Utterly Explosive

Utterly Series, Book 1

By: Pauline Manders

Narrated by: Andy Deane

Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

Imagine how surprised three regular carpentry apprentices are to find themselves embroiled in home grown terrorist activities in the tranquil Suffolk countryside. Up to the point where the story begins, their lives have revolved around real ale, quirky T-shirts, and cranky classic cars. Unwittingly they are increasingly drawn into a web of subversive events which centre around historic Wattisham Airbase. 

In this first Utterly Crime novel, Pauline Manders has woven themes of friendship, loyalty and eccentricity, against a backdrop of rolling wheat fields, Norman church towers, and fertile fruit farms.

©2012 Pauline Manders (P)2018 Pauline Manders

Tedious

I’m always on the lookout for a new series but this is not for me. I simply couldn’t get engaged with the characters and didn’t enjoy the storyline. Add to that there was a fair bit of blasphemy, which I personally dislike. I won’t be reading any more.

Crime and adventure in deepest Suffolk

Three friends from the woodworking course at Utterly Academy get unwittingly tangled up with criminals and terrorists in this entertaining Suffolk-based adventure. The reading, by Andy Deane, is excellent, with just enough voicing variation to render the characters effectively, plus a good, steady narration style.
Pauline Manders’ plot is unusual and sufficiently complex to maintain interest, and the drawn-out tension of the climactic scene keeps the listener fully focused. Her central characters are finely drawn with contrasting interests and histories, but their involvement with each other and with the unfolding plot is believable and satisfying. Chrissy, the more conservative, older friend proves good in a crisis, while Matt’s more lumbering, dogged approach to life actually unlocks the mysteries.
A great listen and a really good introduction to the series.

Highly enjoyable

A great crime novel set in sleepy Suffolk, with some lovely characters. Brilliantly performed by Andy Deane. Looking forward to hearing the rest of the series when they become available.