Discover Best Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

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Title: Too Dead to Swing

Author: Hal Glatzer

Narrator: Susan Egan, full cast

Format: Original Recording

Length: 5 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-14-01

Publisher: Audio-Playwrights

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 91 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Susan Egan heads a Broadway cast in this thrilling vintage mystery with swing songs performed by Ann Hampton Callaway. Based on the novel by Hannah Dobryn.

Members Reviews:

Too Dead to Swing

This book is more like an old time radio show with different players and great music. The plot was good like an old mystery series with a twist at the end.

great performance

This was so much fun to listen to! A complete cast, sound effects and some great music. The story was good and the perfomance was alot of fun. A nice change from other audio books.

Wonderful

This was lovely to listen to. The narrators voice is really pleasant, the sound effects and song spots are great. I'd love to get more in this mystery series, intriguing, funny, and great music.

Excellent Entertainment

This one was a bit of a surprise, and a very pleasant one at that:

The 1940s, a "girl band," a "girl detective," swing music, and murder! Excellent ensemble cast, reminiscent of old-time radio but with modern-time sound quality. This is one I'll listen to more than once! :)

So Much Fun

This is a really fun listen.

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Title: Death at the Bar

Author: Ngaio Marsh

Narrator: Nadia May

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-15-01

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 229 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

After an evening of friendly darts and vintage brandy, a distinguished, although amorous, barrister is in no condition to drive - or walk. The poor fellow's expired, leaving one less lawyer in the world. Everyone in the cozy pub swears that the untimely death was caused by a dart that punctured the victim's finger. But to Inspector Roderick Alleyn, the "accident" was really a case of murder.

©1940, 1967 by Ngaio Marsh (P)1996 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Members Reviews:

Death at the Bar

The reader was not vary good, add to that there are distracting noises thought out this reading. The story was just OK The ending was weak.

Cyanide: accident or murder?

In Death at the Bar by Ngaio Marsh, three longtime friends join together to visit their annual vacation spot in Ottocomb in Devon, where they gather at the Plume of Feathers Pub. All three friends are famous in their own right, with Luke Watchman an elite barrister, Sebastian Darrow a famous actor, and Norman Cubit a top painter. The pub is a central gathering point for the community, where locals and gusts gather one stormy night. They discover that Abel Pomeroy, the owner of the pub, owns three valuable bottles of a high quality brandy, so the group breaks open one bottle. One local man, Bob Legge, has a reputation for being a genius with darts and convinces Luke, who has been sniping at Legge in underhanded hints about some knowledge of a potential criminal background, to let him throw darts between each finger spread out against the dartboard. But in his first ever error, he nicks one of Luke's fingers with a dart, which sends Luke into a near-fainting fit, as he can't stand the sight of blood. Just as they try to clean the wound with iodine and give Luke brandy to steady him, the storm kills the power. When it comes back on, Luke Watchman lies dying.

Almost two weeks later, Will Pomeroy travels to London to visit Detective Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn in order to beg him to take on the case of who killed Watchman. The local police have not been able to determine even if the death was murder or accident. Just that same afternoon, Will had been using cyanide to poison rats in the garage, so certain locals have been accusing Pomeroy of being careless with the poison. Though Scotland Yard can't take a case without a request from the local police, Pomeroy's visit serves as a catalyst to get the local police to request Alleyn's assistance, so Alleyn gets to visit Devon.

This book follows a path of investigation that twists and follows intrigue and curious interconnectedness among many characters. But above all, the question keeps arising how the murder could possibly have been administered. This book really shows Inspector Fox to be a great sidekick for Alleyn. It also features some interesting philosophical discussions centered around the Coomb Left Movement, a group devoted to socialist causes. The members of the discussions do seem to have some confusion about the specific philosophies that they support, but that just makes the book more enjoyable.

I love the narration of Nadia May, who makes all her books come to life. She helps to keep the book moving, and I think the book would be less fun just reading it instead of listening to the book.

Death at the Bar is a strong book, with an interesting pun in the title for both the bar where the alcohol is served and the bar of justice where Luke Watchman served.

