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    The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club
    The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club
    The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club
    Audiobook7 hours

    The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club

    Written by Duncan Whitehead

    3.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Little is what it seems to be in a leafy Savannah neighborhood as members of an afternoon cocktail and dog walking club mourn a neighbor’s death. Jealousies surface when friends vie for the widower running for mayor. An old woman with an infamous uncle plots to avenge a wrong. Memories haunt a once successful children’s writer. And a model has won the trip of a lifetime.

    But a killer lurks and secrets unfold, as does a web of deceit. Is anyone really who he or she seems to be? A mysterious South American, a young Italian count, and a charitable nephew add suspicion and intrigue, as do an enigmatic organization linked to organized crime, a handsome firefighter, and three widows with hidden agendas. What’s a retired accountant’s secret, and why did a former showgirl really have plastic surgery?

    The plot thickens, the Georgia temperature rises, and someone is destined for an early unmarked grave. The truth contorts to a climax that leaves readers breathless.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateFeb 25, 2014
    ISBN9781480589476
    The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club
    Author

    Duncan Whitehead

    Winner of the 2013 and 2014 Readers Favorite International Book Award Award-winning writer Duncan Whitehead was born in England and is the author of the best-selling and award-winning GORDONSTON LADIES DOG WALKING CLUB Trilogy. The series, inspired by the quirky characters and eeriness in the real-life Savannah neighborhood where he once lived, is a humorous mystery that boasts various characters and plot twists. He has also written over 2,000 spoof and comedy news articles under various aliases for a variety of websites both in the US and the UK. Duncan now resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has written further novels, including the four-book FOREST PINES MYSTERY SERIES and a stand-alone comedy, THE RELUCTANT JESUS. The final and fourth book in the FOREST PINES SERIES is scheduled for release in December 2023, and he has also begun work on his next project, A COZY MYSTERY…WITH ZOMBIES! Duncan is well known for his charity work and kindness to animals, children, and older adults. He has donated several organs and, to help save the planet does not leave a carbon footprint, as he only wears slippers. In February 2040, he invented time travel and now spends much of his time in the future (where he has won the lottery an astonishing 117 times) or the present day.

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    Reviews for The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club

