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The Keys to the Street  By  cover art

The Keys to the Street

By: Ruth Rendell
Narrated by: Simon Russell Beale
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Publisher's summary

Mary Jago had donated her own bone marrow to save the life of someone she didn’t know. And this generous act led directly to the bitter break-up of her affair with Alistair. For him, it was as though her beauty had been plundered.

But the man whose life she had saved would change Mary’s life in a way she could never have imagined.

©1996 Kingsmarkham Enterprises (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about The Keys to the Street

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Mystery with humor and insight

A great mix of mystery, humor and insight. I also enjoyed the setting -- near London's Hyde Park.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another enjoyable story, great characters

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Ruth Rendall creates characters you enjoy meeting, if only because of their quirky natures. This is another that pulls you into the story of their lives, and makes you want to find out what happens to them next.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Roman, the homeless man, who suffered such an incredible loss, but maintained his humanity, even on the streets. I enjoyed reading to find out what he would make of himself.

What about Simon Russell Beale’s performance did you like?

He has a good voice for the characters, but I had to keep adjusting the volume because he would occasionally read more softly.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good and clever, as they say a page turner

Would you try another book from Ruth Rendell and/or Simon Russell Beale?

Ruth Rendell yes I remember I read some younger but there are so many good writers.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Keys to the Street?

The way the author handles the abused person and the bully.

What three words best describe Simon Russell Beale’s voice?

pleasant in character

Do you think The Keys to the Street needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

not necessarily, I think the main character has had enough adventure.

Any additional comments?

Compared to lots of others the sound was bad. As if copied from tape. Somehow muffled.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Rendell is always good

What did you love best about The Keys to the Street?

The story involves the setting and makes you live in the park

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

You know something is wrong but you can not guess what

Which scene was your favorite?

Return to the park by Mary with dog

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

Rendell manages to weave current issues into her stories, here organ donation. Keeps her writing current and fresh

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Could have been a good book, but for the ending.

I enjoyed the plot of this story, the characters, and the setting. Did not care for the ending. You had the listen so carefully to try to figure out who the killer was. I found it annoying in the end, which ruined the book for me. The ending is the most important part, and Rendell screwed it up. I felt like she wasted my time.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

My first ruth rendell and i think im set now to go through all of her books. Beautifully written , evocative language, fascinating characters - and a wonderful story - to say nothing of the amazing Simon RusselBeale- perfection!!!

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