The Secret of Chimneys

Hugh Fraser, known to aficionados of PBS's "Mystery" as Poirot's sidekick, Captain Hastings, is the narrator of this delightful story in which the combined forces of Scotland Yard and the French Surete can do no better than run in circles--until the final murder at Chimneys. Readers might think they've picked up a multivoiced performance when they meet Anthony Cade, the witty, and chivalrous hero who never loses his cool in sticky situations; the zealous politician George Lomax, hilarious in his pomposity; Herzoslovakian Baron Lolopretjzyl ,who does strange and amusing things to English word order; Prince Michael's gothic valet; the intelligent and sensible Superintendent Battle; Lady Eileen ("Bundle") Brent, who uncovers the "secret" of the title; and Virginia, who sounds so delicate but actually enjoys being blackmailed for the sake of the experience. Listen to this audiobook once for the mystery and parody and again for the wealth of Fraser's smooth, cultured character presentations. K.A.T. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

Narrator Simon Jones takes on a riot of madcap characters in this early Agatha Christie mystery. Adrift, Anthony Cade agrees to help a friend by delivering the manuscript of a dead nobleman to an English publisher. Naturally, this drags Cade into international intrigue, upper-crust scandals, jewel thieves, and murder at an English country estate. Jones balances his hilarious portrayals of secondary characters with the earnest Cade and the enchanting Virginia Revel. Jones's deft regional accents (including that of the fictional Herzoslovakia) help differentiate the many characters, as do his vivid intonations. This production has the atmosphere of a classic full-cast radio play. Jones's understated performance of the imperturbable Superintendent Battle leaves the listener eager for more mysteries featuring the lesser-known sleuth. S.T.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine