Rose Cottage

By: Mary Stewart

Narrated by: Samantha Eggar

In the summer of 1947, Kate Herrick, widowed by the war, returns to Rose Cottage, her childhood home. A tiny, thatched dwelling nestled in an idyllic country setting, Rose Cottage at first appears the picture of tranquility. But Kate soon discovers that someone has broken in, and valuable family papers have disappeared. The village seethes with gossip. How harmless are her elderly neighbors, who are suspected of witchcraft? And what is behind their reports of nighttime prowlers and ghosts in the cottage garden? Determined to uncover the truth, Kate seeks the help of childhood friends and neighbors. Her quest leads her along a trail of family bitterness, jealousy, and revenge—and into an exploration of her own past.

©1997 Mary Stewart (P)1997 Phoenix Books, Inc.

Easy listening Mary Stewart.

Would you consider the audio edition of Rose Cottage to be better than the print version?

No, I do not consider the audio edition of Rose Cottage better than the print. For me, it is just more convenient as an audio book. Mary Stewart is a long time favorite and I enjoy an easy read (or listen) that warms the heart and reduces rather than makes stress.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Expected.

What does Samantha Eggar bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A familiarity, as if you know the characters personally.

If you could take any character from Rose Cottage out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Lady Brandon, because older people have so much more life experience to share.

Any additional comments?

Mary Stewart is always a good read.

Well done!

While it is too bad that this is an abridged version it is still a good Mary Stewart mystery and very well read. I wish all “narrators” would quit trying to “perform” and just read this well. There is sufficient distinction between characters and enough variation in accent to give a real feel to it, without the great range of volume and overdone attempt at doing ‘voices’ that makes so many audiobooks hard to listen to. Well done, Ms. Eggar.

Lovely Village Tale

I love Mary Stewart she is a wonderful storyteller and mood creator. The narrator... Fabulous!!

A beautiful classic

I was seeking another of Mary Stewart's stories, Thornyhold (which I am sincerely hoping arrives in audiobook form!) and picked up this novel. It is very like Thornyhold in the lovely simplicity of the story. There is something truly magical about how Mary Stewart can craft such compelling stories and yet offer them up in such a delicate manner, with just enough information to offer a depth to the characters without overloading them to the point of causing baggage. It is a very rare skill, and it is beautifully shown here. The story isn't complex, and if you are looking for deep intrigue you won't find it here, but it is a lovely listen and so very enjoyable.

The narration suited the story perfectly!

Well written

A good story, well written, well spoken. Nothing GREAT about it, but not bad at all. Good time filler.