Listen to Most Popular Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

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Title: The Mask of Dimitrios

Author: Eric Ambler

Narrator: Tony Gardener

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-07-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 57 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

English crime novelist Charles Latimer is travelling in Istanbul when he makes the acquaintance of Turkish police inspector Colonel Haki. It is from him that he first hears of the mysterious Dimitrios - an infamous master criminal, long wanted by the law, whose body has just been fished out of the Bosphorus.

Fascinated by the story, Latimer decides to retrace Dimitrios' steps across Europe to gather material for a new book. But, as he gradually discovers more about his subject's shadowy history, fascination tips over into obsession. And, in entering Dimitrios' criminal underworld, Latimer realizes that his own life may be on the line.

Members Reviews:

Excellent Thriller!

Excellent story with a well developed plot.

This thriller takes you back to an intrigue filled Europe of the 1930s.

Eric Ambler's writing retains contemporary freshness.

A great read!

Interesting but not his best

For some reason I had a harder time getting into this book of Amblers. Narration was great and was not the problem. The plot just was not as interesting to me. His other books seemed much better. I will still listen to more of his books because his writing skills are top rate. Hopefully this is not the first book you listen to of his. His earlier books are great.

Mask of Dimitrios

Tony Gardener did a good job reading this book. I had not read an Eric Ambler book since the 1960s so when I saw this on the list I decided to give it a listen. Ambler makes you feel as if you have traveled with him to these exotic cities. The hunt for the life of Dimitrios provided a few twists and turns and made for an interesting read.

Excellent book and reader

I really enjoyed this audible book. The book is well written and Tony Gardener does the different voices very well. The book has not dated and the intricacies of the plot are very interestingly woven. It held my attention right up to the end. I would recommend this audible book.

No convulated plot twists just a good story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Some may think it dated and lacking in the sophisticated and convoluted plot twists of the more modern thriller. But Ambler makes up for that in his depiction of people who find themselves drawn into the murkier side of life.

Originally published in 1939 Ambler gives a vivid description of pre-war europe, and the intrigues around the balkan states. It is also enjoyable to read from the perspective of the development of the mystery/thriller over the years. Nor is it a long book, Ambler like most good authors keeps the story rolling along at a fair pace. I would recommend without reservation.

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Title: Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Speckled Band

Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: Edward Raleigh

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-20-09

Publisher: Audio Holdings, LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

A young woman consults Holmes about the suspicious death of her sister. Suspicions quickly fall upon her violent and abusive stepfather. But is he the killer? And what is the mysterious "speckled band?"

(P)2009 Audio Holdings, LLC

Editorial Reviews:

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's personal favorite among his Sherlock Holmes mysteries, "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" receives a rousing performance from prolific audiobook narrator Edward Raleigh on this contemporary recording. A so-called "locked room" mystery where there is no obvious killer, the story concerns the suspicious death of a young woman's sister, with her violent stepfather as the main suspect. Clever and thrilling in equal measure like any good Holmes story, The Speckled Band benefits from the dignified manner and classic delivery from BBC Radio Play veteran Raleigh.

Members Reviews:

thick accent

As english is my second language, I couldn't understand anything, the accent was too thick. I wish I could get my money back.

Sherlock Holmes

Always enjoy Sherlock Holmes can't beat them. Either book or audio, good mystery holds you to the end

One small niggle

An excellent story, well read with the exception of Holmes' initial interview with Helen Stoner which is very poor in terms of rhythm and appears to be jumpy and missing some words. This doesn't detract from the story, but is annoying when using the audiobook to lull oneself to sleep.

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Title: Monk's Hood

Subtitle: The Third Chronicle of Brother Cadfael

Author: Ellis Peters

Narrator: Sir Derek Jacobi

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-20-09

Publisher: Phoenix Books

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

It is December in the Year of our Lord 1138 when Gervase Bonel dies after eating sauce laced with poison served which had been served with a partridge. The active ingredient found in the sauce was monkshood, poison if ingested and otherwise known as Wolfsbane. Brother Cadfael made the oil. Who used it as poison? Cadfael assesses the motives of Bonels Welsh natural son and his stepson, and deals with Bonels widow, who at one time long ago was Cadfae's sweetheart. Drawing upon his knowledge of both herbs and the human heart, Cadfael ultimately uncovers a deadly recipe for murder.

Tony Award-winning actor Derek Jacobi narrates, and his telling of this heartfelt yet sinister story brings the characters to life in this third chronicle of Brother Cadfael.

