I loved this absolutley loves this 🫶🫶very clever how the 3 storylines collide and then boom superb and I’ve been recommending it to anyone who’s venturing into audiobooks

After really enjoying Blood Orange, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in to this audiobook however I was soon deflated.

I’m not sure whether it is the narrators breathy voice in parts or the narrative jumping back and forth but I just could not get stuck in. I will read this as a hard copy as I am find on the authors writing but this audio book was not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review

This is a case of a story that was fine but not my fav by a typically favorite author and then the narrator doesn’t do it any favors. I wish I had liked this more than I did, but honestly it’s been a couple of days since I listened to it and I had to go back and re read the synopsis to remember what the book was even about, it’s that meh. I feel like it had the potential but just didn’t get all the way there for me, which is disappointing, because, as mentioned, I am a fan of the author.
It’s the story of three women who’s lives intersect-Anna, who’s being released from prison after a drunk driving incident killed someone in her car; Lucy, a college student obsessed with her professor, and Marie who has made herself a recluse after some issues in her past. Soon we saw his these women are connected as secrets are revealed and lies are uncovered. Sounds good right? I think the biggest issue beyond the narrator was the pacing. At times it raced and then others it crawled and there was no logical reasoning for the imbalance. Then there was the weird add on in Lucy’s story if some Greek mythology characters which I still don’t understand what they had to do with anything even thinking back over it all these days later. Yes, all the storylines come together, but not seamlessly, but more like a jigsaw puzzle that’s missing a piece. Maybe it needs a bit more editing? And a new narrator. Just my opinion.
Thanks to Headline Audio and NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for my review.

A good story overall
Thanks to NetGalley, the editor and the author for the opportunity to access this advanced copy.

A Lesson In Cruelty - Harriet Tyce

Thank you to @netgalley for giving me an advanced copy of this audiobook.

I have to be really honest and say that this book was sadly not for me. I really struggled with the narrator of this book and I just couldn't get into the story. I have enjoyed books by this author before but I'm afraid this one just wasn't for me.

We can't like them all though.

#netgalley #audiobook #listening #listeningwhilstworking #notforme

In her latest book A Lesson in Cruelty, Harriet Tyce presents a promising premise that intertwines three seemingly unrelated stories into one intriguing narrative. The concept of disparate threads converging is captivating, offering the anticipation of a thrilling and complex storyline.
However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes far-fetched and contrived, straining the suspension of disbelief. While the book explores some interesting and thought-provoking themes, these are somewhat overshadowed by the implausibility of certain plot developments. Although there are several twists and revelations throughout the story, they are not particularly surprising.
I listened to the audio version and the narrator's performance, while adequate, was marred by noticeable struggles with breathing, possibly due to a cold. This detracted from the overall listening experience, disrupting the immersion in the story.
Despite these shortcomings, the novel manages to maintain a level of engagement, making it an average thriller that may appeal to fans of the genre.

I have been given this audiobook as an ARC is was a really good plot & I did enjoyed it but I really think that this would have been a lot better if I had read this physical book rather than listening to the audiobook as the narrator can either build the book or it can ruien it and I think that it didn’t click with me. I would recommend this book but definitely read the book rather than audiobook.

For the most part I enjoyed this story. I liked the concept behind it and the exploration of ideas about crime, punishment and rehabilitation. However I honestly got really confused about what was going on about halfway through, and when the elements of each story inevitably tied together at the end, I found it difficult to untangle it all in my mind. Characters who didn't seem to be all that important suddenly seemed to have a lot of importance to the plot, and I'd basically forgotten they existed.

I wasn't a huge fan of the narration - I thought she was fine for the most part, but I couldn't bear the sections which were like ASMR whispering, thankfully these were only small parts of the story, but they really did set my teeth on edge! I think I would have enjoyed this book a lot better, and been able to keep track of the plot strands as well, had I read the book rather than listened to the audiobook.

I listened to the audiobook of this title and I have to say the narration was brilliant, it really engaged me. The narrator did a great job.

