Discover Best Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

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Title: Black Coffee

Author: Agatha Christie, Charles Osborne

Narrator: John Moffatt

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-10-07

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Locking everyone in the library, Sir Claud switches off the lights to allow the thief to replace the formula on the table, no questions asked.

When the lights come on, however, he is dead, and Hercule Poirot, with assistance from Hastings and Inspector Japp, has to unravel a tangle of family feuds, old flames, and suspicious foreigners to find the killer and prevent a global catastrophe.

Critic Reviews:

"Christie biographer Osborne's adaptation of the grande dame's 1930 play has been blessed by the Christie estate and heartily endorsed by her grandson Michael Prichard. It's a classic 'someone in this room is the murderer' tale set in 1934." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Fabulous!

I only wish those idiot Directors of the David Suchet Christie novels would just produce the real stories, instead of thinking they are better than Agatha, and creating those absurd movies. She is the Queen of crime fiction and Suchet would be so awesome portraying the little detective in the real stories she made internationally famous!

As always, a fabulous story!

Exceptionally written.

Excellently performed by John Moffatt.

Great entertainment!

Enjoy it!

Lukewarm Coffee!

If youve listened to books by Agatha Christie and Charles Osborne before, how does this one compare?

'Black Coffee' has some novelty value as a Hercule Poirot mystery, being a story that not every Hercule Poirot fan would be familiar with. However, for me this story is not as good as Agatha Christie's own Hercule Poirot novels.

Three of Agatha Christie's stage plays have been novelised by Charles Osborne so far (the other two being 'The Unexpected Guest' and 'Spider's Web') and of those three adaptations, 'Black Coffee' is my least favourite book. It's not actually a bad story, it's just that Charles Osborne's writing style differs from Agatha Christie's.

What about John Moffatts performance did you like?

This is a well narrated audiobook. John Moffatt does a good Hercule Poirot, of course, having played the role in the majority of the Hercule Poirot radio dramatisations produced by the BBC.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really!

Listening to Black Coffee I came to the conclusion that there was a reason that it was never adapted in to a novel by Agatha Christie herself... it was a meant to be performed on a stage and not read as a novel. Also, Agatha Christie had used part of the actual solution in one of her novels!

Any additional comments?

This isn't a proper Agatha Christie book. 'Black Coffee' was originally a play that has been adapted in to a novel... and it shows. Although for Agatha Christie fans this is an additional Hercule Poirot/Captain Hastings adventure that can just be enjoyed for what it is. A mildly entertaining mystery with a simple plot, but not classic Poirot by any means.

Amazing narration

Agatha at her best, superbly performed by John Moffat.

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Title: Trent's Last Case

Author: E C. Bentley

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-08-07

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 77 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Trent becomes involved in the case of the murder of millionaire American financier Sigsbee Manderson, slain while on holiday in England. During the course of his investigation, Trent falls in love with one of the primary suspects. And while he collects evidence and becomes convinced that he has cracked the case, he turns out to be well off the mark when the real murderer tells Trent just how wrong his conclusions were. An inspiration to writers like Agatha Christie and G.K. Chesterton, Trent's Last Case is a classic of the mystery genre.

Editorial Reviews:

Simon Vance excels here at what he does best: portraying through accent, pace, and intonation the traditional British social outlook. Fans of the classic detective story will delight in a novel that's wonderfully rooted in pre-WWI Britain - and probably could not have been written or published in any other time or place. With its vintage race and gender attitudes and its bland and unquestioning assumptions about class, merit, and social standing, that milieu is as interesting, or more so, as the murder case that sends Trent into retirement. Perfectly articulated by Vance - whose mimicry of the female voice is not, alas, its finest feature - this novel from the old school is a curiosity, a connoisseur's piece, and an afternoon's worth of listening pleasure.

Critic Reviews:

"The prototype of the modern detective novel." (The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature)

Members Reviews:

A real find!

As a fan of "The Golden Age of British Mysteries," I had read frequent allusions to this book as one of the founding works of the genre, but had never come across a copy. So I was thrilled to find this version read by Simon Vance, whom I think is one of the most reliably good readers in the business.

And the book lived up to the hype--it contains foreshadowings of everyone from Sayers to Tey, and is a very satisfying and well-written tale in its own right.

A classic but that much of a classic

I would venture to guess that most people haven't heard of this book, though I think it has an interesting place in history of detective fiction. The blatant racism of the day does appear in the story, which I always find a bit disappointing and unnerving. I can get past that, as one has to do to enjoy golden era detective fiction, but I just wasn't as engaged in the story as with other mysteries that I've read. That said, here is what I like and appreciate about it: 1. I had no idea what was going on. I didn't know the solution to this whodunnit. 2. Neither did the detective, but not because he was a dummy, but rather because the author wanted to make a point. Bentley was tired of all the brilliant literary detectives neatly wrapping up cases, when in reality, people are fallible. In this way, this book is both an early golden age mystery and a send-up of one, which is pretty brilliant. Still, I just wasn't wowed by the writing, though I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could!

Simon Vance wonderful as always

I've listened to Trent's Last Case twice now. It is an unusual detective story, delightfully so. It is a great diversion from the usual police procedural or the gumshoe detective who always gets his man. The literary aspects of the story, as well as Trent's attributes, reminds me of P.D. James's Adam Dalgliesh but without the melancholy.

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Title: Death Comes As the End

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Emilia Fox

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-27-06

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

It is Egypt, 2000 BC, where death gives meaning to life. At the foot of a cliff lies the broken, twisted body of Nofret, concubine to a Ka-priest. Young, beautiful, and venomous, most agree that she deserved to die like a snake. Yet Renisenb, the priest's daughter, believes that the woman's death was not fate, but murder. Increasingly, she becomes convinced that the source of evil lurks within her own father's household. As the wife of an eminent archaeologist, Agatha Christie took part in several expeditions to the Middle East. Drawing upon this experience and exhaustive research, she wrote this serial killer mystery laid in Egypt 4000 years ago.

©1945 Agatha Christie Limited. A Chorion Company. All rights reserved; (P)2004 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London UK

Critic Reviews:

"More realistic than many a thriller-writer's idea of London." (Evening Standard)

"Startlingly new...my already insensate admiration for her leaps even higher." (Observer)

Members Reviews:

A rather unusal Christie whodunit

I have to admit to a bias here: this is my favourite Christie novel but putting that aside - if you like murder then you have to have this in your collection. Its a wonderfully atomspheric tale that grips and absorbs you all the way through. It is brilliantly performed by Emilia Fox who is a joy to listen to. Download and enjoy!

My favourite Agatha Christie novel

I always enjoy any Agatha Christie novel however this one is my favourite above them all. It's always my go to if I need a familiar story if I'm travelling or if I need to unwind.

Would recommend it to anyone.

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Title: The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

Subtitle: Volume Three (Dramatised)

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: full cast

Format: Original Recording

Length: 3 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 11-28-06

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 36 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Clive Merrison and Michael Williams star as Holmes and Watson in the fifth collection of stories from the unique fully dramatised BBC Radio 4 canon.

'The Lion's Mane': Holmes has retired to the Sussex countryside to tend bees. But old habits linger, especially when there is a case of murder waiting to be solved.

'The Veiled Lodger': Mrs Merrilow has the perfect lodger - a gentle woman who keeps to herself and has paid the rent regularly for seven years. But why won't she show her face?

'Shoscombe Old Place': The connection between a dog and its bone has never been more important than in this case which leads Holmes and Watson to a gruesome discovery in an old crypt.

'The Retired Colourman': One of the last cases recorded, the detective is in a ruminative mood as he tackles one of the most controversial cases in the canon.

Members Reviews:

Dramatised Holmes - gripping, yet great fun to fol

Where does The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I listen to this one over, and, over again. I would place this in my top 5 books.

What other book might you compare The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes to, and why?

