The Back Road

By: Rachel Abbott

Narrated by: Sue Pitkin

Length: 14 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

In a quiet country village, secrets abound. When young Abbie Campbell is knocked over and left for dead on the back road of the village of Little Melham, waves of shock ripple through the small community, threatening to expose long-kept secrets. For Ellie Saunders, the truth about that night puts both her marriage and the safety of her children in jeopardy - she has to protect her family, no matter what the cost. Her neighbor, former detective Tom Douglas, has escaped to Little Melham in search of a quiet life, but finds himself drawn into the web of deceit as his every instinct tells him that what happened to Abbie was far more than a tragic accident.

In this gripping novel, the peaceful English countryside belies the horrible truths that lurk beneath the trimmed hedgerows, behind the closed doors of smart sitting rooms, and within unspoken conversations.

©2013 Rachel Abbott (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Slow Whodunit

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This was my second Rachel Abbott book. I listened to Sleep Tight first which got me hooked on the author's books. I expected the same level of suspense; however, for me The Back Road was like playing a slow game of Clue. I found myself more irritated than intrigued. Ellie is the main character and she plays the victim throughout; even to the point of endangering the lives of her children to save her own skin. I much prefer the 'victim' as in Sleep Tight who takes control of her situation and finds a way to foil the bad guy. As in the other books I've read by the author, she demonstrates what happens when people keep secrets and try to cover them up over time. Moral of her stories: The truth will find you out and the consequences of lies and deceit come to a bitter end.

If you’ve listened to books by Rachel Abbott before, how does this one compare?

I like Sleep Tight and Stranger Child much more than this book.

What does Sue Pitkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I sometimes struggle with the British accents; however, Sue Pitkin is easy to understand. Her voice is mesmerizing; although, I loved the male narrator in Sleep Tight who played the part of Tom Douglas. I think it added more depth to the performance.

Was The Back Road worth the listening time?

I wouldn't recommend it.

Excellent story intriguing plot

Best one yet! Love this author. Mystery that has a shocking beginning and holds your attention until the surprise ending! Literally could not put it down!

Small town twist

Intriguing story with enough twists to keep you guessing. However, it's unnerving enough to keep one awake. I hadn't needed that, so maybe others need the warning.

Great book and WHAT A NARRATOR!

Where does The Back Road rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I will definately suggest that my friends read this book. I thought that it started out a little slow, but as I listened I realized how important it was for character development. The author did a great job setting up the story.I will read her next book.

What other book might you compare The Back Road to and why?

Hard question. The review talks about Gone Girl. I have read Gone Girl and really liked it. The two books have similarities but not the same. I think her writing is a lot like Hitchcock in the way she set up the mystery. She introduces the characters at a dinner party with conversations going in all directions. The narrator was excellent with all the different voices!

Have you listened to any of Sue Pitkin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I do not think so but (as people say) I could listen to her read the phone book. She really made this book entertaining and brought the characters to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely! The book was too long to do so. I will read this book again some day.

Any additional comments?

Well worth a credit or purchase! If you like mysteries plan to read this author!

Long, but great dialogue and drama

What did you love best about The Back Road?

I most enjoyed the dialogue and relationships between the people. The book's focus is more on dialogue and less on settings or action. Conversations help describe the relationships between the people in the village, and there is a lot of of drama played out via these interactions.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Back Road?

The dinner party. I absolutely loved this scene and thought about it often while listening to the rest of the book. Several characters are introduced in early chapters, and they all attend the same dinner party where much happened via conversation. The author did a great job making me feel like a fly on the wall observing all of the verbal action that was unfolding.

Which character – as performed by Sue Pitkin – was your favorite?

Probably Leo for her emotional strength, even though it was really just a facade hiding a vulnerable interior.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Everyone has a secret.

Any additional comments?

Although the book's summary mentions a girl being hit by a car, there were times during the book when this seemed like a secondary story. Some of the people in the book were involved in questionable activities, and much of the book was focused on that and less on the accident. There were times when listening to the book that I completely forgot there had been an accident. The author does tie everything together in later chapters, however, and I didn't feel there were any parts of the story that were left dangling without sufficient explanations.What would I change? I'd make it shorter as 14 hours for an audiobook is a long time, without removing any of the drama. I'd also probably have removed a few of the story lines as it was confusing at times trying to associate different events with different people. There was a lot happening in this book, both in the present and in the past (mostly via conversations whereby people talked about events that had occurred previously), and some of it likely could have been removed without affecting the story overall. I'd recommend the book or the audiobook (the narrator was splendid) for anyone who likes drama or suspense, and especially for anyone who likes books which focus more on dialogue and less on action or description.

Another great Rachel Abbott book

If you like smart suspense this book won't disappoint. Great plot and thoughtfully drawn characters.

Keeps u guessing all way thru

Like this author and the way characters develop and the plot thickens. This one seemed a little dragged out in places, but definitely worth a listen. Narrator is good and does differentiate subtly between characters, but can be a little monotone.

Thoroughly enjoyable thriller. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED,

Where does The Back Road rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Girl on the Train and Remember Me This Way are two of my other favorites.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Leo, she had a way of relating her story and thoughts on the others in an unusual and entertaining way. She seems to be the stronger sister of the two and helped Ellie through her trials and tribulations, along with being the one those in crisis could count on.

Which scene was your favorite?

The dinner party where we were introduced to the characters in the book. All had a extremely different personalites and hidden secrets. It took quite a while to figure out what the secrets were; well worth the wait. That alone, kept me listening late into the night. The narration was superb and I truly enjoy female British narrators a lot more than American narrators.

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

Yes, it did make me cry. Telling why would give the story away and ruin the book for those who have yet to listen to this suspenseful and wicked audio book. There are some agonizing moments to get through, but it is well worth it. When those storylines are revealed, listeners will understand.

Any additional comments?

When I first started listening to the prologue, thinking it was too dark for me, I tried to return it and could not (so glad that I did not return it). I gave it a second chance and am delighted I did. I would like to see longer audio books (15-20) hours. The narrator does go back and forth between characters' storylines, so be sure you are not distracted when listening. I did find myself going back several times when doing something else. This audio book keeps you wanting more, more, more! I am looking forward to my next thriller/psychological audio book.

What a fun and thrilling read!

Would you listen to The Back Road again? Why?

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. Did not know what I was in for but I found it hard to put down. Rachel Abbott is a writer I will follow. Narration was right on.

What does Sue Pitkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Having listened to books on my computer for years, there are certain narrators I really enjoy. I will put Sue Pitkin at the top of my favorites. Good job, thank you.

Like the author, but don't start with this book.

Too busy with things that clouded the plot and because the behavior of so many characters was similar (infidelity) I could not keep track of who was who.
And why this was all in a mystery book.