Audiobooks narrated by Julie Hesmondhalgh

Monstrous Tales: Haunting encounters with Britain's mythical beasts

"Bloomsbury presents Monstrous Tales read by Kimberley Nixon, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Ian Hanmore, Oscar Kennedy, Janice Hallett, Catrin Walker-Booth, Dan Jones, Abir Mukherjee, Arthur Darvill and Ralph Ineson. This isle is full of noises... From the beaches of Orkney to the Welsh mountains, and the Derbyshire peaks to the Cornish moors, Britain is home to many strange creatures of folklore. Some are ancient, as enduring as the forests and mountains they inhabit. Others live among us, in our cities, creating new legends as they scuttle through the shadows. And none of them are to be trusted. In this deliciously chilling collection, award-winning and bestselling authors bring you tales inspired by the monsters that share our land. The perfect read for anyone who's ever spotted something slimy and unexplained in their peripheral vision, or seen eyes reflecting back in the forest where no eyes should be. INCLUDES NEW AND ORIGINAL STORIES FROM: Janice Hallett Abir Mukherjee Rosie Andrews Stuart Turton Dan Jones Jenn Ashworth Sunyi Dean Jane Johnson Rebecca Netley C 2025 Rosie Andrews C 2025 Dan Jones C 2025 Janice Hallett C 2025 Sunyi Dean P 2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC C 2025 Abir Mukherjee C 2025 Rebecca Netley C 2025 Stuart Turton C 2025 Jane Johnson C 2025 Jenn Ashworth"

Abir Mukherjee, Dan Jones, Helen-Rose Andrews, Jane Johnson, Janice Hallett, Jenn Ashworth, Rebecca Netley, Rosie Andrews, Stuart Turton, Sunyi Dean (Author), Abir Mukherjee, Arthur Darvill, Catrin Walker-Booth, Dan Jones, Ian Hanmore, Janice Hallett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Kimberley Nixon, Oscar Kennedy, Ralph Ineson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Julie Hesmondhalgh: A Working Diary

"Bloomsbury presents Julie Hesmondalgh: A Working Diary, written and read by Julie Hesmondalgh. Actor Julie Hesmondhalgh's working diary begins in November 2016 at the end of a full and exciting year of theatre-making with her company, Take Back. The company is a northern-based collective creating immediate script-in-hand responses to social and political events (of which there were many in 2016). Her work with Take Back fell between filming the third series of Broadchurch for ITV and starring in the award-winning play Wit at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. She kicks off as she prepares to start rehearsals for Mike Leigh's epic film about the Peterloo Massacre of 1819; visits schools and colleges representing Arts Emergency - an organisation set up to promote opportunities for young working-class actors; and awaits news of a possible London transfer of Wit. The book takes in Hesmondhalgh's unique experiences of working in film, theatre, TV and radio drama, and through the ups and downs of life as a working actor and producer, while balancing family life. The events described throughout take place against the backdrop of the huge political change and upheaval as Britain votes in favour of Brexit and Donald Trump is elected as US president. Throughout, Julie Hesmondhalgh considers the impact and challenges of starting a brand new chapter of her career after 16 years in Coronation Street; growing older as a woman in an industry preoccupied by youth and appearance; working with a legend of British film making; running a company; being a parent; experiencing first-hand the huge changes and pressures in the creative industries and arts education; and the lesser-known aspects of an actor's life post-production and publicity. All the while, she attempts to pass on any knowledge or experiences she might have accrued to people starting out in the business in this fascinating year-long journal. C 2019 Julie Hesmondhalgh P 2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"

Julie Hesmondhalgh (Author), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Brush with Death