39 Steps with Robert Powell - a superb narrator, I have a number of his narration so. This is a stunning story with mystery, great descriptions of the scenery, and Powell makes it sound like a group of actors are playing the parts.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The scenes at the beginning o f each Sherlock Holmes are best, they lead you into the story in many different ways, always surprising yet familiar.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Holme's vulnerability and frustration. There is usually at least one moment in each story.

Any additional comments?

I have been listening to talking books since the early 80's, usually on cassette. Audible transformed this listing into something that was easy to access, usually of a very high quality, and with an excellent catalogue. Thank you Audible.

Voice clash

What made the experience of listening to The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes the most enjoyable?

It is a full BBC dramatisation

Any additional comments?

Unfortunately, the voices of Holmes and Watson were too close, audibly, for easy distinction. This is the only flaw in what is otherwise a superb broadcast.

Brilliant dramatizations, deepens the stories

I think Bert Coules' adaptations are my favourite dramatizations of classic Holmes. He stays true to the mystery plots yet the fresh touches that he adds are so pitch perfect that they often feel like they were missing pieces that should have been there all along! Many times it's a little character moment, but occasionally a reorganization of how the entire story is told. In this collection I particularly love his clever reworking of The Lion's Mane that made it a more satisfying story that I want to listen to again very soon.

The Tears oh The Tears - Bye Old Friend

Well it all had to come to an end sometime and how sad it is to reach this. I have all of these fabulous productions & wish there were more.

We listen regularly and never get bored, how can you, its Sherlock & with Clive & Michael at the controls, you have the perfect couple to keep you entertained for hours ...

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Title: The Return of Sherlock Holmes

Subtitle: Volume Two (Dramatised)

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: full cast

Format: Original Recording

Length: 2 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-22-06

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 47 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Clive Merrison stars as Holmes, with Michael Williams as Watson, in these adventures, part of the unique, fully dramatised BBC canon of Conan Doyle's short stories and novels featuring the world-famous sleuth. Included in this volume:

© and (P)1994, 2005 BBC Audiobooks LTD

Members Reviews:

Excellent : Top Marks Once Again

Four more perfectly acted and produced Sherlocks.

I have every storyline recorded in this fabulous series.

Clive Merrison and Michael Williams make the perfect team

bringing you the best radio Sherlock performances.

As I have written over & over; you can not go wrong buying these

if you love your Sherlock Holmes or just enjoy a good old British

Victorian drama.

These are my favourite

Any additional comments?

Quite simply magnificent! These dramas get better and better I urge you to try it. Sherlock Holmes is my favourite and bbc dramas depicting them make them even more enjoyable: a winning duo!

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Title: Sherlock Holmes

Subtitle: His Last Bow, Volume One (Dramatised)

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: full cast

Format: Original Recording

Length: 2 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-21-06

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Clive Merrison stars as Holmes, with Michael Williams as Watson, in these adventures, part of the unique, fully dramatised BBC canon of Conan Doyle's short stories and novels featuring the world-famous sleuth. Included in this volume:

© and (P)1995, 2005 BBC Audiobooks LTD

Members Reviews:

Good but gruesome

These must be the most gruesome and gory of all Conan Doyle's stories, but somehow are my favourites. An excellent dramatised adaptation as always.

Decent

It was quite entertaining and curious, would recommend to everyone, especially if they enjoy the book.

Good

Great performance good audio book. good story as well. loved how the story was put over

Blissful listening

Any additional comments?

Watson and Holmes take to the earphones again in what is essentially superb narration and acting. You will find yourself transported into the gloomy but cosy Baker Street rooms and accompany them on four more incredibly adventures!

PERFECT SHERLOCK

Perfect Sherlock full cast productions with Clive & Michael giving excellent performances. Bringing the pipe smoking Victorian sleuth and his side kick alive. These are very near to the books filled with fun as they investigate different types of murders!

I have the full sets of these BBC Radio collections listening to them

for several years now and still enjoy them. Very atmospheric.

