The Phantom of the Opera

By: Gastón Leroux

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

The story begins with an investigation into some strange reports of an "opera ghost", legendary for making the great Paris opera performers ill-at-ease when they sit alone in their dressing rooms. Some allege to have seen the ghost in evening clothes moving about in the shadows. Nothing is done, however, until the disappearance of Christine during her triumphant performance. With an increasing pattern of fear and violence, The Phantom of the Opera begins to strike, but always with a beautiful young performer at the center of his deadly desires.(P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

• 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Classic

2005 Audie Award Nominee, Classic

I am glad I took the time to listen to this book.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Phantom of the Opera to be better than the print version?

Yes. I don't think I could of read the book but b/c I spend so much time in a car, I found it interesting to listen to.

A MUST for any Phantom fan!

This will help you understand the Opera like you never have before. You will truly feel the Phantom’s struggle along with the fear he instilled in others.

All Time Favorite!

Gaston Leroux wrote an amazing novel with complex characters and a mystery to solve to boot. The story swept you away to another time and place where you root for the love between Christine and Raoul while hurting for Eric at the same time. The author broke down his novel to feature specific characters and what they were thinking or doing throughout the book, but you never found yourself confused or lost within the story line of what was going on. There really is nothing to critique this novel on other than the repetitive nature when a character addresses a person - the names were repeated each time a statement was made instead of letting the reader follow the dialogue without the repetitive names. I am sure the author wrote as the people spoke in that age, but it did become annoying at times.

Surprisingly good

As a fan of the theater, I've seen Phantom of the Opera and have listened to the music countless times--but I never knew the book was so different! Written as kind of a journal/detective novel, we follow the MC as he searches for proof of the Opera Ghost. The maze of danger the characters go through is far superior to anything hinted in the play. It's worth listening to.

excellent story & well read

I loved this book! I've always loved the opera based on the book & decided to to see what the book was like. the opera follows it very well but the book has so many great details to fill in for us. Ralph Cosham read it so well, too. It came alive. I highly recommend this title.