by C.J. Tudor
Narrator: Richard Armitage
Length: 10 hours and 43 minutes
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.2x
Joe never wanted to come back to Arnhill. After the way things ended with his old gang--the betrayal, the suicide, the murder--and after what happened when his sister went missing, the last thing he wanted to do was return to his hometown. But Joe doesn't have a choice. Because judging by what was done to that poor Morton kid, what happened all those years ago to Joe's sister is happening again. And only Joe knows who is really at fault.
Lying his way into a teaching job at his former high school is the easy part. Facing off with former friends who are none too happy to have him back in town--while avoiding the enemies he's made in the years since--is tougher. But the hardest part of all will be returning to that abandoned mine where it all went wrong and his life changed forever, and finally confronting the shocking, horrifying truth about Arnhill, his sister, and himself. Because for Joe, the worst moment of his life wasn't the day his sister went missing. It was the day she came back
I enjoyed Chalk Man and was excited to dive into The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor. Narrated by Richard Armitage, Tudor’s second novel offered a spin-tingling, creepy suspense with some supernatural elements that reminded me of Pet Sematary by Stephen King.
Reason to grab your earbuds, turn on the lights and listen to The Hiding Place
- The story pulled me in almost immediately with details from a dilapidated cottage. Tudor wasted no time setting the atmospheric tone for this tale with his description of death, decay and insects swarming around two dead bodies.
- Joe, a gambler and drunk with a teaching degree returns to Arnhill. He lies to obtain a job at the local school and rents out a dilapidated cottage with a sinister history.
- Joe had no intentions of ever stepping foot back in Arnhill. It’s a depressed mining town he spent his childhood longing to escape However, he owes money to some dangerous people and his return seems to have a secret agenda.
- Old friends, enemies and secrets lie within this sleepy town. When Joe discovers what happened to the Morton kid, he fears history is repeating itself.
- The story is told from Joe’s perspective sharing both past and present timelines.
- We don’t exactly know what happened to Anne, Joe’s sister, but we know it freaks Joe out. Slowly Tudor reveals things and as he did the sinister atmosphere and dark undertones of the story emerged.
- There is a supernatural element, something other, something upside down. It set me on edge making me think there was just something there out of the corner of my eye. Tudor is in his element during these darker passages and brought it all life in freakish detail.
- The time in the past increases as we learn more about the dark events of long ago Tudor succeeded in sending shivers down my spine.
- The tale reminded me of old Stephen King novels and conjured up images of the pet cemetery.
- Characters both past and present were well developed. Joe’s an alcoholic and unsavory, but he has some redeemable characteristic. He looks out for the bullied. When the mood strikes, he can be a darn good teacher. He’s sarcastic, complex and frustrating. It was interesting watching his outlook change as he became aware something wasn’t right with the town.
- The last chapters had me gripping my covers and listening intensely. Reveals, twists and freak-tastic moments delivered.
- Richard Armitage narrated and helped to enhance the storyline. I think parts may have read slow or maybe dry is a better word, but the narrator pushed me past those moments setting the tone and delivering unique voices.
For my friends across the sea they released the book in the UK as The Taking of Annie Thorne. The Hiding Place from Annie Doll to the hillside offered a creepy listen and I had fun listening.
The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor delivered from Annie Doll to the hillside offering a creepy listen that pulled me in. #iloveaudiobooks #horror #mystery Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I like creepy and the fact that it reminds you of pet cemetery makes it all the more I want to read this.
Mary
Carla
Great review Kimberly. I love your points at the end. I also enjoyed The Chalk Man and want to get to this one, but it sounds a bit more horror like than I envisioned.
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love horror stories with a supernatural element! It sounds like the author was really good a painting a picture in your head! Wonderful Review Kim!
verushka
Tudor’s last book was as good a read as I’d hoped and from that I now realised I had some preconceptions about this one — which you have utterly just upended with this review! I did not expect a supernatural aspect of it.
Melanie Simmons
This is a new-to-me author and narrator, but looks really good. Great review.
Olivia Roach
I like that you include the speed you listened to audiobooks on with the review! I’ve only recently started listening to audiobooks and very very recently started to speed them up as well. Also, I’ve been hearing good things about this mystery and it sounds creepy that it includes a supernatural element in it too!
shooting
I do really want to read this. I’ve heard people seem to like The Chalk Man better (loved that book) but that’s okay – I think I’d still like this one overall.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
It looks like you might have liked this one a bit more than I did. I loved The Chalk Man but just found this one okay. I bet the audio added a lot to the experience.
Heidi
I am on the fence on this one. I liked Chalk Man, but it wasn’t a wow for me. This one sounds creepy good… I will put it in my maybe pile.
Debbie S Haupt
So sorry about the late response, what a week! Is it over yet LOL
This is a new author to me but the set up and your review make me want book 1
xo
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
This sounds seriously creepy and so so good! I have The Chalkman on my TBR but this one appeals to me even more!
Tyler H. Jolley
Your review has totally hooked me, Kimba! I’m so excited for this!
Leah
I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews for this one but I am still looking forward to it. Great review!
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
I’ve been on a mystery/thriller kick lately. And I’m always looking for different authors. This one sounds up my alley, especially with that supernatural element. Great review.
Nadene @totallyaddictedtoreading
I am not sure I would wan to listen to this, I think I would prefer to read.
Sophia Rose
Oh boy! Yeah, I might make it through with the lights on and Richard Armitage to keep me safe. 🙂
Anna
It sounds like a great audiobook. I guess you can never go wrong with Richard Armitage narrating it. ?
Melliane
I did ask the French publisher for the translation of this book I think, but I don’t remember so I’ll see when I get the novel
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
Can’t wait to listen to this one! Excellent review, Kim?
Mary Kirkland
Oh that does sound creepy. Thanks for the great review.
kindlemom1
This sounds like it would be a good read for Halloween!
Lizzy
This one has been on my TBR for awhile now, glad to see such a positive review! I admit I’m tempted by the audiobook SOLELY because Richard Armitage is the narrator…be still my heart. LOL
Ailyn Koay
that is one shady synopsis and review you have there, fit for oktoberfest you think?
Trish
I like that description of ‘something other”, I’ll keep it in mind the next time I want a creepy audiobook.