The Stranger Times Audiobook By C. K. McDonnell cover art

The Stranger Times

The Stranger Times, Book 1

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The Stranger Times

By: C. K. McDonnell
Narrated by: Brendan McDonald
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STOP PRESS! The Stranger Times wins the 2023 British Fantasy Award for Best Audio Work!

There are dark forces at work in our world (and in Manchester in particular), so thank God The Stranger Times is on hand to report them . . .

A weekly newspaper dedicated to the weird and the wonderful (but mostly the weird), it is the go-to publication for the unexplained and inexplicable.

At least that's their pitch. The reality is rather less auspicious. Their editor is a drunken, foul-tempered and foul-mouthed husk of a man who thinks little of the publication he edits. His staff are a ragtag group of misfits. And as for the assistant editor . . . well, that job is a revolving door - and it has just revolved to reveal Hannah Willis, who's got problems of her own.

When tragedy strikes in her first week on the job The Stranger Times is forced to do some serious investigating. What they discover leads to a shocking realisation: some of the stories they'd previously dismissed as nonsense are in fact terrifyingly real. Soon they come face-to-face with darker forces than they could ever have imagined.

The Stranger Times is the first novel from C.K. McDonnell, the pen name of Caimh McDonnell. It combines his distinctive dark wit with his love of the weird and wonderful to deliver a joyous celebration of how truth really can be stranger than fiction.

©2020 C.K. McDonnell (P)2020 Penguin Audio
Contemporary Crime Thrillers Fantasy Fiction Humorous Paranormal & Urban Supernatural Thriller Thriller & Suspense Urban Paranormal Comedy Witty Crime Mind-Bending Feel-Good

Critic reviews

A filmic romp with great characters, a jet-propelled plot, and a winning premise. (Eric Brown)

I tore through The Stranger Times. Like an entertaining collision between the worlds of Mick Herron and Charlie Stross, it's a novel that proves ancient eldritch horror is no match for old-school journalism. (CHRISTOPHER BROOKMYRE, bestselling author of Fallen Angel)
There are weird happenings in Manchester; good job the drunk and dysfunctional journalists of The Stranger Times, a newspaper dedicated to paranormal and the unexplained, are on hand . . . terrific, easygoing fun. (Robert Millen)
Engaging Storyline • Quirky Characters • Humorous Writing • Supernatural Elements • Creative Premise
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Great characters. Thoroughly enjoyable. Humorous. Can’t wait to read or listen to the next one. Narrator is awesome

So much fun

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I was transfixed by the narrative dexterity in this book. While I enjoyed the story, an interesting concept introducing characters I look forward to getting to know better in future books, I was engaged wholeheartedly by the defined character narration bringing these quirky people to life in a way I simply loved.

Absolutely wonderful narration!

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I cannot recall when I have been so enamored of a writer, or with the narrators chosen for the books. Whether it is The Stranger Times series or the McGarry books Mr. McDonnell writes, I cannot get enough of them. I have blown through everything this man has authored in a very short time. Can't wait for more.

This book grabs you and doesn't let go. It's funny, imaginative and mysterious. Loved every second!

So great! Love this writer!

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As a long time Fortean Times reader, Stranger Times is right up my alley. The writing is fantastic and nuanced, the characters are well developed, and the performance is perfect! I’m listening to the first two books TWICE in a row. Eagerly awaiting the third installment (fingers crossed there is one).

Loved it!

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I was not interested in this series as it’s not really my genre… but I love Ciamh’s writing and it’s the best narrator on audible performing. So glad I listened in. Definitely strange times indeed, but thoroughly enjoyable!

A surprising delight

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Great story. Great characters. Great narration. I will definitely be listening to the rest of the books.

Really fun story

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I really enjoyed this. loved the supernatural aspect. loved the comedic influence. it wasn't ever really "slow" and kept me wondering what else could happen.
overall, very fun read.

Lots of personality

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I tend to identify with characters fueled by sarcasm and cynicism. Needless to say, these characters spoke to me on all levels. The story was entertaining from start to finish and the narration was absolutely amazing.

Love, love, love!!!!

Excellent Story Excellent Narration

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One of the funniest books I’ve listen to in a long time. Made me laugh out loud! The narrator, the wonderful Brandon McDonald, does an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life. I have read this charming Man also and found even funnier to the point where my husband wanted to know what in God’s name I was laughing at ha ha. Sure hope Brandon narrates the third one. Thank you, C.K.for this wonderful series

Absolutely hilarious!

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I love this book, story, cast of characters and narrator. if you want mystery and, laughter this is the book for you. Love Love it!!

Absolutely my favorite

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