Members Reviews:

classic

Terrific author and marvellous story. brought to life by.a first class narrator. hope I can get the full series

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Title: Death in a White Tie

Author: Ngaio Marsh

Narrator: Benedict Cumberbatch

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-28-08

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 178 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The season had begun. Débutantes and chaperones were planning their luncheons, teas, dinners, balls. And the blackmailer was planning his strategies, stalking his next victim. But Chief Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn knew that something was up. He had already planted his friend Lord Robert Gospell at the scene. But someone else got there first...

Members Reviews:

Abridgment, Narration Highlight Weaknesses

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

On the whole, probably not. I'm a fan of Ngaio Marsh and other classic English mystery writers largely for the restoratively escapist experience they provide -- the luxury of immersing myself in a not-too-serious puzzle in an elegantly mannered, rarified society at a distant time, without bothering my little head about the real world questions of social justice and an impermeable class system, economic depression, and xenophobia that also characterized these times. I also consider listening to the perfect vowels and resonant tones of Benedict Cumberbatch's voice a truly satisfying indulgence. Unfortunately, Cumberbatch doesn't do young women spectacularly well, and he does American women less successfully than English women. Since many of the most importent characters in this story, both the ones we're supposed to love and the ones were supposed to despise, are women, that fact makes the escapist exercise of suspending disbelief more difficult, the experience a bit less satisfying. Moreover, I have never thought that Marsh does very well by her characters when they are trying to express deep emotions, especially romantic ones. Lines that had struck me as uninspired or unsuccessful when reading this old favorite--but which I shrugged off, and read on in search of the bad guys -- are revealed as jaw-droppingly silly, vapid, even embarrassing in narration. (I suspect that the abridgment makes it even worse, as these things seem to come even more out of the blue than in the original, but I think the fault is there in the original.). Again, hard to stay rapt in the the moment when the urbane hero is making an implausible goob of himself. Overall I still enjoyed both the narration and the story, but I suspect that I could have spent the time on much more edifying or, alternatively, more effectively escapist, offerings.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Either left the development of the Alleyn -- Troy romance to another time, or done much more with it, more believably. I also would have made Cumberbatch's interpretations of the characters "Donna" and Bridget less affected and more straightforward.

Which character as performed by Benedict Cumberbatch was your favorite?

A toss-up. Cumberbatch's voice is ideal for Alleyn: I don't think I'd want to hear anyone else do it. Cumberbatch brought out aspects of Lord Robert Gospell's character that I had overlooked when reading the book, so I was surprised and then impressed by what he did with that character.

Do you think Death in a White Tie needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

As to writing, a moot point: there are many, many Alleyn books, and Dame Ngaio is no longer with us. As to recording, yes, absolutely.

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Title: The Thirteen Problems

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Joan Hickson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-13-07

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 73 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

When her friends from the Tuesday Night Club visit Miss Marple's house, the conversation often turns to unsolved crimes. Trying to solve these 13 mysteries are Raymond West, a young writer; the artist Joyce Lemprière; Dr Pender, the clergyman, who claims to know the hidden side of human character; Mr Petherick, a lawyer who is only interested in the logical approach; and Sir Henry Clithering, whose experience as commissioner of Scotland Yard speaks for itself. Then, of course, there is Miss Marple, who has observed enough about human nature to be more than a match for the most perspicacious investigator.

©1932 Agatha Christie Limited, a Chorion Company. All rights reserved; (P)2002 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London UK

Critic Reviews:

"The plots are so good that one marvels...most of them would have made a full-length thriller." (Daily Mirror)

Members Reviews:

Awesome Miss Marple Short Stories

What did you love best about The Thirteen Problems?

Its a series of 13 short stories, expertly read by Joan Hickson (my favourite Miss Marple). Each story is the perfect length to listen to before bed, on the train, etc. Each keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering who-dunnit.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, by having a series of short stories, so the suspense never lowers.

What does Joan Hickson bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Joan Hickson's voice just epitomizes Miss Marple. But she's also a great actress who brings life to every character, and adds suspense and excitement through her voice.

Any additional comments?

A good selection for time poor people.

Classic Miss Marple

Where does The Thirteen Problems rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

'The Thirteen Problems' is one of my favourite audio-books so far. The thirteen stories in this collection are Miss Marple at her best.

What did you like best about this story?