    3.5/5

    16 ratings14 reviews

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 3/5
      Well, to be honest I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book. I could not invest myself in any of the characters even though there was an overabundance of information and history on many of them. They still came out as card board flat figures for me. I actually felt like I was reading a screenplay for a "desperate housewives" episode, and if that show were still on it would be perfect for that. It does have some dry humor that made me smile but the writing is just so-so. I would not classify this as literature but just a simple quick mystery that has some surprises, but not enough to make me want more. I would have appreciated more depth within the characters and not so much minutia. And honestly, when Thelma was dying why didn't her "friends" go see her, take over meals or offer help??? That did not ring true to me at all. They only rallied for her at her wake which I found quite sad. I guess this lack of action just goes to show how shallow the characters really were. Two and a half stars out of five.
    • 5/5
      Day after day, you go to work. You might take the train or maybe the bus. You shop at the same stores. You walk down the same sidewalks. You see you the same people, day after day. Strangers once, they become nodding acquaintances, then familiar faces. Daily contact strengthens relationships. Some become friends, others you scorn. You believe you really know each other. But what has changed, really, beyond happenstance contact? Do you really know your coworker? Your neighbor? Your friend? Can you vouch for their honesty? Their morals? Do you know all their secrets? Or do you just think you do? The sweet old lady next door couldn’t possibly be a killer. Or could she? Your best friend wouldn’t be jealous of your good looks? Or is she? That good-looking young father and house-husband is just the perfect role model. Isn’t he? In the town of Gordonston, a sorrowful event has occurred. Thelma Miller, wife, mother, friend to all, has died. And the neighborhood tilts a little on its axis, a bit out of control. A common mistake made by many is taking a few facts, a few assumptions, and creating a persona that may not be a good fit. In fact, you could be wrong – dead wrong. Author Duncan Whitehead does a masterful job in creating a delightful community, and then wreaks havoc on it. This suspenseful thriller is sure to delight you as it twists its way to a powerful conclusion you won’t easily believe but have to accept. And it will cause you to think twice as you exchange pleasantries with the people you think you know. I received this book free from The Cadence Group.
    • 4/5
      I think I was having the same trouble with the book as a few other people. The first chapter drew me in and I could feel my blood pumping in anticipation of what was going to happen and then the story of the main characters come out and there was times where I got confused as the character hoping between the ladies. The storyline was great I thought it was very creative and enjoyed reading it!
    • 4/5
      I’ll admit, it was the Title and the Cover that intrigued me along with the setting of the outskirts of Savannah that sealed the deal. Hoping for good piece of Southern fiction and Whitehead delivered, with a whole slew of nutty-nuts. Don’t read this outside in warm weather—unless you like eating bugs—because between the jaw dropping and the belly laughing you’ll be apt to catch a few.
    • 4/5
      When Thelma Miller dies, everything changes in the leafy Savannah neighborhood of Gordonston. Her three closest friends and fellow members of her afternoon cocktail club (aka Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club) gather to mourn the death and lament the life of their neighbor but already the dynamics of their once close relationship have changed. Gordonston is a typical gated community, where all is amity and tranquillity, and the only thing that mars this idyllic existence is the ONE person who does not ‘scoop the poop’ after walking his dog. Thelma’s death unleashes a relentless juggernaut of revenge that crashes into these once-peaceful lives. Old sins cast long shadows and ancient histories are revealed in an intertwined web of deception. A killer lurks in the wings and is anyone really who they seem to be?Hearts beat faster, passions surge, and dark secrets spill over and threaten to destroy the harmony. Age is no barrier to desire—when the chips are down, the resident widows will do anything to secure the affections of the newly widowed Elliot Miller who has political prospects. Added to this overriding theme are the various ambitions of a motley assortment of characters. From the mysterious European gentleman in South America, the young Italian count in Paris and a charitable and kind hearted nephew recently arrived from India, to the lovely Kelly (who could even be a model) and her handsome firefighter husband, to the Englishman (who seems suspicious) and his young daughter, and finally a mysterious killer with links to organized crime. Who is destined for an early-unmarked grave in the wooded park that centers the tree-lined avenues of Gordonston?This is an absolutely hilarious cosy murder mystery with a kick. A chilling beginning develops into a full-blown saga of intrigue, deceit, and vengeance as petty rivalries escalate and various players set wheels in motion to accomplish their ambitions. With an unerring eye, author Duncan Whitehead homes in on the tiny details that make each character unique. His darkly comic style is reminiscent of Alexander McCall Smith’s writing, with a dry, tongue-in-cheek touch. Seemingly unrelated people and events are drawn into a deadly entanglement that keeps the reader glued to the pages until the dénouement that surprises. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author. Recommended.First reviewed for Readers Favorite
    • 3/5
      I received The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead through LT's Early Reviewer program. The first chapter sets up the entire book with a hit man digging a grave and preparing to complete his murder-for-hire. We then see the neighborhood personalities, intricacies, friendships both true and false, and delve into the secrets of the Gordonston residents. What an interesting crew they are. I did lose that sense of anticipation and desire to know the end early on, but continuing on a few more chapters revitalized my interest as the author delves into more history of the variety of residents. The twists and turns and coincidences, as well as the dialogue give the book a somewhat campy and enjoyable feel as you continue into the story. The book felt very much like a "Desperate Housewives" genre. I think it was an enjoyable and interesting read that I would recommend. I do hope that the books provided through Early Reviewer have another edit to go through as there were a number of mistakes and even sentence contradictions in the same chapter. I overlooked those, thinking I was reading an Advance Copy.
    • 4/5
      This book reminded me of Desperate Housewives a little. Women fighting over their deceased friends husband shortly after her death, also things going on in their neighbors lives and homes. I love a story with a hit man and wonderful locales. I think the storyline was good, but the characters were great, you could almost see what they were thinking.I enjoyed this book immensely.
    • 2/5
      The book starts out slow with the Gordonston Ladies discussing the imminent demise of their friend Thelma. With their dogs playing together, and the women drinking their alcoholic beverages of choice, they seem to belabor the point until I wanted to quit reading the book. But, I persevered, and it got a bit better. Still I think it was extremely convoluted with just too many coincindences for me.
    • 4/5
      In a cleverly twisted plot, there are 4 possible victims, and yet only one suspect, so far. With an eye for lush imagery and a tongue in cheek sense of the absurdities of suburban living, the satire is intermingled throughout the story, aiding in the reader’s enjoyment of the characters and the plots that are set against them.

