Unmasking Miss Appleby by Emily Larkin

Unmasking Miss Appleby

Shape-Shifting Orphan's Bold Gambit

Written byEmily Larkin
Narrated byRosalyn Landor
Length11h37m
Release dateDecember 26, 2018
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.4 on Audible

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Quick Facts

AuthorEmily Larkin
NarratorRosalyn Landor
Runtime11h37m
PublishedDecember 26, 2018
Rating★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 on Audible
CategoriesLiterature & Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Regency
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Charlotte Appleby’s 25th birthday unlocks a fantastical ability to shift forms, thrusting her into a desperate bid to escape poverty by posing as a man in Victorian London. This isn’t just a fish-out-of-water story—it’s a high-stakes game of deception where every disguise carries peril. As she navigates the rigid hierarchies of society, her secret identity becomes both a weapon and a trap, weaving a narrative that’s equal parts thriller and fairy tale. The novel’s sharp social critique shines through Charlotte’s dual life, exposing the hypocrisy of a world that rewards ambition while punishing vulnerability. Larkin’s prose is brisk and vivid, anchoring the magic in tangible stakes. The audiobook’s strength lies in Rosalyn Landor’s narration, which brings a theatrical flair to each character’s voice, making Charlotte’s transformations feel visceral and the era’s constraints palpable. Her pacing is tight, but the quieter moments of introspection sometimes feel rushed, leaving emotional beats underexplored.

Tags: Historical FictionRomanceShape-ShiftingVictorian MysteryGender Role ReversalOrphan's Journey

About the Narration

Narrated by Rosalyn Landor, this 11h37m audiobook holds a 4.4-star average rating on Audible. The narration brings Emily Larkin's writing to life, making it a compelling choice for audiobook listeners.

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Editor's Review

AudioBook Atlas Editorial Team

I picked up *Unmasking Miss Appleby* expecting a clever twist on historical fiction, and what I got was a gripping blend of mystery, romance, and whimsy. Rosalyn Landor’s narration is a standout—her ability to shift accents and inflections makes Charlotte’s dual identity both believable and thrilling. The sound design adds subtle touches, like the creak of cobblestones or the faint hum of gas lamps, that immerse you in 19th-century London. However, the audiobook’s pacing occasionally falters during secondary plotlines, particularly the subplot involving Charlotte’s growing bond with Lord Cosgrove. While the chemistry between them is nicely layered, some scenes drag, diluting the urgency of the main mystery. The ending, though satisfying, feels a bit tidy for a story that thrives on subversive themes. Still, Landor’s performance elevates the material, making the audiobook a standout for its bold premise and immersive atmosphere. If you enjoy stories where magic intersects with social critique, this one delivers—but don’t expect every thread to be perfectly unraveled.

This review was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

How to Listen

Unmasking Miss Appleby by Emily Larkin is available as an audiobook on Audible. You can start with a free trial — the audiobook is yours to keep even if you cancel. Rosalyn Landor's narration spans 11h37m.

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