Missing Gretyl

By: Si Page

Narrated by: Melanie Crawley

Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

Some say Gretyl is loud, hairy, and obnoxious. Others are less complimentary.

Buckle up for a comedic rollercoaster ride, with bad wigs, waxing disasters, holiday scams, a deluded hitman, lust, arson, and murder.

After 50 years of marriage, Gretyl Trollop is thinking of a new life, somewhere hot. Her husband, Albert, is thinking of the crematorium. She's thinking of stuffing herself in a bikini. He's thinking of a taxidermist. The Londoners continue their separate lives until a mysterious letter turns their world upside down.

In Essex, Dave and Sharon Soddall are struggling on benefits and looking for a get-rich-quick solution. With the help of a devious financial advisor, they concoct a plan and Costa Soddall Travel is born.

Will the Soddalls pull off the con of a lifetime? Can Gretyl be silenced? Will Albert end up missing Gretyl?

©2013 Si Page (P)2017 Si Page

Hilarious

We laughed several times as we listened to this story. Author uses unexpected figurative language and outright ridiculous situations for portraying humor.

LOVED IT! WHAT A TONIC!

I started this one day when I was feeling sorry for myself because I had a stinking cold. I thought I would listen to one of my Audio Books rather than read and I’m so glad I did.

What a corker of a story this is. I have never laughed so much and just fell in love with all the characters. There are so many memorable moments in this book which I still chuckle at when I think of them. It is narrated my Melanie Crawley who does a fantastic job bringing all the characters to life.

I would definitely recommend this book and shall look forward to more antics from Gretyl and her crew. Please write another Si Page.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fun but thoughtful

A fun story that comes to life with this narrator. It has thoughtful moments. Gretyls husband usually being the one who brings those moments about. Not Gretyl herself, who is a rather annoying and irritating! All part of the story mind!
To me this is an updated fun book with a reminder of Tom Sharpe back in the day.
Def worth listening to or reading.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This book is Funny

Would you listen to Missing Gretyl again? Why?

I loved this book, I loved the variety of characters and their antics, I loved the story, This book kept me amused the whole way through, Just reading the title make me smile thinking about it, its a pretty down to earth plot about a nagging wife who receives a inheritance and goes on holiday to Spain......but then agin its not,

What was one of the most memorable moments of Missing Gretyl?

I tried to think of 1 most memorable moment, but there are just too many and if I tried to explain them here I would just sound a little odd, but regardless I would love to read more books like this one, theres just not enough GOOD humour around.

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

I think Melanie Crawley did a fantastic job of narrating this book, she bought all the characters to life for me.

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

This book made me laugh..........really laugh!!

Any additional comments?

I would compare this book to the best of Tom Sharpe maybe even better

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Absolutely brilliant from start to finish!

Would you consider the audio edition of Missing Gretyl to be better than the print version?

The audible version was perfect, so much so I have bought the book so I can compare and contrast both the audio and the written work in the near future. If the paperback is half as good it will still be fantastic.

What other book might you compare Missing Gretyl to, and why?

Unable to compare, it wouldn't be as all books have their differences even if in the same genre and both five star rated.

What about Melanie Crawley’s performance did you like?

Melanie's narration was excellent, this is the first time I have listened to her narration and certainly won't be the last time. Melanie is able to adapt her language, expressions and accents to suit all of the characters in the book perfectly, she isn't monotone and the way she narrates the story helps you to visualise the characters clearly and feel like you know them and can clearly imagine what they look like and their mannerisms and clothing, personalities and expressions. Superb.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Gretyl's crusade to protect Ponceybridge from greed and corruption.

Any additional comments?

I had seen many people mention how funny this book was and as I rarely read anything other than psychological thrillers and police procedurals, I was hesitant to read/listen to it because I struggle to find comedy "funny" be it in books or on TV; whereas my husband would belly laugh, I would raise a half smile and think it's "too daft to laugh at".
I decided to take the plunge with Missing Gretyl on audible and what can I say....It was hilarious and sad in places. Si has an absolute sterling talent and paired with Melanie Crawley's narration it was a perfect partnership.
An audio book is useless in my opinion even if it is a good story if it doesn't have the right narrator and I have listened to some which I have disliked because of the awful narration but definitely not the case with Missing Gretyl.
The story as you can see from the description is about Gretyl and Albert Trollop(e) and the Sodall family, I won't repeat the synopsis in my review. But Gretyl is seemingly at the outset an old sod, causing chaos and controversy and doesn't care who she upsets, offends or even cons, she is the proverbial pain in the backside who you hope you don't have to live near or bump into, in fact you'll want to keep out of her firing line. Hard to believe long suffering husband Arthur has put up with her for over 50 years, certainly opposites attract and he needs a medal.
The story had me in stitches and goosebumps throughout, a well constructed story which grabbed my attention from the outset. It was a refreshing read as it contained no swearing so even your dear old granny could read it without offending. Si gets the points across without need for obscenities, brilliant!!
I think my motto for the book is "Don't judge a book by its cover" no pun intended, but Gretyl won me over as awful as she came across at times, I actually had a soft spot for her even early on. People aren't always as they seem and often the way they are for many reasons, don't judge!
This was a brilliant 5 star for me, I have also learned to step out of my comfort zone and change genre more often. I have been pleasantly surprised. In fact I miss Gretyl and Albert, I hope there is another story soon.
Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A hilarious story in the mould of Tom Sharpe!

Missing Gretyl was for me, one of the most enjoyable audio books I have listened to. In particular, the narrator, Melanie Crawley, brought many colourful characters to life!

I love traditional British comedy like Only Fools and Horses, and with larger than life characters and a cracking story that ends up with a pensioner causing mayhem in Marbella, there's plenty to enjoy. In particular, look out for the waxing scene and the foray at the airport. It will have you in stitches!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful