The Excitements

A Novel

By: CJ Wray

Narrated by: Karen Cass

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

"Irresistible...Filled with surprise, poignancy, and excitement, this is a surefire winner." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A brilliant and witty drama about two brave female World War II veterans who survived the unthinkable without ever losing their killer instinct…or their joie de vivre.

Meet the Williamson sisters, Britain’s most treasured World War II veterans. Now in their late nineties, Josephine and Penny are in huge demand, popping up at commemorative events and history festivals all over the country. Despite their age, they’re still in great form—perfectly put together, sprightly and sparky, and always in search of their next “excitement.”

This time it’s a trip to Paris to receive the Légion d’honneur for their part in the liberation of France. And as always, they will be accompanied by their devoted great-nephew, Archie.

Keen historian Archie has always been given to understand that his great aunts had relatively minor roles in the Women’s Royal Navy and the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, but that’s only half the story. Both sisters are hiding far more than the usual “official secrets”. There’s a reason sweet Auntie Penny can dispatch a would-be mugger with an umbrella.

This trip to Paris is not what it seems either. Scandal and crime have always quietly trailed the Williamson sisters, even in the decades after the war. Now armed with new information about an old adversary, these much decorated (but admittedly ancient) veterans variously intend to settle scores, avenge lost friends, and pull off one last, daring heist before the curtain finally comes down on their illustrious careers.

©2024 CJ Wray (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

incredible all the way around!

I pre-ordered this book originally because I love Karen Cass' narrating, and have never been disappointed in any of the books she's narrated. it was an extra plus that one of my favorite genres is WWII historical fiction/ nonfiction novels, even more so about women who were an integral part of the war effort. So, when I read the summary, I had high hopes for this one. As soon as it arrived, I dug in and couldn't put it away! what an incredible story with wonderful characters, unexpected plot twists and, of course, top notch narration! I listened to this on a road trip with my 16 year old daughter and we were both thoroughly entertained and certain parts (i won't spoil it!) gave both of us chills! I can only hope that this book is optioned for a movie because it is, hands down, one of the best!

Fun Witty Entertaining

I am a sucker for stories about plucky senior citizens. “The Excitements” starts out very silly, with Aunty Penny and Josephine Williamson planning their trip to Paris with their dear great-nephew Archie. The great-aunties are in their 90’s, and enjoy a good cocktail and witty banter.

The two nonagenarians are to receive an award for their work in liberating France in WW II. Archie has no clue as to what his Aunties were involved in during the war. He thought they were minor bit players.

Aunty Penny has a secret side-hustle that funds her philanthropy. Author CJ Wray (pseudonym for Chrissie Manby) provides the back stories to these two enterprising sisters. Archie is in the dark about what his doting Aunties machinations were during the war, but the reader learns, as their past lives are told in shifting timelines.

If you enjoy witty dialogue with intrepid spunky senior characters, this is for you. I listened to the audio, narrated by Karen Cass. It’s over 11 hours long, and you will be chuckling during the entire book. While listening, I was transported into the story. Highly recommend for a substantive story that seems like it’s a fluffy read!

Omg so boring I can’t even finish

Howwwww can this writer come so highly recommended and write such a teeeeedious tale?! You need many lifetimes to spend the hours on this.