Audiobooks narrated by Philip Franks

When the Green Woods Laugh: The Larkin Novels Volume 3

A year has passed and in this third novel of the Pop Larkin series, Pop Larkin is preparing to build the bungalow he promised Charley and Mariette upon their engagement. He buys a country home slated for demolition, intending to convert it for the two, but it is not long before a London couple persuade him to sell it. Pop, ever the trickster, sells it for an extortionate price as the two social climbers know little about country life. Party-throwing and cocktail-mixing abound until a rocky boat and a misplaced pair of hands have Pop before the local magistrate...

H. E. Bates (Author), Philip Franks (Narrator)

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The Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion was founded in 1921. It is now the country's leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to those who have served or who are currently serving in the British Armed Forces and their dependants. The RBL is behind the annual Poppy Appeal, the highest profile charity appeal in Britain.This superbly illustrated book has the full support of the Royal British Legion and will tell the complete story of its history through exclusive access to its archives, thus providing a celebratory, as well informative, tribute to their work over the past 90 years. It will be the definitive history of this much-loved organisation, charting its work with soldiers and ex-servicemen through the stories of its heroes, famous as well as unknown, during the highest-profile military campaigns of the past 90 years. The book will be divided into nine chapters, each representing one decade in the RBL's existence. Each chapter will celebrate one hero per year; 1921, 1922, 1923, etc. giving an account of that particular person, and what they achieved. Within each chapter will be special spreads that emphasise also the social history of the evolution of the RBL as a charity, supported with iconic imagery and text. Each one of the heroes, from 1921 right through to 2011, has been personally chosen by decorated royal marine, and RBL ambassador, Lance Corporal Matt Croucher GC. Men such as Major Robert Henry Cain VC (1909-1974), who destroyed six tanks during Operation 'Market Garden' at Arnhem in 1944 and was one of the only officers from his battalion to escape the German encirclement of the British 1st Airborne Division.The book will be published in late autumn to coincide with the 2011 Poppy Appeal, which will be the biggest in the Legion's history, with events running nationwide, TV advertising, celebrity involvement and a high-profile marketing campaign. Matt Croucher will be involved in the campaign as an ambassador for the RBL. For any serving member of the armed forces, or those retired from service, or members of the public who are keen to know about this beloved organisation; this will be a fascinating and valued purchase, knowing that royalties will be going to the charity themselves.

Matt Croucher, The Royal British Legion (Author), Bernard Cribbins, Keeley Hawes, Nicky Henson, Philip Franks, Sean Barrett (Narrator)

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The Darling Buds of May: The Larkin Novels Volume 1

When Cedric Charlton, an unsuspecting tax inspector, arrives at the door of the Pop Larkin farm, he soon forgets the purpose of his visit: the fun-loving Ma and Pop Larkin distract him at every turn with strawberries, cream, alcohol, and their attractive young daughter, Mariette. Well known by the popular TV series starring David Jason and Catherine Zeta-Jones, The Darling Buds of May is the quintessential feel-good, country romp. It will have you falling wholeheartedly in love with the Larkin family and their carefree way of life. So grab a bowl of ice cream, pull out a deck chair and share in the 'perficktion' of country life.

H. E. Bates (Author), Philip Franks (Narrator)

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Telling the Story: The Heart and Soul of Successful Leadership

Telling the Story is both practical (with tips, exercises and examples) and thought provoking. It argues for a re-enchantment of our disenchanted world and for the recognition of more human and humane values in our organizational lives. The art of narrative leadership is important for senior executives, middle managers and concerned citizens. Distilling the author's considerable experience as a public service leader, research academic, organizational consultant, performing storyteller and leadership coach on top management programmes, Telling the Story shows how leaders affect our understanding of what is possible and desirable through the stories they tell and the stories they live. It opens a door into the world of narrative leadership: what stories are and how they work; when to tell a story and how to tell one well; how the stories we tell (and the language and metaphors we use) influence our actions and shape the way we think about the world. The book also challenges us to consider the purposes behind our stories: what are we leading for? What are the big stories of our time and how can our own stories help to create the kind of future we want for ourselves and our children?

