• The Meaning of Night

  • A Confession
  • By: Michael Cox
  • Narrated by: David Timson
  • Length: 22 hrs and 7 mins
  • 3.7 out of 5 stars (341 ratings)

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The Meaning of Night

By: Michael Cox
Narrated by: David Timson
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Publisher's summary

"After killing the red-haired man, I took myself off to Quinn's for an oyster supper." So begins the extraordinary story of Edward Glyver - booklover, scholar, and murderer. As a young boy, Glyver always believed he was destined for greatness, and a chance discovery convinces him that he was right. Greatness does await him, along with immense wealth and influence. Overwhelmed by his discovery, he will stop at nothing to win back a prize that he knows is rightfully his.

Glyver's path to reclaim his prize leads him from the depths of Victorian London, with its foggy streets, brothels, and opium dens, to Evenwood, one of England's most beautiful and enchanting country houses, and finally to a consuming love for the beautiful but enigmatic Emily Carteret. His is a story of betrayal and treachery, of death and delusion, of ruthless obsession and ambition. And at every turn, driving Glyver irresistibly onward, is his deadly rival: the poet-criminal Phoebus Rainsford Daunt.

The Meaning of Night is an enthralling novel that will captivate listeners right up to its final thrilling revelation. Thirty years in the making, this debut from Michael Cox has earned starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Publishers Weekly.

©2006 Michael Cox (P)2006 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"A masterful first novel and a must." (Booklist)
"[A] richly imagined thriller....Its exemplary blend of intrigue, history, and romance mark a stand-out literary debut." (Publishers Weekly)
"A bibliophilic, cozy, murderous confection out of foggy old England and a learned and remarkably entertaining treat." (Kirkus Reviews)

What listeners say about The Meaning of Night

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Enjoyable book, great narrator

Narrator was excellent for this book.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Couldn't finish it

I read the Glass of Time first and like it. I finally had to bail on this after a few hours. The main character is so totally unlikeable I found I didn't give a care what happened. Also, the feeling of hanging out with a criminal lunatic did not make for a pleasant feel to my day. Generally, creepy all around. It's very hard to believe he's same character referenced in a supporting role in the Glass of Time . . .

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Has to be one of the worst ever

I have tried to listen to this book 4 times now. It is terrible -- lacking in cohesion or anything compelling for the listener. Don't waste a credit like I did.

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2 people found this helpful