Agatha Christie really excelled at writing these type of stories, so all of the stories in this collection are very entertaining bite-sized mysteries.

I like short story collections as they are perfect for easy listening in short bursts.

Which character as performed by Joan Hickson was your favorite?

Miss Marple of course!

Joan Hickson was Jane Marple in the 1980's BBC TV series, so having this great actress narrate these Miss Marple stories brings an authentic voice to the thirteen stories. She does a brilliant job voicing all of the characters in this audio-book, but Joan Hickson is Miss Marple as far as I am concerned.

Who was the most memorable character of The Thirteen Problems and why?

These are Miss Marple stories where her shrewd intelligence and experience of human nature shine through, so nobody is supposed to surpass Jane Marple's clever way of solving problems... and nobody does.

Any additional comments?

A nice collection of mystery stories, that are very well written and very well performed.

Very good

Loved listening to the late Joan Hickson's melodious tones again. I enjoy Agatha Christie's shorter stories perhaps more than the longer ones, no need for character development, which I don't think was her forte, just a well crafted yarn.

What a Treat

A treat indeed to have the great Joan Hickson (surely the definitive Miss Marple) read some of Christie's greatest stories.

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Title: A Caribbean Mystery

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Joan Hickson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-07-07

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 37 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Eventually, her interest was aroused by an old soldier's yarn about a strange coincidence. Infuriatingly, just as he was about to show her an astonishing photograph, the Major's attention wandered. He never did finished the story.

Critic Reviews:

"Liveliness...infectious zest...as good as anything Miss Christie has done." (Observer)

"Throws off the false clues and misleading events as only a master of the art can do." (New York Times)

Members Reviews:

Joan Hickson

Joan Hickson is my favorite narrator. She should be the one to narrate all of miss marple-books.

Addictive and beautifully narrated.

Joan Hickson does a marvellous job voicing all the characters and her pronunciation is deliciously contemporaneous. Agatha Christie's masterful weaving and subsequent unravelling of the plot leads one by the nose till the end. Marvellous!

One of the best

I've listened to this book over and over again. I love the story and love the reading.

Top notch Marple

Miss Marple's only overseas outing - and what a memorable one. Joan Hickson is flawless.

"He said ... She Said

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely, it's a book you just can't put down.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Miss Marple, so ably and naturally narrated by Joan Hickson

Which scene did you most enjoy?

When the murderer was revealed.

Any additional comments?

I listened to this book several years ago on CD and I really enjoyed the plot. It was an excellent setting for the novel. My mum heard a short snippet and like me, she liked the narration by Joan Hickson. I remember the first time I listened to it - I went through five suspects before the final revelation.

I also liked the snippet Miss Marple was reading out of of Raymond West's book as the man was staring at the girl's stained jersey, bare feet, dirty toe nails and the swell of rancied fat, wondering why he found her so attractive. Christie's comment, "Miss Marple wondered too" made me smile. She shows an excellent sense of humour at times and so easily and naturally adds a light hearted flavour to her books. I also like the way she tells her readers about the events which lead up to the murder before it happens.

With so many rumours going around and time running out, it keeps you wondering in true Christie style right up until the end and Miss Marple and Mr. Rafiel were an excellent duo.

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Title: Murder is Easy

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Hugh Fraser

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 05-07-07

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 30 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Luke Fitzwilliam could not believe Miss Pinkerton's wild allegation that a multiple murderer was at work in the quiet English village of Wychwood, or her speculation that the local doctor was next in line. But, within hours, Miss Pinkerton had been killed in a hit-and-run car accident. Mere coincidence? Luke was inclined to think so, until he read in The Times of the unexpected demise of Dr Humbleby.

©1939 Agatha Christie Limited, a Chorion Company. All rights reserved; (P)2004 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London UK

Critic Reviews:

"Suspense, mystery, romance, and an agreeable touch of the macabre." (Guardian)

"Contains some clever plotting and enough casting of suspicion to keep you guessing like mad." (Books)

"One of Agatha Christie's best mystery novels, a story fascinating in its plot, clever and lively in its characters, and brilliant in its technique." (New York Times)

Members Reviews:

Hugh Fraser, always a pleasure

Another book that I am sure I will listen to over and over again. Luke Fitzwilliam is no Poirot or Marple but the story is enjoyable all the same.

Hugh Fraser is for me the best narrator of Christie stories. I hope to have every one in my collection over time.

