Potholes and Magic Carpets

By: Joy Mutter

Narrated by: Tracey Norman

The main action takes place in rural Kent and London. It looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges, and temptations in the past and present lives of four couples of varying ages, professions, and sexual persuasions, all linked by either blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent, natures of some of the characters in Potholes and Magic Carpets wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk.

©2015 Joy Mutter (P)2017 Joy Mutter

A Very Complex and Compelling Story

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was expecting something completely different judging from the title of the book, but fell in love immediately with the author's writing style and the narrative that evolved around four couples dealing with real life problems and successes.
It takes a little time to discover how the lives of these four couples intertwine and influence each other, but once you understand the mechanics, you'll be better able to understand how their personal dramas and achievements have been the results of upbringing and personal situations.
There are characters that you want to hate because they are in fact hateful, and others that you would like to hold and help get out of horrible relationships that could never be saved. The narration is also very commendable. All in all, a must read book.

Strange, but enjoyable nonetheless

This unusual work of fiction captured my attention from start to finish in part due to the author’s storytelling talent and in part (surely unintentionally) due to its odd construction. The stories had a disjointed quality to them – the flow from one story to the next wasn’t entirely smooth. However, that never once really bothered me. I was content just to move from story to story. It’s sort of like hanging out with a friend or colleague who you know is totally odd, but you enjoy their company in spite of that oddness (and in some part because of it, if you’re being honest with yourself). I didn’t love how the author left some gaping potholes in her plot (ha, bad pun intended) whilst tying up other stories a bit too neatly at the end, but none of that bothered me enough to color the entire reading experience negatively. I thought the narrator did a great job here and I think this author could really shine with just a little more polish. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Potholes and Magic Carpets

4.5 stars.

I really enjoyed the narration by Tracey Norman. She does and excellent job and her voice seemed perfect for this book.

As to the story itself, I found it compelling and it was hard to stop listening. There are quite a few characters to keep track of. Their lives start in different areas and are interwoven dramatically throughout the book.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Wonderful weaving of stories

I really love this author. This is the 4th or 5th book I’ve listened to by her. The Hostile series is hard to explain and make it sound good but it was amazing. This one is great too. Although, Joy I am beginning to question the men from your life…. So many evil ones in your stories and also almost all are cheaters….
Anyway these characters are painted in a way that makes them beautiful. Even the flawed ones. All things that could be true and part of peoples real daily lives. I loved Tom most of all.
Narration by Tracey Norman was excellent.

Interesting premise

Set place in England revolving around couples

It’s humor of the dark sort. This genre of book is not usually my cup of tea but I thought it was good and look forward to more from the author