9780062894854
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Not Bad People audiobook

  • By: Brandy Scott
  • Narrator: Candice Moll
  • Category: Family Life, Fiction
  • Length: 16 hours 8 minutes
  • Publisher: HarperAudio
  • Publish date: May 14, 2019
  • Language: English
  • (192 ratings)
(192 ratings)
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Not Bad People Audiobook Summary

A clever, compelling debut novel with a unique premise of what happens when three best friends engage in what seems to be a harmless act, but instead results in tragedy, leading the women to confront buried resentments, shattering secrets, dark lies, and the moral consequences that could alter their lives forever.

Three friends, thirty years of shared secrets, one impulsive gesture…and a terrible accident. When friendship goes bad, someone has to pay.

It’s New Year’s Eve. Three thirty-something women–Aimee, Melinda and Lou–best friends for decades, let off sky lanterns filled with resolutions: for meaning, for freedom, for money. As the glowing paper bags float away, there’s a bright flare in the distance. It could be a sign of luck–or the start of a complete nightmare that will upend their friendships, families, and careers.

The day after their ceremony, the newspapers report a small plane crash–two victims pulled from the wreckage, one a young boy. Were they responsible? Aimee thinks they are, Melinda won’t accept it, and Lou has problems of her own. It’s a toxic recipe for guilt trips, shame, obsession, blackmail, and power games.

They’re not bad people. But desperate times call for desperate measures.

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Not Bad People Audiobook Narrator

Candice Moll is the narrator of Not Bad People audiobook that was written by Brandy Scott

Brandy Scott is a radio presenter based in Dubai. Her 20-year journalism career has seen her work across radio, newspapers and magazines in several countries. Not Bad People is her first novel.

About the Author(s) of Not Bad People

Brandy Scott is the author of Not Bad People

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Not Bad People Full Details

Narrator Candice Moll
Length 16 hours 8 minutes
Author Brandy Scott
Category
Publisher HarperAudio
Release date May 14, 2019
ISBN 9780062894854

Subjects

The publisher of the Not Bad People is HarperAudio. includes the following subjects: The BISAC Subject Code is Family Life, Fiction

Additional info

The publisher of the Not Bad People is HarperAudio. The imprint is HarperAudio. It is supplied by HarperAudio. The ISBN-13 is 9780062894854.

Global Availability

This book is only available in the United States.

Goodreads Reviews

Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader

May 25, 2019

A story of those small, seemingly harmless decisions and how they can snowball into tragedy. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ In Australian wine country, just outside Sydney, three life-long best friends, Lou, Melinda, and Aimee, are celebrating the sense of hope and excitement a new year brings. They decide to set off Chinese lanterns each filled with a resolution. These lanterns are illegal, though. The lanterns slowly lift away as the women watch until they see a flare. Did something lucky happen, or was it something very, very bad?Aimee has a strong feeling something bad happened when they saw the flare. The following day they find out a small plane crashed. Aimee continues to shoulder the blame, while Melinda thinks it had nothing to do with the lanterns. Lou is is her own world of problems. Then, things blow up between these friends. These “not bad people” become toxic, with guilt, obsession, and a desperate need for survival.Not Bad People is a slower burn of a read, which I actually love. It gives me time and space to reflect on the story, and I did so here. I felt these friends could be my friends, or I could be one of them. They truly were just anyone, and they made a seemingly harmless, but also potentially dangerous, decision, that completely upended their worlds and could be responsible for a tragedy. That made the story intensely relatable- how small decisions can cause huge impacts one never expects. I felt strongly for the characters, and it was a mix of emotions. I was empathic because it could happen to anyone, and at other times I was angry and frustrated. I think this would make a great discussion book for book clubs because it draws upon what makes people “good” and “bad.” Overall, I found Not Bad People to be a relatable, original, and thought-provoking read. I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

Mandy

May 08, 2019

Not Bad People by Brandy Scott is a slow burn of a book but one that is definitely worth sticking with. It is a long book but you need to keep going until the end. There are so many themes running through this story of friendship, shame, guilt, obsession, power. It is set in a small town where everybody knows everybody elses business but they all have their secrets that they are desperate to keep hidden. I enjoyed how these secrets were slowly revealed and how all their lives intertwined.3 women - Aimee, Melinda and Lou - friends since childhood and always there for each other. Its New Years Eve and they decide to let off sky lanterns from the balcony with their resolutions for the year inside. There are fireworks going off as well and then they see a spark in the sky. The next day it is reported in the papers that a light plane with a man and his teenage son crashed the night before in the same region. Aimee immediately believes that it is their fault for letting off the lanterns. Lou has her own issues as a single mum to a teenager. Melinda is a successful business woman that on the outside appears selfish and self centred. As the story moves along we learn more about all of these womens pasts and presents that all comes together towards the end.Reading this book it is hard not to draw parallels with your own life and experiences. I felt sorry for these characters as well as angry. So many of the experiences are honest and could be anybody.Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.