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Title: Sherlock Holmes

Subtitle: His Last Bow, Volume Two (Dramatised)

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: full cast

Format: Original Recording

Length: 2 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-21-06

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 41 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Clive Merrison stars as Holmes, with Michael Williams as Watson, in these adventures, part of the unique, fully dramatised BBC canon of Conan Doyle's short stories and novels featuring the world-famous sleuth. This volume includes:

© and (P)1995, 2005 BBC Audiobooks LTD

Members Reviews:

Brings back childhood memories...

I grew up in the U.K. whilst radio plays were still keeping their own against television... and games consoles didn't exist :-) I really enjoyed the audio book as it brought back memories of tea and biscuits in the kitchen whilst listening to the radio. The stories are excellent, as is the dramatization. Highly recommended !

Sherlock kicks metaphorical 'bum' again.

Any additional comments?

Words will never merit how much I love these dramas made by the BBC. I have nearly listened to all of them and I have yet to award less than 5 stars every time. Sherlock is a boss in beastmode with these mysteries, and as always, he comes through in fine style.

The last Bow

I have fallen in love with these fantastic stories, Voices and rhythm they give to my day. This is not quite the last in order of books or stories written but concludes this beautiful partnership of Williams and Merrison. What will I do now?y

a triumph

loved from start to finish. His last bow was especially well performed. Most enjoyable listening.

One of the best.

Really enjoyed this version. One of my favourites. Cast are fantastic ASIs the dramatisation. Brilliant!

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Title: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Subtitle: Volume Two (Dramatised)

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: full cast

Format: Original Recording

Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-21-06

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 53 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Clive Merrison stars as Holmes, with Michael Williams as Watson, in these adventures, part of the unique, fully dramatised BBC canon of Conan Doyle's short stories and novels featuring the world-famous sleuth. This volume includes:

© and (P)1991, 2005 BBC Audiobooks LTD

Members Reviews:

True to the original!

I love these recordings by the BBC. I have been an avid reader of the original stories, and these radio representations ring true to Conan Doyle's creations. Clive Merrison and Michael Williams do a spectacular job of recreating the relationship between Holmes and Watson. if you love Sherlock Holmes, you will love the recordings.

Perfect Radio Sherlock

I own all of these full cast BBC Radio Sherlocks and as I have repeatedly written for each set, these are perfectly cast & acted as well as produced by the BBC.

Clive & Michael work well together with fun & aplomb, bringing the Sherlock & his side kick together to bring out the best in Conan style as written by the master.

Enjoyable, full of feeling of the Victorian era and staying true to each story as Doyle intended. These are no modern productions but as we expected from the pipe smoking cocaine injecting Victorian chief of sleuth.

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Title: The Return of Sherlock Holmes

Subtitle: Volume Three (Dramatised)

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: full cast

Format: Original Recording

Length: 2 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-21-06

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 37 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Clive Merrison stars as Holmes, with Michael Williams as Watson, in these adventures, part of the unique, fully dramatised BBC canon of Conan Doyle's short stories and novels featuring the world-famous sleuth. This volume includes:

© and (P)1994, 2005 BBC Audiobooks LTD

Members Reviews:

Way too short to maintain interest

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Very good

Very enjoyable stories, a mixture of the gory and the beautiful.

WARNING: the last story contains a small amount of foul language

Some of My Favourite Sherlocks

Although all of these productions are some of the best produced Sherlocks on the market, these four are some of my favourites. All well acted with Clive & Michael at the controls.

A good selection of fear runs through all of these even though individually all are different. A world apart from our own we can all relate to the moral of these tales.

A fabulous series I am proud to have in my Sherlock collection.,

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Title: Paul Temple and the Curzon Case

Author: Francis Durbridge

Narrator: Anthony Head

Format: Original Recording

Length: 2 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-21-06

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 49 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, and his glamorous wife, Steve, made their first appearance on BBC Radio in 1938. They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktail. Now the great radio detective lives again in a brand new reading by Anthony Head.

Members Reviews:

This is NOT a dramatisation!

Beware! I have notified Audible about this description (and the Harkdale robbery also incorrectly labelled).

However, in spite of that it is a cracking good yarn!