The Long, Long Afternoon

By: Inga Vesper

Narrated by: Janina Edwards, Adam Barr, Mikhaila Aaseng

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

A stunning 1950s set debut mystery brimming with atmosphere and perfect for fans of Tangerine, Small Pleasures and Mad Men.

Yesterday, I kissed my husband for the last time....

It's the summer of 1959, and the well-trimmed lawns of Sunnylakes, California, wilt under the sun. At some point during the long, long afternoon, Joyce Haney, wife, mother, vanishes from her home, leaving behind two terrified children and a bloodstain on the kitchen floor.

While the Haney's neighbours get busy organising search parties, it is Ruby Wright, the family's 'help', who may hold the key to this unsettling mystery. Ruby knows more about the secrets behind Sunnylakes' starched curtains than anyone, and it isn't long before the detective in charge of the case wants her help. But what might it cost her to get involved? In these long hot summer afternoons, simmering with lies, mistrust and prejudice, it could only take one spark for this whole 'perfect' world to set alight . . .

A beguiling, deeply atmospheric debut novel from the cracked heart of the American Dream, The Long, Long Afternoon is at once a thrilling mystery and an intoxicating vision of the ways in which women everywhere are diminished, silenced and ultimately under-estimated.

©2021 Inga Vesper (P)2021 Bonnier Books Ltd

Great listen

A nice easy listen with a good smattering of humour and thought provocation. The performances are amongst the best I have heard.

Awesome

I haven't read any of the author's other books and took a chance on this by the cover which I love. The story was brilliant. Loved listening to this book.

Pleasantly surprised!

My 1st audiobook&I loved it
The characters were brilliant, and narration was top class. The storyline was easily followed and the different perspective gave a great insight into the story. Would recommend

A gripping story

Very enjoyable and well written, I thoroughly enjoyed it, very easy to get in to too !

Surprisingly good

Not a book I would normally choose, but I thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced whodunit.
It paints a good picture of 1950's America and the the struggles of a black women.
Excellent narration.

excellent narrators and a gripping story!

This author was new to me and I'm so glad it was recommended. The picture of American suburban life in the 50's & how it was for women was well portrayed, on top of which is a gripping whodunit!