"‘An immersive and really satisfying mystery’ Faith Martin ‘As an iced drink in a heatwave … These characters and their families feel like old friends. A fantastic addition to the series.’ Fiona Leitch Retired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma have a brand-new mystery to solve in this wonderfully witty cosy mystery. Retired schoolteachers Pat, Liz and Thelma don’t know what to think. The death of Neville Hilton is not a crime. Just your standard, if tragic, heart attack. At least that’s what the autopsy shows. But his ex-wife isn’t convinced. She’s sure the current Mrs Hilton is involved – maybe she wasn’t at some horse event, as she told police. And so the three friends step away from their slices of cake to investigate. As the trio delve into the village’s secrets, they uncover more than they bargained for – angry residents with old grudges and the echoes of a damning report that ruined lives all those years ago… Can these unlikely sleuths untangle the web of lies and uncover the truth before anybody else dies? The brand-new totally addictive and page-turning cosy mystery featuring these very unlikely sleuths. Fans of Agatha Christie and Midsomer Murders will be hooked from the very first page. Praise for J.M. Hall ‘J.M. Hall has mastered the warmth of a perfect modern cosy crime with all the twists and turns that go with it.' Hannah Hendy, author of The Dinner Lady Detectives ‘Three strong women, lots of hot tea, and a devilish clever plot. You’ll love it.’ Suk Pannu, author of Mrs Sidhu's Dead and Scone ‘The ingredients for the perfect modern cosy crime: intrigue, characters you care about and a good dollop of humour.' Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants ‘The perfect page turning, guess-who cosy crime.’ Northern Life Magazine ‘This fun crime novel will have you hooked from the very first page.’ Woman’s Own"

J.M. Hall (Author), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Clock Stopped Dead

"Satisfyingly intriguing' Faith Martin 'J.M. Hall has mastered the warmth of a perfect modern cosy crime with all the twists and turns that go with it. I really enjoyed it!' Hannah Hendy Retired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma are giving up their coffee morning for a brand-new mystery. Retired teachers Pat, Liz and Thelma are happiest whiling away their hours over coffee, cake and chat at the Thirsk Garden Centre café. But when their good friend tells them about an unsettling experience she had in a sinister-feeling charity shop, they simply can’t resist investigating… Because the entire shop has vanished into thin air. Before long, our trio of unlikely sleuths find themselves embroiled in a race against the clock to get to the bottom of this mystery – but who has a secret to hide and how far will they go to keep it concealed? Only time will tell… Praise for J.M. Hall: ‘Warm characters and wonderful writing… It’s steeped in Yorkshire like a mug of hot, strong tea… I loved it’ SJ Bennett, author of The Windsor Knot ‘I absolutely loved this cosy mystery… Keeps you turning the pages’ NetGalley review, ‘Absolutely loved this book!! I really enjoyed the characters! I was up all night reading and couldn't put the book down! I highly recommend!!’ NetGalley review ‘Charming… The plot is cozy and tricky, with just the right blend of Miss Marple, interesting and quirky characters, secrets, unexpected nuance, colourful cardigans, and of course, heaps of tea and warm companionship. I loved this book’ NetGalley review ‘Gripping and addictive’ NetGalley review ‘Oh how brilliant was this book?! I just couldn't put it down…Had great comical moments throughout. A really good murder mystery book’ NetGalley review ‘A great cozy mystery… Wonderful’ NetGalley review ‘This book is a joy, I really, really loved it…A five star read’ NetGalley review"

J.M. Hall (Author), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Narrator)

Audiobook

Doctor Who: Kerblam!: 13th Doctor Novelisation

"Julie Hesmondhalgh reads this new novelisation of the TV adventure featuring the Thirteenth Doctor and friends. Kerblam! is the biggest online retailer in the galaxy - but how did it become so big? When the Doctor's Kerblam! package includes a mysterious request for help, she heads straight to the company's warehouse moon to investigate. Going undercover as Kerblam! workers, the TARDIS fam find that several human employees have vanished in sinister circumstances. Could the automated workforce be to blame? Or has the whole operation been compromised by forces unknown? The Doctor soon learns that when it comes to wrapping things up, she has nothing on Kerblam!... Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Judy in the BBC TV episode, reads Pete McTighe's novelisation of his 2018 TV episode. © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Reading produced by Audio Always. Sound design by David Darlington. Executive producer for BBC Audiobooks: Michael Stevens."

