• This Rough Magic

  • By: Mary Stewart
  • Narrated by: Helen Johns
  • Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (444 ratings)

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This Rough Magic  By  cover art

This Rough Magic

By: Mary Stewart
Narrated by: Helen Johns
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Publisher's summary

The pioneer of romantic suspense, Mary Stewart leads her listeners on a thrilling journey to a Mediterranean island paradise in this tale of mystery, murder and intrigue, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Barbara Pym.

Lucy Waring, a young, out-of-work actress from London, leaps at the chance to visit her sister for a summer on the island paradise of Corfu, and what's more, a famous but reclusive actor is staying in a villa nearby. But Lucy's hopes for rest and romance are shattered when a body washes up on the beach and she finds herself swept up in a chilling chain of events.

I shuddered, and drank my coffee, leaning back in my chair to gaze out across pine tops furry with gold towards the sparkling sea, and surrendering myself to the dreamlike feeling that marks the start of a holiday....

©1964 Mary Stewart (P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd

What listeners say about This Rough Magic

Average customer ratings
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Mary Stewart never fails

A heart-stopping adventure coupled with the requisite romance and lovely depiction of Greece and its people.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Classic By A True Trailblazer!

This Rough Magic is a fabulous read narrated to perfection by Helen Johns. I loved this audiobook and felt it was perfect in every regard. It was written in a totally different era from ours, but holds up beautifully in this current market. I’ve already ordered the other newly released novel by Ms. Stewart and anticipate that I’ll enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed this one. Truly, I devoured the audiobook and felt bereft when it was over!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Enchanting

Love the way she developed her characters & brought to life the culture of the Greek Isles...the plot was very captivating & first time through had me listening half the night! I also thoroughly enjoyed the intelligent conversations & respectful relationships of the main characters.

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Such a pleasure

I have been waiting for years for the Mary Stewart "adventure romances" to be on tape. This is an excellent book, and I really enjoyed the narrator. Will listen to it many times. More please!

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it.

So lovely to hear this story that has long been a favorite of mine. Enjoyed it very much.

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Long time

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Many Stewart’s books. There are more to listen to and remember.

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Audible needs more Mary Stewart!

The master of romantic suspense. More of her works are needed here! Please add more such as The Moonspinners , The Ivy Tree, and Nine Coaches Waiting!

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This Rough Magic

I loved it. The narrative was really well done.
I would recommend it to others.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Narrator was not great.

I agreed with other reviewers about the narrator Helen Johns. She sounded anxious and breathy about everything, and squeaky. The famous Greek Saint Spyridon and the character named after him feature heavily in the story, but most of the time she pronounced the name as though it was spelled with two i's: "Spyridion."

Only recently have I listened to several Mary Stewart novels. This was my least favorite so far, I think partly because the plot and the action were so convoluted and drawn out, trying my patience, especially in the closing chapters.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Mary Stewart Classic

This is one of my favorite Mary Stewart stories; great plot, well paced and just enough suspense. Her characters are nicely developed. The narrator does a very good job of bringing the book to life.

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