Geoff Mead (Author), Philip Franks (Narrator)

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P.D. James BBC Radio Drama Collection

Seven BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations of P.D. James' acclaimed mysteries, plus P.D. James In Her Own Words This collection includes: Cover Her Face P.D. James' debut novel, introducing her famous detective Adam Dalgliesh. Starring Robin Ellis as Dalgliesh. A Taste for Death Dalgliesh investigates when two bodies are found murdered a London church. Starring Richard Derrington as Dalgliesh. Devices and Desires Dalgliesh hunts a serial killer in desolate Norfolk. Starring Robin Ellis as Dalgliesh. A Certain Justice Dalgliesh probes the murder of a brilliant criminal lawyer. Starring Philip Franks as Dalgliesh. The Private Patient Dalgliesh investigates a high-profile murder at an exclusive cosmetic surgery clinic. Starring Richard Derrington as Dalgliesh. An Unsuitable Job For A Woman An eminent scientist hires the Detective Cordelia Gray to discover why his son committed suicide. Starring Judi Bowker as Cordelia Gray. The Skull Beneath the Skin With her life in danger, actress Clarissa Lisle turns to private detective Cordelia Gray. Starring Greta Scacchi as Cordelia Gray. Among the supporting cast in these classic dramas are Sin Phillips, Hugh Grant, Anna Massey and Geraldine James. Also included is a bonus audio documentary, P.D. James In Her Own Words, in which the author discusses her professional career and private life.

P.D. James (Author), , Greta Scacchi, Hugh Grant, Judi Bowker, Philip Franks, Richard Derrington, Robin Ellis, Siân Phillips (Narrator)

Audiobook

Oh! To Be in England Volume 4

In this third sequel to The Darling Buds of May, Charley and Mariette decide to get baby Blenheim christened, leading to a wholesale christening of all seven of the Larkin children. Chaos abounds as the vicar Mr Candy is run ragged by the naughty twins Zinnia and Petunia, and finds himself the object of desire for Pop's second eldest, Primrose. To top it all off, Pop buys a fairground on a whim, and Mlle DuPont arrives to discover that Pop is not a Lord, nor does he live in a mansion. The result is a celebratory ending and a wonderful tribute to Pop's beloved countryside, with its 'nightingales and blackbirds, bluebells and primroses, haytime and high summer'. Perfick!

H. E. Bates (Author), Philip Franks (Narrator)

Audiobook

Feather Boy

“Top flat, Chance House. You can go there. . . . You are the sort of boy who can fly.” That’s what Edith Sorrell, mysterious resident of Mayfield Rest Home, says when Robert asks her to share a wisdom with him as part of a class project. And even though Robert Nobel, a.k.a Norbert No-Bottle, the perpetually picked-on class squit, is convinced she’s batty, he’s determined to pluck up his courage and go. After all, what does Robert have to lose? His dad is busy with his new family, his mum is always at work, the school bully is making his life miserable, and the class beauty won’t give him the time of day. But Edith is hiding a secret about boarded-up Chance House’s past that’s more complicated than Robert ever imagined. The search for the truth begins in the top-floor flat with a few small feathers. Uncovering it will change both of their lives forever.

Nicky Singer (Author), Philip Franks (Narrator)

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Constable Through the Meadow: Constable Nick Mystery Book 8

The seventh in the brilliantly entertaining and heartwarming audiobooks behind the hit 90s TV series Heartbeat. Constable Nick's beat is modernized, with his police bike replaced by a mini-van. He gets more than he bargained for as his work draws him into closer contact with villagers, in more ways than one! There are compromising positions aplenty in this next charming installment of Aidensfield life. Nick finds himself lost in heavy fog and runs across a couple of illicit lovers trapped in their car. He advises the village grocer about his very respectable lady shoplifter and discovers how Farmer Owens copes with his bossy wife. "It's original, it's funny . . . one of life's little pleasures." YORKSHIRE POST