Pete Mctighe (Author), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Narrator)

Audiobook

Trust: Series 1-3: A BBC Radio Full-Cast Comedy Drama

"A light-hearted drama series about an inner-city academy school in Salford, starring Julie Hesmondhalgh Yvette Miller is acting head of a Salford secondary school that has just joined Quays Academy Trust, a successful group of academies headed by the charismatic Sir Ken - a keen advocate of freeing schools from the shackles of Local Education oversight. Yvette, meanwhile, is somewhat more sceptical. How will she - and East Salford Academy - fit within the new regime? As the school, students, and staff, deal with contemporary events, from budgeting difficulties and school branding to Covid-19 lockdowns, catch-up initiatives and staff restructuring, Yvette must keep an even head as she steers the school through new and choppy waters. How do you vaccinate an entire body of students (and staff)? What does it take to keep the teaching union rep happy? And exactly how much hand sanitiser can one school need? With Julie Hesmondhalgh (Coronation Street, Happy Valley) and Jonathan Keeble (War and Peace, Confessions of a Medium), this witty, insightful drama offers a playful view into modern schooling and all its attendant commotions. Written by Jonathan Hall Directed and produced by Gary Brown Cast Yvette - Julie Hesmondhalgh Sir Ken / Eugene - Jonathan Keeble Andy - Rupert Hill Tim - Ashley Margolis Joy / Tannoy / Carol - Susan Twist Sidrah - Purvi Parmar Emily - Molly Ehrenberg-Peters Dhruti - Mina Anwar Terry - Sushil Chudasama Marigold / Candice / Wendy - Verity Henry Moey / Mr Ayhan - Abdullah Afzal Chris - Jake Ferretti Nicki - Erin Shanagher Ryan - Daniel Luke Jeffrey Dave - Lloyd Peters Billy - Jason Done Gunner - James Quinn Students - Thomas Roberts, Royia Tierney, Iestyn Sofield, Rheanon Shaw, Lauren Taylor First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: 7 September - 9 September 2020 (Series 1) 28 September - 29 September 2021 (Series 2) 8 August - 10 August 2022 (Series 3) ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Jonathan Benthall (Author), Full Cast, Jonathan Keeble, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Rupert Hill (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Pen Dipped in Poison

"Retired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma have a brand-new mystery to solve in this witty tale – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club and Robert Thorogood Curious white envelopes have been delivered to friends and neighbours. Inside are letters revealing the deepest secrets they have tried to hide. As one by one, careers are ended, marriages destroyed and no one is beyond suspicion, the three friends decide enough is enough. They must take matters into their own hands before more damage is done. But as they work to uncover the truth, they begin to wonder just how far someone will go to silence this poison pen… Could a murderer be in their midst once again? The second totally addictive and page-turning cosy mystery featuring these very unlikely sleuths. Fans of Agatha Christie and Midsomer Murders will be hooked from the very first page. Readers love this book!: ‘A charming read with a cast of characters you’ll really connect with’ Faith Martin, author of A Fatal End ‘The ingredients for the perfect modern cosy crime: intrigue, characters you care about and a good dollop of humour' Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants ‘As delightful as it is deadly, A Pen Dipped in Poison is a feel-good, fun and fabulous cosy mystery that had me utterly gripped from page one. J.M. Hall proves once again he's one of our very best cosy mystery writers. I absolutely loved it’ Jonathan Whitelaw, author of The Bingo Hall Detectives ‘A gently quirky cosy mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and an intriguing cast of characters – some endearing, some not so much!’ Fiona Leitch, author of The Cornish Wedding Murder ‘Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples – and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they’ll never forget!’ Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of Crows ‘The perfect page turning, guess-who cosy crime.’ Northern Life Magazine ‘This promises to be delightfully cosy crime.’ Daily Mail ‘This fun crime novel will have you hooked from the very first page.’ Woman’s Own ‘So brilliant… I loved this so much! Perfect cosy crime – I am a big fan of this author!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Three Miss Marples for the price of one! Extremely well-drawn characters… the plot is carefully assembled… the writing is so good… I loved this story!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I could not put this book down! What a perfect book…! I loved the three main characters… I highly recommend.’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book would make a great movie! The characters are likeable and quirky, the story moves quickly and this talented author leaves us wanting for more…!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