      With distrust and suspicion, friendships and romantic entanglements are revealed, and are slowly unravelling as the plot thickens, with several twists that were unique and very reminiscent of playing the game of Clue as a child. Thoroughly entertaining, the pacing improves as the book moves on to a conclusion that certainly leaves room open for one, or more, murders.

      I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review during my Indies Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
    • 4/5
      I received this book as a part of Library Thing's Early Reviewer program.I find it difficult to categorize "The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club" into a specific genre. A little bit mystery, a little bit 'chick lit' and a little Southern gothic all come to mind. The novel starts off with promise as the first chapter begins with an unnamed hit man preparing to complete his mission. Mysterious and intriguing (chapter 1).Immediately following the first chapter, the novel morphs into many chapters that outline the many multiple characters in the book. The 'dog walking club' consists of four women who gather in their local park, drinking and gossiping each day. As the story begins, three of the four are discussing the upcoming demise of one of the founding members.There is not a central / title character of the book; and I found that I didn't really like any of the ones that Whitehead has written. Most are shallow and irritating. Two of the 'dog walking club' ladies begin fighting and trying to win the affections of their close friend's husband before her body is even cold. Several lost my support when they made homophobic and / or racist comments. Set in Savannah, Georgia I guess there is racism to be expected, but I don't feel like reading it. I hail from Georgia and don't really want to further the Southern stereotypes that exist.I pursued with reading although I wasn't entranced. However, as the novel progresses towards the end there were twists and turns that I quite enjoyed. The finish included a jaw dropper that had me re-thinking my initial impressions. I found myself thinking of the novel long after I finished.In all, I'm giving "The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club" 3.5 stars.
    • 4/5
      I requested this book through Early Reviewers on Library Thing, thinking it was a comedic look at Southern ladies and life. It does take a look at Southern ladies and life, but the “comedy” is dark. It’s hard to categorize The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club, but if the term existed, “Light Guignol” would probably solve that problem.This little book has elements of irony, jealousy, mystery, suspense, and adultery within its 189 pages. It held my interest and was an easy read. One could read it in an afternoon, and it’s enjoyable as light entertainment.In spite of its not being a comedy, there are still some funny moments in the book. For instance, when one of the younger women – a neighbor of the club members – goes to Paris, and her escort invites her to visit Notre Dame, she asks who they are playing.Another example of humor occurs because the ladies are very concerned that one elderly man does not pick up after his dog. It is even more irritating to them when they consider that there is a “poopa scoopa” provided free of charge for the use of the park-goers. They are so involved with watching him that they don’t realize when one of the dogs, whose owner has hoped the ladies won’t notice, does his business about twenty yards from where they are sitting. They didn’t notice.In my opinion the book would have been better had the author chosen to start the book with chapter two, making it the first chapter. The repetition of the first chapter as the lead-in to chapter eighteen did nothing to add to the book and was in fact a tad boring.There were three active members – all widows, whose only dog walking consisted of walking doggie on a leash to the park – of the dog walking club. They sat at the same table in the park every afternoon, drank a cocktail in a plastic cup, and gossiped while their dogs ran around playing with other dogs. There were four members, but Thelma was at home dying. The other three ladies were wondering if they should go to see her or just wait. They decide to wait.When Thelma died, Cindy and Carla each decided that they wanted her husband, Elliott, and started planning in their own minds what to do. They almost immediately started executing said plans. Heidi was much older, about eighty, and had no interest in pursuing Elliott.From there the plot thickens, as “they” say, and twists and turns, revealing one by one quite a few of the character’s secrets. There’s a totally unexpected revelation at the end of the book.I think one would enjoy reading The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club and recommend it.