Sabrina

August 04, 2020

A stunning debut novel from local Dubai based author @heybrandyscott. In my opinion, it was a little slow to start however suddenly the storyline ups tempo and builds into a fast paced read that you simply cannot put down so don't write it off. At all. Brandy keeps you captivated right to the very end when you are desperate to discover what happens next to conclude the story. And who, between Lou, Aimee and Melinda will really do what it takes to get what they need out of the situation, each of them pushing boundaries to the limit despite the very best of a thirty year friendship they share together.What did I make of each of these three main characters? Firstly LOU. I empathised with her the most. She suffered by the ripple effect of words spoken over her, three generations worth of misunderstanding, the after effects of mistakes made and the choices we have live by as a result. My favourite chapter from the book centred around Lou and a frenzied break through moment between her and her daughter Tansy...somebody open the window and find me a skip! MELINDA, seemingly the strongest of the three friends. A successful, strong and independent business woman, yet underneath it all she seemed lonely, living with regret and felt inadequate. AIMEE in short, I had down as quite simply a nutter! In summary, it is a story that deals with secrets, the hurt and damage of rejection, feelings of inadequacy and the burden of shame. And of course friendship. How strong really is the friendship of Lou, Aimee and Melinda? Surly, Not Bad People? Pick up a copy and decide for yourself ;)

Courtney

January 07, 2019

This is one of those books which you wish would never end, while at the same time racing to get to the finish, to find out how it all works out. I found myself longing to get back to the characters every time I had to put the book down.Brandy Scott’s debut novel is quick-paced, funny, poignantly truthful, and full of surprises. Above all, it is extremely readable. Her characters (and she gets into the heads of a lot of them) are realistic in their flaws, and without being stereotypical they are the people you meet every day. They are relatable. A favourite aspect of this book for me was Brandy Scott’s ability to speak from the view of so many different characters, an important aspect of the clever and multi-faceted plot, and brought to life one of the themes running through the story – that not everything is at it seems to someone else. I am eager to see what Brandy Scott will write next.

Stephen

April 29, 2019

Wow! I would call this a domestic, psychological suspense novel. It has an exceptional premise and is a thoroughly absorbing read. This is a debut?!On New Year's Eve in a small town outside of Sydney three women who have been friends for thirty years - Aimee, Melinda and Lou - have a "letting go" ceremony off of Melinda's balcony.They light the candles in sky lanterns, not realizing they've been banned for 10 years, with notes attached of things they want to let go as to start the new year fresh.Minutes later, in the distance, they see a flare of light. Then the sound of sirens.The next morning Aimee sees the news article about the small plane crash. Immediately see believes the sky lanterns caused it. What is she going to do? Is she right?That same morning Pete, the pilot of the plane, is in hospital recovering from broken bones and presumably temporary blindness. His teenage son is in ICU in a coma. Pete blames himself for the crash. Is he right?I loved how this novel took its time so we really get to know these three women and their history and what makes them tick.They have issues. Aimee is OCD'ed out. Big time. Melinda's on a power trip. And Lou...oh, poor Lou.These are unusually deep characterizations. Brilliantly written.After the first 100 pages the subtle surprises start becoming full-blown shockers. You realize you're in for something awesome.The convoluted plot and the superb structure are amazing.The revelations will leave you short of breath.Then, there's the inquiry..... All this is a pernicious mix leading to deep, buried secrets and resentments, guilt trips, shame, obsession, blackmail and power games.The ending is sublime.In short, it's a savory taste of high-tension goodness.Outstanding!This was an ARC giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

