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The Crocodile Bird cover art

The Crocodile Bird

By: Ruth Rendell
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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Publisher's Summary

Eve and Liza, Mother and Daughter, live a quiet life in their remote home; a rustic gatehouse of a country mansion. At first glance their lives appear quite ordinary, except that Liza has almost no knowledge of the outside world, has never played with a child her own age and has witnessed her mother commit murder, on multiple occasions.

Eve and Liza, Mother and Daughter, live a quiet life in their remote home; a rustic gatehouse of a country mansion. At first glance their lives appear quite ordinary, except that Liza has almost no knowledge of the outside world, has never played with a child her own age and has witnessed her mother commit murder, on multiple occasions. Now, as the police come searching for a missing man, they must vacate their secluded home, shattering Liza’s sheltered world. With 100 pounds and her secret lover, Liza gradually learns about the world, her mother’s tale of betrayal, desire and obsession and just how like mother, like daughter she really is.

©1993 Ruth Rendell (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about The Crocodile Bird

Average Customer Ratings
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Wonderful performance and unusual story

Juliet Stevenson’s performance is wonderful, but it’s the story that is the pleasant surprise, and as the plot progresses you start to not only understand and pity, but also identify with the villain .. very well done!

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Characterisation and Story

Another demonstration of Ruth Rendell’s skill as a storyteller with a talent for in-depth characterisation and intelligent prose.

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Excellent narration

Although well written, this story was rather obvious and boring. I was expecting some twists and turns but it was altogether predictable

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Top story. Top narration

Clear well paced thriller. One of Ruth Rendell’s best. Juliet Stevenson is one of the very finest Audible narrators. Needs ten stars. A joy to listen to.

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stunning narration

an unexpected story beautifully told,thoroughly enjoyed listening to the evocation of the English country side

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Juliet Stevenson Excellent Narrator

Juliet Stevenson was the ideal narrator for this intriguing story. A story well written like a spiders web

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Loved every minute

An intriguing and believable story, so very well written (of course) and equally well read. I adored the way the story unfolded and how the characters evolved. A great must read.

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I found this one of the best non-Wexford Ruth Rendells’

This book did not take me where I thought it would. Clever, evocative, the story leads & you follow - where you end up is… read it & you’ll get what I mean, it’s a great book. It’s also beautifully brought to life by Juliet Stevenson’s narration. Highly recommended.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.