J.M. Hall (Author), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Spoonful of Murder

"‘Fabulous, cosy, mystery… Wonderful… Absolutely perfect for fans of Richard Osman!’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Introducing the three unlikeliest sleuths you'll ever meet… Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café. But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy. By the next Thursday, Topsy’s dead. The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder. But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye – and it’s down to them to prove it… Sit down with a cup of tea and this perfectly witty, page-turning cosy crime novel. Fans of Agatha Christie, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders will be hooked from the very first page. Readers love A Spoonful of Murder: ‘Warm characters and wonderful writing… It’s steeped in Yorkshire like a mug of hot, strong tea… I loved it’ SJ Bennett, author of The Windsor Knot ‘Outstanding… I read this in and day and could not put it down… Had me gripped from the first page… Made me howl with laughter…If you loved The Thursday Murder Club you going to love this book’ NetGalley review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Three Miss Marples for the price of one… The plot is carefully assembled, rather like a patchwork quilt, with each element placed just so’ NetGalley review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh how brilliant was this book?! I must have read it in about two servings as I just couldn't put it down… Had great comical moments throughout. A really good murder mystery book’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a fantastic read! It gave me all the cosy… Really enjoyable characters that you feel like you've known for years once you finish the book. It was the perfect pace, and easy to follow. Love, love, loved this book’ NetGalley review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely loved this book!! I really enjoyed the characters and the sweet story line!! I was up all night reading and couldn't put the book down!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely loved this cosy mystery… Keeps you turning the pages. It's an easy read and perfect for these cold winter nights’ NetGalley review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Charming… The plot is cosy and tricky, with just the right blend of Miss Marple, interesting and quirky characters, secrets… colourful cardigans, and of course, heaps of tea and warm companionship. I loved this book’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Cosy mystery at its best with a cast of loveable characters, a truly satisfying read!’ NetGalley review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Poignant and relatable, I want these ladies as my friends!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A joy to read… Lots twists and turns, this is a great debut’ NetGalley review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book is a joy, I really, really loved it… A five star read’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

J.M. Hall (Author), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Narrator)

Audiobook

Blood, Sex and Money: A BBC Radio 4 serialisation of Zola's epic saga

"Glenda Jackson stars in this award-winning BBC Radio series, inspired by literature's greatest ever whistleblower, Émile Zola, and his epic saga of the Rougon-Macquart family ‘Unmissable’ Daily Telegraph First published between 1870 and 1893, Émile Zola’s 20-book cycle chronicling four generations of the Rougon-Macquarts was a shocking exposé of the decadence, degradation and moral decay of 19th-century France. It included some of his greatest novels, among them his masterpiece, Germinal. These innovative, ambitious dramas, first broadcast on Radio 4 over 24 hours in 2015-16, is a radical reimagining of Zola’s classic series, introducing us to 104-year-old matriarch, Dide, imprisoned in an asylum in southern France. Trapped, but omniscient, she broods over her ‘family of wolves’. As a young woman, she gave birth to two dynasties that exemplified French society. One legitimate – rich, powerful, obsessive and corrupt. The other illegitimate – poor, vulnerable, weak and depraved. In these three seasons, themed around blood, sex and money, we come to know the members of her extended family intimately – the good, the bad and the misguided. As we follow their highs and lows, we are taken deep into the heart of France’s ‘Second Empire’ and drawn into the tragic, farcical reign of Napoleon III as it marches forward towards a modern, industrialised society. This groundbreaking series won Best Drama at the BBC Radio and Music Awards 2016 and Best Adaptation at the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2017, and boasts a star cast including Robert Lindsay, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Holliday Grainger, Samuel West, Anna Maxwell Martin, Paul McGann, Georgina Campbell, Jack Lowden and Alison Steadman. Also included is a 30-minute bonus programme, The Life and Work of Émile Zola, in which Glenda Jackson travels to Paris to discover how Zola’s experience and the physical and cultural landscape in which he lived influenced his great novels. Written by Émile Zola Dramatised by Dan Rebellato, Oliver Emanuel, Martin Jameson and Lavinia Murray Produced and directed by Pauline Harris, Polly Thomas, Kirsty Williams, Nadia Molinari and Gary Brown Executive Producer: Melanie Harris Series Producer: Susan Roberts Sound designer: Eloise Whitmore A Sparklab production for BBC Radio 4"

