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The Cut

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The Cut

By: Richard Armitage
Narrated by: Richard Armitage, Jacob Dudman
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About this listen

An unmissable thriller written by Richard Armitage, author of #1 bestseller Geneva, narrated by the author and by Jacob Dudman.

You can’t escape your past. The cut always reopens.

In the sleepy village of Barton Mallet, the old ruins of Blackstone Mill watch over the residents as they go about their quiet lives. Ben Knot and his friends are looking forward to a summer of fun and freedom once their last year of school is over. The class of 1994 have been through a lot together, good and bad, but teasing turns to bullying when the Knot gang target younger boy Mark Cherry. As tensions rise and violence escalates, the group fractures and tragedy strikes. Before the summer is over, one of them will be killed. Murdered by someone they called a friend.

Thirty years on, Ben is an award-winning architect who has moved his family back to the village where he grew up. His girlfriend Dani is a hands-on step mum to his kids, budding actor Nate and star footballer Lily, but even though the family seem happy, Ben has never been able to forget the tragedy of the past. And it’s a past that is coming back to haunt him with the murderer’s imminent release from prison. Ben’s glittering career is also starting tarnish as some shady business deals have put him on the path to bankruptcy. With the killer’s parole date approaching and the banks calling in their loans, Ben struggles to keep a grip on the perfect life he has built.

When Nate lands the leading role in a new horror movie, Dani jumps at the chance to propel him towards stardom, despite Ben’s concerns that it will complicate their lives. Ben is persuaded to support his son’s dreams, but when the film crew descend on the village to start shooting, the dream starts to turn into a nightmare. The film is not quite what it seems. His kids are being pushed to the limit and Ben’s paranoia makes him question the film makers’ motives. Ben is desperate for answers and will stop at nothing to keep his family safe.

If the first cut is the deepest, then the last cut is going to end it all.

©2024 Richard Armitage (P)2024 Audible Ltd. Cosy Crime Thrillers Editors Select Mystery Thriller & Suspense Scary Feel-Good

Editorial Review

A new meant-to-be-heard psychological thriller from Richard Armitage
Richard Armitage is Audible royalty. Countless essential listens have been elevated by his smooth-as-silk voice and amazing performances. From classics to romance to thrillers – he’s done it all. And as his fans know, Armitage is a talented screen actor as well. But more recently, he’s also become a published author. Like his first novel, Geneva, The Cut is being introduced to the world as an Audible Original – meaning he wrote it especially to be listened to. And who better to do that? No one. In his own words, “ The Cut is a story of misplaced adolescent obsession and the damaged roots that reach from the past into the present. It’s my new passion project.” This is enough to make it my next passion listen. Add to Library! — Tricia F., Audible Editor

Critic Reviews

"Armitage has done it again... THE CUT is a chilling, atmospheric thriller with characters you'll never forget." - Harlan Coben

What listeners say about The Cut

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Disappointing

Narration is good but the plot too convoluted. Geneva was great, this one missed the mark.

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Profile Image for Jo

Interesting storyline

I liked how although the story jumped back and forth it was very clear with both the date being read out and the change of narrator. It made it much easier to follow. Couldn’t stop reading. I found myself finding time to pop in the ear buds and keep going along the day.

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Profile Image for Andrea

Slow burn

This book at times was boring and drawn out. I did however find the story of the characters growing up as teenagers very accurate. Clumsy, uncomfortable, confrontations & secrets were described in the story as I think a vast majority of adults would relate to those unforgettable & difficult years. I nearly gave up a couple of times but persevered as I wanted to know where the story was going.

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Profile Image for Mimosa

Amazing plot & narration

It's always great to listen to Richard Armitage's beautiful voice! This time the plot and his co-narrator made this a great book to listen to, masterfully planned and scripted. The mystery was a bit difficult to unwind as it flipped from past to present, current plot to past plot, but eventually climaxed right out of left wing! I really did not expect the ending ....

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Love listening to Richard Armitsge

I mean I might be his number 1 fan, and I love listening to him. The use of two narrators was really useful because it made it easy to follow which timeline you were listening to. The story though - not really my thing. Too many traumatised people in one story. I am not keen on these kinds of tragic psychological dramas. The plot is OK enough but it's nowhere near as good as Geneva.

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Richard Armitage's voice!!!

Absolutely nothing. I LOVE Richard's voice, I could listen to it for hours! The awesome story just adds to the sheer joy of it all!!

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Another good twisting story

It took me a little while to get into this book but once I was there it was engaging. Would name a good mini series for TV. Hope there will be more from Richard Armitage.

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Excellent story and narration

Thoroughly enjoyed this one! Love Richard as a narrator and he’s also a great writer

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Profile Image for Louise

Brilliantly narrated

This is a decent story which really comes to life under the skilled handling of these two voice actors. The plot itself is interesting and spans different time lines and perspectives very cleverly. But I think if I had read it rather than listened to it, I might not have found it quite so engaging.

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Profile Image for Beth

It drags on quite a bit

This book was nowhere near as good as the first book by Richard Armitage. I was disappointed in the lack of content and the seemingly repetitive nature of the story. The concept for the story was good but overall the book failed to impress.

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