The Excitements

A Novel

By: CJ Wray

Narrated by: Karen Cass

"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

Great characters, great story, great narration !

I love the backdrop of World War II for these feisty women characters, and the twists and turns of the story, some romantic, some not, were charming and intriguing. It’s great to have old ladies as the stars of a novel, who are smart, funny, interesting, and savvy. Their relationship with their more delicate, contemporary nephew is adorable. I hate to say that it’s “heartwarming” but ultimately it is! Just what I needed!

Flawless

Beautifully developed characters, well-crafted storyline, engaging from beginning to end. I listened during a very anxious day and it kept me interested and dare I say happy the whole time. Wish I could go back and do it again.

Lovely tying past to present.

I liked the characters. At first I thought it was going to be a whole different kind of book. And then some serious incidents started finding their way into the story.

Courageous Sisters

A very interesting book about the courage and lives lived during and after the Second World War.

Exciting story weaving past and present

This story blends WWII events of women with current day events. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Discussion worth one of the heros the story is based on at the end.

wonderful story

it really was exciting! loved the delightful sisters, the nephew, and all the supporting characters! the narrative performance is incredible. wonderful wonderful experience

What a Jewel

What a wonderful find! I picked this one up because who can resist a story about two sisters who were spies in WWII, living in in the most modern of times as nonagenarians, and trying to entertain themselves and keep their brains spry with jewelry heists? Which are then donated to help the less fortunate in the most genius of ways? This book is not only humorous, but also historical with a bit of mystery too. I definitely got more than I bargained for when I picked this up as it is a “cozy” novel with a great deal of flair. I also enjoyed the interview with one of Wray’s inspirations for this novel, Pat Owtram and her late sister Jean Owtram, who both served in WWII.

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!

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!

Very exciting!

I loved this story about 2 elderly sisters and their devoted nephew. To the outside world, as well as to their nephew, these sisters appear to be perfectly normal old ladies. However, both sisters have been hiding secrets from each other for 70 years, and what secrets they are! As one excitement leads to another, secrets are revealed and lead to the potential of other, older secrets that could lead to a sequel. That would be exciting!