Excellent Narration

Hugh Fraser is an excellent narrator. I actually forgot there was only one person reading all the parts - each character was so individual. The plot was entertaining and with Hugh Fraser at the helm, the hours just flew by.

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Title: Elephants Can Remember

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Hugh Fraser

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-07-07

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 36 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

This was followed by the grisly discovery of two more bodies, a husband and wife, shot dead. But who had killed whom? Was it a suicide pact? A crime of passion? Or cold-blooded murder?

Poirot delves back into a crime committed 15 years earlier and discovers that, when there is a distinct lack of physical evidence, it's just as well that "old sins leave long shadows".

Critic Reviews:

"The acknowledged queen of detective fiction." (The Observer)

"Splendid...she tells us all we want to know and nothing that is irrelevant." (The Times)

Members Reviews:

Not Christie's best work

If you could sum up Elephants Can Remember in three words, what would they be?

Classic Christie mystery

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It might be because I've read so many of Christie's mysteries before but I found this story slightly predictable.

Capitol!

Awesome story, first class narration, characters beautifully described and performed. Love High Fraser- the very finest Agatha Christie narrator.

I listened with my husband and 12 year old son (and dog- story has dog interest too) we all were held by the story until the exciting end!

Just amazing!

Enjoyable listen

I enjoyed listening to this typical Christie plot with twists and turns galore. It focuses quite a bit on Ariadne Oliver before Poirot gets involved but is well read by Hugh Frazer

Elephant's can remember

At the age of 11 Ceila was sent to Switzerland, to go school, she's then told her parents have been found dead, a pistol between them, everyone believes that it's suicide pack, until she decides to get married, and her mother in law starts poking around but why????????

another great story from agatha Christi

I'd not heard of this story and was pleasany surprised by it. Great narration by Hugh Fraser

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Title: Third Girl

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Hugh Fraser

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-16-07

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 37 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Now there were rumours of revolvers, flick-knives, and blood stains. But, without hard evidence, it would take all Poirot's tenacity to establish whether the third girl was guilty, innocent - or insane.

Critic Reviews:

"First Class Christie." (Sunday Telegraph)

"Mesmerising ingenuity." (Financial Times)

Members Reviews:

A good AC story well read

Hugh Fraser is the reader of Poirot stories in my opinion and third girl is a great AC story. Highly recommended

Excellent

Narrated brilliantly by Hugh Fraser as always. Slightly unusual style of plot for Poirot. Highly recommended

A good mystery

If you could sum up Third Girl in three words, what would they be?

Jolly good mystery

What did you like best about this story?

The plot remained a mystery until the end.

What about Hugh Frasers performance did you like?

Hugh Fraser is always pleasant to listen to. The characters are easy to differentiate, and he reads clearly.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I enjoy Agatha Christies stories, and her characters are people it's easy to feel sympathy with.

Any additional comments?

Fantastic

Great Agatha Christie novel narrated superbly by Hugh Frazer,

and if you're thinking 'Oh I've seen it on TV, well the ending in the book

is quite different from the TV episode, but just as great.

Highly recommended. Hugh Fraser 'Brilliant' as usual.

A clever plot ....

Christie at her best I think. It really made me think. The narrative is lovely really bringing Hercule and Mrs Oliver to life.

A comfortable and relaxing tale with a delicious splash of violence.

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Title: Morse's Greatest Mysteries

Author: Colin Dexter

Narrator: Kevin Whately

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-13-07

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 63 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Classic Detective

Publisher's Summary:

These five dazzling short stories about the world's most popular fictional detective will tantalize all lovers of classic crime fiction.

Members Reviews:

Well done but time listed is wrong

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Nicely convoluted Oxfordian plots.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

At least happily listening on a car drive.

Which character as performed by Kevin Whately was your favorite?

Lewis.

Could you see Morse's Greatest Mysteries being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Kevin Whately, John Thaw(?)

Any additional comments?

This is mislabeled. It's only 2:30 long and it said it was 7+.

second time of listening must be good

I

Just like the ease of listening

I would recommend this to my daughter,

I know she will enjoy as much as

I have

A nostalgic listen

After loving the new series of 'Endeavour' on TV I became nostalgic for the original Morse and decided to download this. Not as satisfying as a full Morse but these short stories are enjoyable and brilliantly narrated by Kevin Whately

Not what I expected

I love Morse n Lewis but these snippets (that's what they are, extremely short snippets too) we're OK. But not great, so much so I didn't finish it.