Nicholas Rhea (Author), Philip Franks (Narrator)

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Constable on the Prowl: A perfect feel-good read from one of Britain's best-loved authors

The brilliantly entertaining and heartwarming books behind the hit 90s TV series Heartbeat. One of the top ten most watched shows of the decade. Nick is still settling into his role at the Ashfordly Section police station, and he's drawn the short straw: night duty. Alone in the midnight hours with nothing but dead leaves, stray cats and legends of ghosts and ghoulies to accompany him. A sleeping village doesn't mean a simple shift, though. Between the early risers of the farming community, a badger with a sweet tooth, and getting to know his new workmates, there's no time for Nick to kick his feet up in the station. And of course there's Claude Jeremiah Greengrass! Why did he have to retreat hastily down a ladder from a lady's bedroom? And can he really be innocent of taking a deer during the night, when he was seen emerging from the forest carrying a particularly fine set of antlers? "Stories of a constable on his village beat in North Yorkshire. All very gentle and far, far removed from the hurly burly of modern day city policing." DAILY TELEGRAPH

Nicholas Rhea (Author), Philip Franks (Narrator)

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Constable on the Hill: A perfect feel-good read from one of Britain's best-loved authors

The brilliantly entertaining and heartwarming books behind the hit 90s TV series Heartbeat. One of the top ten most watched shows of the decade. Policeman Nick Rhea has been posted to the country with his wife Mary and their three small children. They move into the police house, high on a ridge overlooking the moors. It sits on the edge of the village of Aidensfield - "probably the most beautiful site in the country". In the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside of the 1960s, Constable Nick's roles are as varied as the eccentric villagers. He handles every encounter with his characteristic humour, humanity and professionalism. His investigations include the case of a clever pony who keeps escaping, a woman running through town naked, and a pack of Canadian timber wolves hanging out in a bus shelter. "It's original, it's funny . . . one of life's little pleasures." Yorkshire Post "Stories of a constable on his village beat in North Yorkshire. All very gentle and far, far removed from the hurly burly of modern day city policing." Daily Telegraph

Nicholas Rhea (Author), Philip Franks (Narrator)

Audiobook

Constable in the Dale: A perfect feel-good read from one of Britain's best-loved authors

The brilliantly entertaining and heartwarming books behind the hit 90s TV series Heartbeat. One of the top ten most watched shows of the decade. Constable Nick patrols his rural Yorkshire beat on foot or on his trusty Francis Barnett motorcycle. But as beautiful as the villages are, they conceal real human drama. Nick is on hand to help out when Aidensfield decides to enter the Best Kept Village competition and finds itself the victim of a dirty tricks campaign by its rivals. Then there is the mystery of the spontaneously combusting henhouse, and Nick has to cope with the consequences when the vicar tries a novel way of keeping the churchyard tidy. "Stories of a constable on his village beat in North Yorkshire. All very gentle and far, far removed from the hurly burly of modern day city policing." DAILY TELEGRAPH

Nicholas Rhea (Author), Philip Franks (Narrator)

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Constable in Disguise: Constable Nick Mystery Book 9

Constable In Disguise is the ninth book in the brilliantly entertaining and heartwarming books behind the hit 90s TV series "Heartbeat". One of the top ten most watched shows of the decade. Britain's most popular bobby turns detective! A delightful account of Constable Nick's foray into the CID, or as he thinks of it, "Constable In Disguise." Nick joins the Criminal Investigation Department to learn about the work of the detectives in civilian clothes. Asked to keep a watchful eye on a house thought to be used as a brothel, Nick quietly climbs the roof and sends a tile crashing through the window. When the woman inside and her five brothers attack the neighbours for causing the damage, the police turn out in force and arrest everybody. Meanwhile Nick lies low on the roof. ""It's original, it's funny...one of life's little pleasures." -YORKSHIRE POST

Nicholas Rhea (Author), Philip Franks (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Philip Franks