Cheryl

April 13, 2019

I love when I start a book with no expectations about it and come out just loving the book. That is what happened to me with author, Brandy Scott's debut novel Not Bad People. This book did not feel or read like a "debut" novel but a novel from a seasoned author. In the beginning, when Aimee, Melinda, and Lou were hanging out writing their wishes for a new year to send off in the lantern ceremony, I was not a fan of any of the three women. However, shortly after I was a little ways into the story, I actually found myself warming up and liking the women. Actually, it is kind of funny as Aimee may have been the only one that was really concerned about the victims of the plane crash and that it was her, Melinda and Lou's fault but she was the one that I would put last out of the three women. It was Melinda that I loved the most. She was at a major crossroads in her life and it seemed that everyone just laughed Melinda off. Finally, there is Lou. She too was ready for a change and to branch out in her life but than "life" had other plans for her. This is a slow burn book. The pacing Is slow and steady to get to the conclusion. Yet, it is made possible because of the three women. Due to the fact that I was drawn to the characters really made me enjoy reading this book. You have to make sure that Not Bad People by Brandy Scott is in your shopping cart.

Eileen M Wallis

January 07, 2019

Because I have known Brandy Scott for many years both professionally and personally, I was extremely excited as well as a tiny bit trepidatious to read her first book - would it be as good as I had hoped? The answer is a resounding YES -- 'Not Bad People' is a gripping and ripping new novel. The characters are fully formed and engaging... there is tremendous suspense that builds throughout the narrative, and I loved the supporting characters, especially Sharna at the post office. The day-to-day issues that the three protagonists face in their personal and professional lives are relatable and compelling while the impending resolution around the major plot twist (mentioned in the book's blurb) keeps you turning pages through the night.Set in Australia, 'Not Bad People' is accessible for readers of all backgrounds while including the charm of its specific location and population; it made me want to jump on a flight to experience the small-town background in which it's featured (including the wineries.)The themes behind 'Not Bad People' - personal accountability, family dynamics, longstanding friendships - and how they are explored and resolved will stay with you after you finish the book. It's a highly recommended new piece of fiction; given the success of recent adaptations for the screen, I hope someone is clever enough to make a film or TV series of 'Not Bad People.'

Becky

March 11, 2019

I'm going to start by saying that quite simply Brandy Scott is one to watch. This is a smacker of a debut, with a fabulous cast of characters and a rollercoaster plot line that keeps you guessing until the end. Meet three friends: Melina, Aimee and Lou. They have known each other since forever, but how well do they really know each other, and how do the repercussions of one decision test the very core of their friendship.Brandy Scott has created a wonderful world in NOT BAD PEOPLE, a seemingly perfect tight knit community but it doesn't take long the cracks forms and erupt as one accident shocks the everyone. Discussing themes of parenthood, friendship and the balancing act of modern life all within a plot line that twists and turns at every level, this is definitely a novel to pick up now. It leads you, secrets and lies hiding just out of view, but keep going - even when the tension slightly drops just before the end – as you race towards a conclusion that leaves you gasping. All I can say is this is a goodie.

Bron

January 06, 2019

A fabulous and compelling novel whose characters and intricate plot had me hooked from the start. Brandy Scott's unique style, which is concise and witty, makes her writing so clever, so readable. I loved the undertones of sarcastic wit and a dry sense of humour. Throughout this unpredictable yet believable tale, the author approaches day-to-day challenges and triumphs with empathy for and affinity with her characters. This author is being compared to Liane Moriaty (whose books I adore too) and I can see why. However, I think the talented Brandy Scott is in a league of her own. For me, this book was a true reading highlight of 2018. Essential for your "must read" list of 2019! Can't wait for her next one...

Jessica

April 16, 2019

This was one of those books that you start reading and keep coming back to, because the characters start to feel like your friends. You have to know what's going to happen to them. There are also many twists and turns, and dark moments, where the characters have to question themselves and the decisions they've made in life, which makes it highly realistic. If you like Liane Moriarty, this is the book for you!

Rachel

June 23, 2019

This was great! It actually exceeded my expectations. To start with I wasn’t too sure but it picked up fairly early and then my audiobook loan expired and I had to take an annoying break! I was glad when it came back in.It’s funny that my most recent two reads were both set in small towns. I’m from and still live in my small town so I related a lot to Not Bad People. Especially because it’s Australian, I loved the australianisms in the book! Scott did a good job of building authentic characters. I really grew attached to Amy, Melinda and Lou over this book, which was actually a lot longer than I realized! They were realistic, endearing but naturally flawed characters. Initially I thought Amy’s lantern worries were so silly but it did become more serious to me as the book went on. There were lots of different storylines going on which was good, it’s nice to have a few different things happening once you’re introduced to a cast of characters! This was good on audio too, aside from Amy coming across a little whiney I found the narration quite good! It’s nice to have an Aussie accent every now and then!

