The Fatal Three


Read by Celine Major

(4.4 stars; 81 reviews)

Written by one of the most prolific authors of the 19th century The Fatal Three although not as sensational as some of her other novels serves up some very fascinating characters. It also raises some very interesting questions regarding moral & religious education, Victorian marriage laws, mental illness and how one's upbringing can determine one's fate.
Delightful country homes and exquisite scenery provide the usual perfect backdrop for this enjoyable read by Mary Elizabeth Braddon. - Summary by Celine Major (14 hr 15 min)

Chapters

BOOK 1 Chapters 1-3 37:18 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 4 40:01 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 5 34:35 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 6-7 35:20 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 8-9 33:33 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 10 33:08 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 11-12 34:32 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 13 30:36 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 14 36:11 Read by Celine Major
BOOK 2 Chapter 1 32:02 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 2-3 36:59 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 4 43:03 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 5 34:42 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 6 33:40 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 7 35:54 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 8 34:51 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 9 36:07 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 10 16:50 Read by Celine Major
BOOK 3 Chapter 1 24:08 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 2-3 38:26 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 4-5 35:15 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 6 36:54 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 7 36:27 Read by Celine Major
Chapter 8 30:31 Read by Celine Major
Chapters 9-10 34:04 Read by Celine Major

Reviews

A TALE WORTH READING


(5 stars)

Crafted around the eccliastical laws on affinity in marriage this social mystery tale has the usual plot thickening of her weaving story telling..Reading around this to find out the basis of the surprising constraints around marriages leads through from the 1880s to the 1960s Marriages Act, and beyond. Mary Rinehart has the ability to bring people, personalities and environments into vivid shapes.


(4 stars)

The Fatal Three Interesting story that starts with the background of a wealthy family taking in a young teenage orphan girl who is a distant relation. Everyone in the home has their own way of reacting to this new-comer, with the young daughter of the family delighting in her companionship. The story takes us through a number of years, following the history of this family. Happy loves, questionable pasts, scoundrels, lovely travels, family secrets, lunacy, possible suicide or murder, strong moral characters and weak; all come together to draw us along. A big part of the story deals with a “religious scruple,” taught as God’s will, while admittedly not set down in the Bible, causing much heartache


(2 stars)

Well, upon reflection, I must say that this complicated story was very depressing. But I’ll also say that it illuminated the era in so many ways for me. And, as an aside, I had no idea that Jane Eyre was once thought improper for girls to read! But, I do so appreciate the reader of this story—thank you!

Historic Novel of Morals & Religion On Life Choices


(4 stars)

This novel explores the effects of one families' lives amidst changing morals and religious doctrines. Anunusual ending, quite different than expected. Very clear reader, a tiny bit off in entoning children's voices, but a small issue Thanks to her for the generous gift of time.


(4.5 stars)

I agree that this MEB novel is very different than her other books. Definitely deeper & with more character development. CM is a good reader, though I wish she'd refrain from attempting voices, especially childrens', as it doesn't suit her own. Still, thank you CM for all the work you put into this!

One of my favorite readers


(1.5 stars)

Depressing book. adults stupid choices that affect the children. could also be whatever we do in hiding will be brought out into the light. or the jealousy brings out the worst in a woman. either way, children always get the worst.

Ends like an opera...


(4 stars)

The perils of letting strangers raise your children, putting reputation before people, the letter of the law before the spirit, and the deliberate refusal to give girls the tools to defend themselves.

book was fine


(4 stars)

liked book, the reader sometimes sounded robotic but I got used to it.