The Secrets of the Drearcliff Grange School

By: Kim Newman

Narrated by: Joan Walker

A week after her mother found her sleeping on the ceiling, Amy Thomsett is delivered to her new school, Drearcliff Grange in Somerset. Although it looks like a regular boarding school, Amy learns that Drearcliff girls are special, the daughters of criminal masterminds, outlaw scientists and master magicians.

Several of the pupils also have special gifts like Amy's, and when one of the girls in her dormitory is abducted by a mysterious group in black hoods, Amy forms a secret, superpowered society called the Moth Club to rescue their friend. They soon discover that the Hooded Conspiracy runs through the school, and it is up to the Moth Club to get to the heart of it.

Kim Newman is a well-known and respected author and movie critic. He writes regularly for Empire Magazine and contributes to The Guardian, The Times, Time Out and others. He makes frequent appearances on radio and TV. He has won the Bram Stoker, International Horror Guild, British Fantasy and British Science Fiction Awards and been nominated for the Hugo, World Fantasy, and James Herbert Awards.

©2015 Kim Newman (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

Great Narration

Not the best story, but kept my attention and the narration is completely worth it.

Are you an Unusual?

Would you listen to The Secrets of the Drearcliff Grange School again? Why?

No - though I've thoroughly enjoyed I would likely not need to listen again.

What did you like best about this story?

LOVE the narrator's voice and compelling characterizations! Pure magic, as intended for the story.

Which character – as performed by Joan Walker – was your favorite?

I did not single one out. Outstanding distinctions between a multitude of characters. You know the character speaking based on inflection and nuances.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No - I really enjoyed it but no extreme reaction.

Any additional comments?

Ok, the story is so amazingly detailed it takes keen attention to follow the various characters and their interactions. I see that as a positive, as opposed to some Dickensonian drudgery.

I especially liked the talents of various unusuals. Instead of clubbing the reader over the head with obvious distinctions, talents and peculiarities are malleable and diffuse. Clever structuring for the story which encourages the imagination to wander.