Nic

March 01, 2019

I loved this book! Before reading it, I heard a few people compare it to Liane Moriarty’s work, and I can see why. It has a similar style, with relatable Australian female lead characters. But personally I’d say it’s in a league of it’s own!The story is primarily told from 3 different female view points, and I was able to relate to every one of them in a different way. There’s the single ambitious career woman, the poor single mum, and the comfortable house wife.The writing is also full of so much wit and humour; there were a few laugh out loud moments. This book seems to balance it’s different themes so superbly - at times you feel the grief, and then you can relate to the women’s struggles, and then suddenly you’re laughing again.It also wasn’t predictable at all. Towards the end, I was so keen to finish I was trying to steal any minute I could during my day to find out what happens. It was a little slow in the first half (although still enjoyable to read with the sometimes emotional and sometimes hilarious writing), but by the halfway point I was well and truly hooked.I look forward to seeing what else this new Australian author has to offer!

Laura

February 25, 2019

On New Year’s Eve three friends - Melinda, Aimee and Lou - let three lanterns filled with resolutions for the year to come. After they float off, there’s a bright flare in the distance. Fireworks are happening, so the ladies think nothing of it. The next day, newspapers report a plane crash with two victims, a father and his young son. Were their lanterns responsible for the tragic accident? Or was something more sinister happening? Aimee thinks they are, Melinda won’t accept it, and Lou has problems of her own. As the women battle with the truth, their lives with unfurl before them. An absolutely brilliant book! It was a release I was very excited about and I was not left disappointed. Usually the endings of these sorts of books are easy to pick up from early on. This one, however, was not. The best part about the book was how the tension seemed to build throughout. There was no point where I wanted to put it down because I was sick of the waffle in the middle. It constantly kept you on your toes, adding more drama into the mix - but real life drama, not the over the top drama you get sick off. You get sucked into each of the ladies lives, not wanting their story to end, all while hearing snippet’s of what the father is going through post crash. So well written! Would highly recommend!*ARC received through Net Gallery*

Victoria

October 04, 2019

Find this under "thriller." That's what it says when you look it up. OK, but most of the time while I read it I kept thinking of meringue. Piled-high meringue. And it was yummy. Some twists, only a couple that I was ahead of the game on. Some almost-unbelievable coincidences but this is set in a small town, after all. Some fairly big plot points that were left pretty much dangling--worth quibbling about? Meh. (It was hinted that the characters were about to resolve them all.) In the end I did enjoy reading this. If Liane Moriarty is your cup of tea, then you'll certainly enjoy this one by Brandy Scott as much as I did.

Pauline

August 18, 2019

I enjoyed the book - an easy read, probably a fairly predictable finish

Scatterbooker

January 01, 2021

My first completed book of February is the slow-burning contemporary drama NOT BAD PEOPLE by debut author, Brandy Scott. The novel is set in the fictional country Victorian town of Hensley. My own hometown, the Mornington Peninsula, gets a brief mention, so I thought it was fitting to take my copy on a trip to my local beach. It was a lovely beach read!There are three main characters in NOT BAD PEOPLE. Lou is a feisty single mum whose teenage daughter is causing almost as much trouble as she did when she was a teenager. Aimee has a seemingly perfect husband, children, winery, and life. Melinda is successful single businesswoman who has recently moved back to small-town Hensley from the big city.The three thirty-something woman have been best friends since childhood, mostly because they are related to each other and their parents were friends with each other, just like most small town friendships are formed. Their lives begin to fall apart when an innocent incident on New Years Eve appears to cause an accident and now they are forced to deal with the consequences.This is made far more complicated by living in small country town where no secret is ever truly safe and resentments have been left to fester for years, generations in some cases.I really enjoyed NOT BAD PEOPLE and I felt that Brandy Scott set the scene of a small country town – quite similar to the one I grew up in – perfectly. The characters were extremely well-developed and I found myself able to relate to all of the three main characters at different times.I did find some of the longer chapters would have flowed better for me if they had just focused on one characters at a time rather than going back and forth between all three main characters, but that’s probably just a personal preference of mine.NOT BAD PEOPLE is a delightful novel, perfectly encapsulating the way small towns react to drama, and hold onto their secrets and resents. I especially loved the dynamics between the three friends and the slow-burning pace of the action.Perfect for fans of the Moriarty sisters and for relaxing with a nice glass of wine. 4 stars!Originally posted at https://wp.me/p5k577-13g

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