiful son, takes on the task of clearing out his childhood home. His mother has had a stroke, and the house must be sold to pay for her care in a nursing home. In the loft, he comes across a photograph of himself as a toddler, sitting with an older boy. He has no recollection of the teenager but his curiosity is aroused by their resemblance. Baffled and intrigued, John begins to dig deeper into the mystery, unaware that beneath the surface lie the hideous secrets of child abuse, trafficking and murder.

Malone addresses these dark, painful, issues with sensitivity and tender compassion, whilst driving the protagonist onward to face the bitter truth.

Angus King is an excellent narrator for this story.

Stunning!

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This story could have been good though I feel that it lost its way a bit.
The main character- John - is such a pain, selfish,and thoughtless to everyone else He misses a huge clue which couldn't have been clearer if he'd been hit on the head with it, very annoying to the listener. His behaviour is plainly weird.
The writing changes from first person to third person which is confusing.
Narration is good enough, Angus King always gives a great performance though sometimes the London / south east accent drops but it doesn't detract from the listening.
There were so many aspects about this novel which need tightening up, the foundations are there, it's such a shame. Too many short bites.

A most odd book

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