    • 3/5
      With exciting plot twists and character interactions, The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club was an engaging read. Set in the upper middle class neighborhood of Savannah, GA, the book introduces a variety of characters in this quaint community surrounding a well used dog park. Each character's ambitions and ulterior motives lead them to do interesting things that ultimately result in murder. The plot alone makes this an interesting book to read, but it only earned three stars from me because there were many things I questioned about the author's writing style. First of all, I didn't like how the characters were introduced rapid fire at the beginning of the book. I wanted to live in the character's world a little longer and get to know them so that I could make better predictions. Also, I felt like I was "told" the story throughout each of the pages, not "shown" the story as we learn about writing in our elementary school classes. This book overall seems like it should be more of a pitch for a longer novel. An entertaining read, but not for those who expect to appreciate the art of writing.
    • 1/5
      I am only 25 pages into this book as I sit to write my review. And I am doing this because I just can't invest any more of my time in this book. I am not fond of this author's writing style, which I would probably term as "Information Dump." So far, at the beginning of the 3rd chapter, nothing has really happened and I know more irrelevant information about the characters than I do about some of my own family members. It's boring. I don't care about these insipid people - yes, your friend is dying, go see her! And I just can't take another page of bouncing around from character to character, many of whom have unbelievable traits and back stories, learning about the minutia of their lives. The fact that they are interested in the handsome husband of their dying friend, relevant. The fact that one of them sponsored children from slums in India, one of whom became a successful pediatrician in Ohio and visits Savannah from time to time, irrelevant. Or perhaps it is relevant later in the story, but I just don't care about these people, I don't think the setting which has such grand potential has been well described, and I can't force myself to pick this book up any longer! Which is a shame, because the basic idea and the lovely setting of Savannah had such grand potential.Judging by the other reviews, this book gets interesting, with twists and turns and fun. I don't care. I am not a person who typically abandons books, but my time is more precious than slogging through something I'm not enjoying. And this is not a book I'm carrying around with me, hoping for free time so I can dive back in. I don't enjoy the dense information dump writing style. I found the characters immediately disinteresting. I'm not invested and I just can't go further. Sorry.
    • 4/5
      Day after day, you go to work. You might take the train or maybe the bus. You shop at the same stores. You walk down the same sidewalks. You see you the same people, day after day. Strangers once, they become nodding acquaintances, then familiar faces. Daily contact strengthens relationships. Some become friends, others you scorn. You believe you really know each other. But what has changed, really, beyond happenstance contact? Do you really know your coworker? Your neighbor? Your friend? Can you vouch for their honesty? Their morals? Do you know all their secrets? Or do you just think you do? The sweet old lady next door couldn't possibly be a killer. Or could she? Your best friend wouldn't be jealous of your good looks? Or is she? That good-looking young father and house-husband is just the perfect role model. Isn't he? In the town of Gordonston, a sorrowful event has occurred. Thelma Miller, wife, mother, friend to all, has died. And the neighborhood tilts a little on its axis, a bit out of control. A common mistake made by many is taking a few facts, a few assumptions, and creating a persona that may not be a good fit. In fact, you could be wrong - dead wrong. Author Duncan Whitehead does a masterful job in creating a delightful community, and then wreaks havoc on it. This suspenseful thriller is sure to delight you as it twists its way to a powerful conclusion you won't easily believe but have to accept. And it will cause you to think twice as you exchange pleasantries with the people you think you know.