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Title: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes III

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: David Timson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-26-00

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 37 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

In this collection are four more individual cases for Mr. Sherlock Holmes, narrated by his faithful friend and admirer Dr. Watson. They dive into the opium dens of London in "The Man with the Twisted Lip," recall the curious history of "The Musgrave Ritual", come face to face with the grisly evidence contained in "The Cardboard Box", and go on a wild-goose chase in "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle". The powers of Sherlock Holmes prevail.

Editorial Reviews:

David Timson beautifully reads four canonical stories of Holmess individual cases with favorites "The Musgrave Ritual and "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle." Timsons range is remarkable--he gives perfectly tuned accents to characters not only from all of Britain, but America as well. Timson, a remarkable Sherlockian scholar, brings this passion to his performances. By the end, youll forever associate Holmes and Watson with Timsons voices and narrative style.

Members Reviews:

Excellent!

David Timson is my favourite narrator! It is fantastic hearing him read Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. He does a wide variety of accents, making it easy to tell everyone apart. The audiobook is a bit pricey for three and a half hours of content, but I didn't blink an eye and bought this one when Audible was having one of their sales. Pick these Sherlock Holmes stories up - any of them! You won't regret it.

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Title: Dead Room Farce

Subtitle: A Charles Paris Mystery

Author: Simon Brett

Narrator: Frederick Davidson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-26-00

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 44 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

It's not Beckett exactly, but a three-month run of Not on Your Wife!, a new farce by the prolific British farceur Bill Blunden, is not to be sniffed at by a jobbing actor. Which is why Charles Paris is standing on stage with his trousers around his ankles, playing Aubrey, the older lover of GIlly, wife of Bob, whose young mistress Nicky he is passing off as the property of his neighbor Ted. Rehearsals have gone well, the laughs are coming, and if his marriage is on the skids again there's always the consolation of Bell's - and the uncertain attractions of aging ingenue Cookie Stone. But by the time the troupe reaches Bath a darker mood has set in. Cookie Stone seems to think she and Charles are practically married (if only he could remember what happened!), and Charles' old friend Mark, who runs a recording studio in Bath where Charles is making a talking book, has a drinking problem that amounts to a death wish. But it's not the drink that kills Mark, it's somebody in the cast who has a dirty little secret that Mark must not be allowed to reveal...

©1997 by Simon Brett; (P)1999 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Members Reviews:

A miss

What a wonderful series but this one. The elegant author becomes ickky. Worth a skip and on to the next.

So-so

Simon Brett is one of my favorites and I especially love his Charles Paris books. Unfortunately, this narrator didn't make a good job of reading the book. Simon Brett should really read all his own books, because then they are wonderfully entertaining and enjoyable, making the listener laugh out loud in some places.

review - Dead Room Farce

I might be done with the lovable character Charles Parrish after this one. Plot is flat as a popped tire. Reader good. Sorry I bought it.

High school boy fantasy

Our hero spent the whole of this book drunk, hungover, and/or enjoying the many female bodies which were practically forced on him. Very little of the book is devoted to the murder set up or the unraveling of the mystery afterwards. The real mystery here is why I finished this book.

Enjoyable romp

I've listened to quite a few Simon Brett audio books and know to expect a humorous tale connected with a theatrical or television production where one or more people get killed. The main enjoyment comes from the details of the chaotic life of the actor/amateur sleuth Mathew Parris and in the detection of the murder is incidental. This book is in the same vein, however, unlike the other books I've heard this one is not read by the author, Simon Brett, which spoiled it a but for me as the whole time I felt the reader's voice was wrong for Mathew Parris character in that it was too plummy and drawling. Don't get me wrong the reader is not bad, just not the right one.

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Title: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Book I

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: David Timson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-06-00

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 58 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

In this collection are four of the finest cases of Mr. Sherlock Holmes, narrated by his faithful friend and admirer Dr. Watson. What was the horror of the speckled band or the secret behind the curious legacy for men of red hair? These and other puzzles are solved by this bloodhound of a genius.