Emile Zola (Author), Alison Steadman, Angela Griffin, Anna Maxwell Martin, David Schofield, Emma Rigby, Fenella Woolgar, Full Cast, Georgina Campbell, Glenda Jackson, Holliday Grainger, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Paul Mcgann, Robert Lindsay, Samuel West (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Henry James BBC Radio Drama Collection: 10 full-cast dramatisations

"The definitive collection of full-cast BBC radio dramatisations of Henry James’ classic novels – plus a bonus documentary about his life and work One of the greatest and most influential American novelists, Henry James is loved for his compelling storytelling, vividly realised characters and perceptive exploration of the shifting relationships between Europeans and Americans. But he also possessed extraordinary insights into the secrets of the human heart, as shown in the ten dramas in this collection. Roderick Hudson explores how love and obsession intermingle as old and new worlds collide; The American mixes humour and heartache in a tale of a self-made millionaire and an aristocratic young Frenchwoman; and desire and propriety clash in Daisy Miller when Frederick Winterbourne meets the beautiful, free-spirited Daisy. Pursued by two suitors, Isabel Archer longs for freedom in The Portrait of a Lady; while a literary editor insinuates himself into the lives of an elderly spinster and her niece in The Aspern Papers. What Maisie Knew is James’ classic tale of divorce seen through a child’s eyes; while Gothic ghost story The Turn of the Screw tells the terrifying tale of a governess who tries to protect two young children from the forces of evil. The Wings of the Dove is a heartbreaking story of a doomed love triangle; dark comedy The Ambassadors features yearning and betrayal in aristocratic Paris; and The Golden Bowl explores two marriages and the secret that threatens to tear them apart. The casts of these sweeping radio dramas include Kate Hudson, Kate Phillips, Emma Cunniffe, Jodie Comer, Henry Goodman and Toby Jones, with John Lynch as Henry James. Also featured is a bonus programme, The Master, in which Sarah Churchwell discusses James’ life and novels with author Colm Tóibin and biographer Hermione Lee."

Henry James (Author), Full Cast, Henry Goodman, Jodie Comer, John Lynch, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Lee Ingleby, Siân Phillips, Toby Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

You Had Me At Hello

"What happens when the one that got away comes back? Find out in this sparkling comedy from #1 bestseller Mhairi McFarlane ‘Think of the great duos of history. We're just like them.’ ‘You mean like Kylie and Jason? Torvill and Dean? Sonny and Cher?’ ‘I think you’ve missed the point, Rachel.’ Rachel and Ben. Ben and Rachel. It was them against the world. Until it all fell apart. It’s been a decade since they last spoke, but when Rachel bumps into Ben one rainy day, the years melt away. They’d been partners in crime and the best of friends. But life has moved on: Ben is married. Rachel is not. Yet in that split second, Rachel feels the old friendship return. And along with it, the broken heart she’s never been able to mend. Hilarious, heartbreaking and everything in between, you’ll be hooked from their first ‘hello’. ‘Very very witty and funny. Left me in awe … a total gem’ Marian Keyes ‘The funniest, most romantic book I've read since One Day’ Lisa Jewell"

Mhairi McFarlane (Author), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Julie Hesmondhalgh

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