Story wise I was intrigued to see how the 3 different story lines would all tie together, they seemed to be very unrelated. It was a bit confusing but towards the end they all tied in, but in a somewhat unbelievable way. It definitely kept me reading, wanting to know what would happen next and how it would all come together. But I removed a star because it did feel somewhat unbelievable/convoluted.

I have enjoyed all of Harriet's book, but this is not my favourite.

This was a new author for me. I was immediately drawn in by the blurb - unfortunately I have not listened to the audiobook in full.

I really like the story - but the narrator annoyed me from the start. Why all the whispering and the husky voice all the time? I found it really distracting and I think it killed the story, if the whispering had been left out, I would have been happy to listen to the book in its entirety. Very disappointing, but I am still going to read the story, - I bought the epub on Amazon and will review that later,
I also have a feeling that it would have been better if there had been more than one narrator.

DNF
Thank you for the opportunity to listen to the audio book. Sorry this was not for me, I will review the epub, sadly, imho the narrator killed the story.

I read Blood Orange and really enjoyed it so was looking forward to this.

I enjoyed Anna’s story then it changed to Lucy’s whose story I wasn’t as bothered about and I found it a little confusing.

I knew the story would link but wasn’t sure how. However I did guess the one part quite early on once we had heard all 3 stories.

The narrator was good but I didn’t enjoy the voices in between and it wasn’t needed in the story.

There were loads of twists and turns but
I found this book a little over complicated and over the top, although it is clever how it links together.

3.5*

I had read and enjoyed one of Harriet Tyce's previous books so I was excited to read this one and it didn't disappoint. A fast paced, twisty thriller set mostly in Oxford with an interesting collection of characters. The story starts with Anna being accused of the murder of her prison cell mate; this is a gripping and clever story. I felt that sadly the narration did let the audiobook down though; the narrator was very nasal and sounded like she had a badly blocked nose which was very offputting and this was a pity.

This was an amazingly addictive book. Whilst I was a little confused by the multiple storylines at first, they soon become linked. The story revolves around prison reform and criminology and will be of interest to anyone interested in these topics along with criminal psychology.
The characters are strong and mostly relatable, if not completely likeable. Several of the threads are immensely sad but they are drawn together into a wonderful read. I will definitely be looking for more from Harriet Tyce

I found this a very difficult book to stop listening to and ended up hoping for a traffic jam just so I could listen some more!!!

The story follows the lives of 3 woman - all very different and all experiencing difficulties in their own lives mostly of their own making I have to say; there's also a professor with questionable ethics. It's clear that they are going to come together at some point but it's intriguing to see how and why and I definitely wasn't disappointed.

Written at a good pace, with excellent characters and with a narrator that did a good job, this is a really good book to get your teeth into (or ears if, like me, you listen to the audiobook version) and I will definitely be looking out for more of Harriet Tyce's books in the future.

Many thanks to the author, Headline Audio, Wildfire and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this intriguing book.

Phenomenally plotted thriller that is completely gripping and unguessable!

It’s only April, but I’ve already found a huge contender for my book of the year in A LESSON IN CRUELTY. I’m in absolute awe at how Tyce has pulled off such an expertly woven thriller that threads multiple plot lines together into a mind blowing, powerhouse of a book. I was completely hooked on all three women’s stories independently, but was completely clueless in how their stories would converge. I couldn’t even hazard a guess, so when their narratives collided, it was genuinely a jaw-to-the-floor moment. I then spent the remainder of the book gasping and practically falling off my chair! To state that this book is a masterpiece of the genre is in no way an inflated claim. I was completely blown away by how perfectly each portion of this book was constructed. Each part worked so well to craft three independent stories, making the merging of these into a combined final third all the more accomplished. This book was full of shocking reveals and masterfully executed twists, bringing the narrative to an explosive conclusion. Tyce takes her time to build each character and their independent narrative streams, increasing pace and tension as the story develops. It’s a book that you will seriously struggle to tear yourself away from!