Editorial Reviews:

This is a perfect audiobook for fans of British drama who also love the classic British investigator. David Timson embodies Holmes in a style that takes him to the top but never over. His Watson is equally correct - sturdy and rather protective of Holmes. But Timson's skills really shine in the secondary characters - the loathsome stepfather in "The Speckled Band," the conspirators in "The Red-Headed League." They're perfect character-actor interpretations. His interpretation of the narrative sections, read in Watson's voice, revels in the drama without overplaying it. A fine selection of classical pieces introduces and ends the stories.

Members Reviews:

These are the best Holmes recordings!

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

These (the entire set read by David Timson) are the best. The Derek Jacobi ones are good too, but these edge them out as the winners.

Have you listened to any of David Timsons other performances before? How does this one compare?

Timson is now my favorite reader. Close is Stephen Fry (if you like Harry Potter, seek out his versions, which are not legally available in the U.S. unfortunately). Timson's (and Fry's) performances feel like a theatrical performances rather than dry readings. They bring the books to life.

Any additional comments?

I partially agree with one or two of the other commenters who have said this series is not a great value. There are only a handful of stories per volume in these whereas there are others (with other readers) that offer more. I'd have liked it better if these volumes were grouped together more so you didn't need to buy as many sets. HOWEVER, I do not recommend getting the "better value" sets because those aren't read by Timson, and in an audiobook what ultimately matters is the performance. 30 hours of mediocre readings is not as great a value as 3 or 4 hours of great performances.I'm aware that the preference in narrators is a matter of opinion, so definitely give the various readers a listen. I'm sure you'll like the Timson ones best.

excellent but not a good deal

The stories of holmes are entertaining and well narrated, but this book is not a good deal, as it only has 4 stories, search the site for longer collections of holmes stories to get a better deal.

The Best Sherlock Holmes Narrator!

I'm a bit of a David Timson fanboy. He does an incredible job narrating these Sherlock Holmes audiobooks. They're a bit on the short side, at only a few hours each, but I don't hesitate to get them, or wait until they're on sale and pick them up then.

The stories included are:

- The Adventure of the Speckled Band

- The Adventure of the Stock-Broker's Clerk

- The Adventure of the Copper Beeches

- The Adventure of the Red-Headed League

Well Captured

This recording is very welldone, and offers a timely classic for all to enjoy.

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Title: St. Peter's Fair

Subtitle: The Fourth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

Author: Ellis Peters

Narrator: Sir Derek Jacobi

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 14 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

It is Summer in the Year of Our Lord 1139 when the grand festive event, St. Peter's Fair, is held in the town of Shrewsbury. The event brings pause to the ongoing civil war, as tradesman from across England and beyond arrive in the town for some much needed gaiety. That is, until the body of a wealthy trader is found in the River Severn. Was Thomas of Bristol the victim of murderous thieves? And if so, why were his valuables abandoned nearby? Brother Cadfael offers to help the merchant's lovely niece Emma. But while he is seaching for the killer, the man's wares are ransacked and two more men are murdered. Emma almost certainly knows more that she is telling, as others will soon realise. Cadfael desperately races to save the young girl, knowing that in a country at war with itself, betrayal can come from any direction, an even good intentions can kill.

Performed by Tony Award-winning actor Derek Jacobi, this fourth chronicle of Brother Cadfael weaves history and intrigue into an intricate web of adventure.

Critic Reviews:

"...a graceful and informative case for Peters's engaging herb-gardening monk." (Kirkus) "...medieval England comes marvelously alive." (Washington Post)

Members Reviews:

4th classic

Derek Jacobi does a first class job with a wonderful tale from a classic author. more please Audible!

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Title: The Hound of the Baskervilles

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: Patrick Tull

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 89 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

An ancient family curse has caused the shocking deaths of all of Sir Henry Baskerville's ancestors, and the distinguished Dr. James Mortimer wants Sherlock Holmes to help protect his friend. According to local legend, an enormous, savage, supernatural hound lives on the Grimpen Moor, and has just killed yet another Baskerville. Despite Holmes's well-deserved reputation as a crime specialist and brilliant sleuth, even he wonders whether his powers of deductive reasoning can defeat this mysterious, hellish beast.

