THE SECRET LIVES OF COUNTRY GENTLEMEN The Doomsday Books, Book 1

Martyn Swain narrates a romance between a gentleman and a smuggler. After his father's sudden death, Gareth Inglis inherits a house in Romney Marsh, Kent, and unexpectedly comes face-to-face with a former lover whom he parted from on bad terms. Swain's portrayal of Gareth, who suffered emotional abuse most of his life and is now healing, is deeply affecting. Joss Doomsday, who on the surface seems far more confident but has several of his own demons to contend with, is also portrayed with nuance and compassion by Swain. Accents often distinguish between locals and others, and Swain's are impeccable. His pacing may be initially off-putting, but his otherwise accomplished narration more than makes up for that minor flaw. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]