The Rose Arbor Audiobook By Rhys Bowen cover art

The Rose Arbor

A Novel

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The Rose Arbor

By: Rhys Bowen
Narrated by: Nicola Barber
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An investigation into a girl’s disappearance uncovers a mystery dating back to World War II in a haunting novel of suspense by the best-selling author of The Venice Sketchbook and The Paris Assignment.

London: 1968. Liz Houghton is languishing as an obituary writer at a London newspaper when a young girl’s disappearance captivates the city. If Liz can break the story, it’s her way into the newsroom. She already has a scoop: Her best friend Marisa is a police officer who is assigned to the case.

Liz follows Marisa to Dorset, where they make another disturbing discovery. Over two decades earlier, three girls disappeared while evacuating from London. One was found murdered in the woods near a train line. The other two were never seen again.

As Liz digs deeper, she finds herself drawn to the village of Tydeham, which was requisitioned by the military during the war and left in ruins. After all these years, what could possibly link the missing girls to this abandoned village? And why does a place Liz has never seen before seem so strangely familiar?

©2024 Janet Quin-Harkin, writing as Rhys Bowen (P)2024 Audible, Inc. 20th Century Historical Historical Fiction Mystery
About the Creator- Rhys Bowen

About the Creator

Rhys Bowen is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 novels, including The Victory Garden, The Tuscan Child, and the World War II-based In Farleigh Field, the winner of the Left Coast Crime Award for Best Historical Mystery Novel and the Agatha Award for Best Historical Novel. In 2022, The Venice Sketchbook was nominated for the Edgar Award for Best Novel of the Year. Bowen’s work has won more than 20 honors to date, including multiple Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. Her books have been translated into many languages, and she has fans around the world, including more than 70,000 Facebook followers. A transplanted Brit, Bowen divides her time between California and Arizona.

About the performer- Nicola Barber

About the Performer

Nicola Barber’s voice can be heard on television and radio commercials, popular video games such as World of Warcraft, and even in talking toys. Twice chosen as an AudioFile “Best Voice,” her work has garnered multiple Earphones Awards, four Audie Awards, a Library Journal starred review, and a SOVAS Award. Nicola voices the animation in each episode of Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas on HBO, and she dubbed the lead role on Netflix’s dystopian drama The Barrier. Raised in England and Scotland, Nicola immigrated to the US South and lived in the Midwest before finding her home in New York City. If you can’t find her in the recording studio, she’s probably dancing on roller skates in Central Park.

Engaging Mystery • Historical Context • Excellent Narration • Twisty Plot • Interwoven Storylines • Emotional Depth
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I had repeatedly seen a television commercial, on Prime, for The Rose Arbor. It caught my attention, and I really wanted to read the story. It is the reason that I ultimately decided to subscribe to Audible so that I could listen while being busy with other things. The book, and the audio depiction, was simply amazing, and far better than the commercial promised. It kept me captivated, chapter after chapter, and I completely appreciated the references to real WWII locations and issues. It totally swept me away to the time and place of the story. I look forward to using Audible to continue listening to Rhys Bowen stories!

As terrific as advertised!

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The story line was rather ridiculous, with all the unsolved mysteries that this woman wrapped up so quickly. And her own history made the story even more bizarre. What happened to Rys Bowen’s talent for clever storytelling?

Cannot be the same author as Her Royal Spyness series

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The wonderful narrator makes this story so much more enjoyable!

I love WWII Historical fiction. The current formula seems to be two story lines, one during the war and another one more currently. This story follows that formula to good effect.

wonderful narration

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Rhyes Bowen is one of my preferred writers and I've listened to many of her books. I'm sorry to say, this is not even close to her usual quality and the worst of her books that I've listened to. is she trying out a ghost writer?

Ghost writer??

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What a great story! Exceptional narration truly brought the characters to life! Well worth the credit.

Beautiful story!

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I adore Rhys Bowen and this is one of my favorites. So much heart and twists and turns.

A moving mystery of war time England

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Loved everything about it. It is a little complicated and certain parts I had to read twice to make sure I had it all. Hope there’s another one coming!

Definitely a Keeper!

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it was well written with a twisty but contrived plot. Too many missing girls with related but different solutions

Charming implausible story

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Rhys Bowen writes wonderful, engaging books with wonderful characters. Liz, the protagonist in this book, set in post-war Britain, is an excellent example.

A Wonderful Rhys Bowen Book

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typical English murder mystery but not at the Cristie level. Easily resolved before the end

not very creative, formulaic

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