Editorial Reviews:

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of Baskervilles is one of the most classic Sherlock Holmes stories. Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead from a heart attack; local legend suggests that he was scared to death by a diabolical, supernatural hound. In fact, in typical Holmesian fashion, the truth is far more complex. Patrick Tull's performance is a joy. He relishes playing a great many characters, from the aristocratic Sir Henry Baskerville to the servile John Barrymore as well as - of course - the deductive Holmes and the eager Watson. Real Sherlock fans certainly can't miss this quintessential episode.

Critic Reviews:

"Patrick Tull's voice is everything you could ask for in a narrator - clear, adaptable, and with enough projection that it carries well inside a moving vehicle." (Express-Times)

Members Reviews:

An excelent guide to the Moors!

I'd first visited 221B Baker Street around '93 and then became a regular visitor. First in print - then through the auspices Of Granada films - then "A Baker Street Dozen" and the three volumes of "The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes" on Audible. I have listened to them frequently but, on occasion, I've had an interest in, say, visiting Baskerville Hall. So I bought this stand-alone rendition of this and Sir Arthur's other major Holmes episodes rather than fishing through the near eighty hours of those compilations. This rendition stands shoulder to shoulder with that in "the Complete Stories..."!

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Title: They Do It with Mirrors

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Emilia Fox

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-05-13

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Designed to follow the new-look series of Miss Marple books for the 21st century. This edition is complete and unabridged and read by Miss Marple herself, Joan Hickson.

Miss Marple senses danger when she visits a friend living in a Victorian mansion which doubles as a rehabilitation centre for delinquents. Her fears are confirmed when a youth fires a revolver at the administrator, Lewis Serrocold. Neither is injured. But a mysterious visitor, Mr Gilbrandsen, is less fortunate - shot dead simultaneously in another part of the building.

Pure coincidence? Miss Marple thinks not, and vows to discover the real reason for Mr Gilbrandsen's visit.

Critic Reviews:

"Brilliant" (Guardian)

"No one on either side of the Atlantic does it better" (New York Times)

Members Reviews:

Good story, weird narration

What did you like best about They Do It with Mirrors? What did you like least?

The story is excellent; good characters, good plot, really good writing.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Emilia Fox?

Probably not. She has a very peculiar style of reading - she makes half the characters talk so slowly that they sound completely stupid. The police inspector, for example, is supposed to be a pretty on-the-ball chap, but with Emilia Fox's reading, he sounds as though he barely knows how to speak, let along think. It's very disappointing.

Enjoyable but not the best Agatha Christie

Another solid Agatha Christie story and generally well performed by Emilia Fox - although occasionally her 'Male' voices (especially American) are a little strange. It is a good story but not one Agatha Christie's best, a bit of a 'pot boiler'.

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Title: Agatha Christie 1970s: 9 Book Summaries, Volume 6 Without Giving Away the Plots

Author: Deaver Brown

Narrator: Deaver Brown

Format: Unabridged

Length: 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-17-15

Publisher: Simply Media

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Agatha Christie was born in 1890 and created the detective Hercule Poirot in her debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920). She achieved wide popularity with The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) and produced a total of 80 novels and short story collections over six decades.

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Title: The Criminal MasterMind of Baker Street

Author: Rob Nunn

Narrator: Andy Barker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-08-17

Publisher: MX Publishing

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

What if Sherlock Holmes had turned to crime instead of detection? The Criminal Mastermind of Baker Street by Rob Nunn investigates this very concept. Holmes famously said that "when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst of all."

A sinister influence is at work in Victorian London with Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson running a hidden criminal empire. The Criminal Mastermind of Baker Street explores all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories through the lens of Holmes as a criminal while adding many new exciting tales of Holmes' daring to delight its listeners.

Members Reviews:

its Cliff-notes

What disappointed you about The Criminal MasterMind of Baker Street?

its cliff-notes of the Sherlock canon with small touches on stories. pass on this and think about it yourself. i started out liking that he didn't try to change the original stories but by halfway i was annoyed he didn't, because instead of a full story with Holmes scheming in the back ground its touching on a dozen with no substance. it just Holmes giving bribes and taking money ect. little of the interesting brilliant sleuth that we know n love.

If you like the idea find a Prof. Moriarty book you'll get a brilliant mastermind with a good story