I loved how topical the story was too, with its explorations of prison, punishment, justice, truth, forgiveness, and life after dues have been paid. Tyce writes expressively, thrusting readers into the story and I was completely wrapped up in Anna’s strand in particular. It’s clear that we aren’t supposed to know exactly who to trust, but Tyce imbues all three women with a humanity that allows us to feel a swathe of emotions for them. I really enjoyed the audiobook for this too. Candida Gubbins really brings these characters to life, giving each a unique identity in her narration. This really helped me forge a strong connection with each of the main characters and had me fully invested. As the tension and suspense built over the course of the narrative, the narration reflected this perfectly and I couldn’t take my headphones off!

I can’t recommend A LESSON IN CRUELTY enough if you enjoy a clever, impeccably plotted thriller that will have you thinking and gasping in equal measure. It’s brutal and beautiful, which is exactly what I’m after in a book!

Following three women - Anna, Lucy & Marie, A Lesson In Cruelty shows each of their stories separately at first, but as they slowly and intricatley weave together, a fuller story unfolds.

I enjoyed each individual story to a point, but feel like they weren't weighted equally, making the pace of the story difficult to maintain but overall it was am OK thriller.

The narrator was mostly OK, but some parts were difficult to listen to due to strangeness of some of the voices.

Couldn't put it down!!
Finished this book in 3 nights (which is great for me) and spent all day thinking about it, I couldn't wait to get the kids to bed and sit and rest some more.
It was a great structured story going between characters that all connect in some way. Very suspenseful. Loved it

Wow! What a twisted gripping can't-put-down book! Loved it! So well constructed, brilliantly written, twisty, surprising, well thought out story. I can't praise it enough.
Told from multiple points of view, A Lesson In Cruelty slowly draws you in until you can't help yourself but keep on reading. I loved the premise of the story. I thought I knew what was going on and then I got surprised and it just kept me guessing. So so good.
Harriet Tyce did a brilliant job writing multi-layered story that just grabs your attention and doesn't let go till you're finished.
I really enjoyed how all the different threads were eventually connected together. I can't say too much about the plot as I don't want to give anything away but it's unique and really well executed.
All in all A Lesson In Cruelty is an amazing book written brilliantly full of twists and turns and one not to be missed. Highly recommended.

4.5 stars

The story follows three women. Anna who spent the last three years in prison, then one night before she gets to be set free a horrible thing happens in her prison cell. Lucy who is in love with her professor and Marie who is a recluse, who is not ready to be set free. All women live very different lives but they all will collide at some point.
I was drawn into Anna's story from chapter one. It was fast paced, mysterious and kept me excited for more. I was a little sad when the POV switched to Lucy. Once I got to know Lucy a little better I also was very interested in her story - or to be honest, the professor's story. About Marie, everything you need to know is already said.
I don't want to reveal more because Tyce's books are always best to go into blind. I love her writting and enjoy that they are a little slower than the usual thriller. Her writing style is mysterious and captivating - I rated all her books 4⭐ and higher. A Lesson in Cruelty was right up my alley, like her other works. I can recommend this book with all my heart and I'm excited for people to read this story. I listened to the audiobook and I truly had a very good time.

Thank you so much to Harriet Tyce, Headline Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for me honest opinion.

This was one thrilling, wild ride!!

A Lesson in Cruelty complex and compelling story of three women. Anna who is due to be released on parole and wants a fresh start. Lucy, a law student who is infatuated with her married professor. Marie, a woman leading a secluded existence in Scotland and longs to be free. How are these three women connected?

The intricate plot and heart-pounding twists had me so invested that I completed the audiobook in 4 hours flat even though the pacing was a bit uneven and I would have enjoyed a full cast narration. I loved how the author brought all the stories together leading to a thrilling conclusion.

I have enjoyed 'Blood Orange' by Harriet Tyce and definitely look forward to reading more from her. Thank you @netgalley and @headlineaudio for an advanced audiobook to listen and review.