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Artists in Crime

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Artists in Crime

By: Ngaio Marsh
Narrated by: Philip Franks
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Summary

One of Ngaio Marsh’s most famous murder mysteries, which introduces Inspector Alleyn to his future wife, the irrepressible Agatha Troy.

It started as a student exercise, the knife under the drape, the model’s pose chalked in place. But before Agatha Troy, artist and instructor, returns to the class, the pose has been reenacted in earnest: the model is dead, fixed forever in one of the most dramatic poses Troy has ever seen.

It’s a difficult case for Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn. How can he believe that the woman he loves is a murderess? And yet no one can be above suspicion....

©1938 Original Text of 1938 by Ngaio Marsh (P)2015 Hachette Audio Cosy Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction Mystery Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Crime Thriller Classics Suspense
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Critic reviews

"The queen of the straight crime novel - long may she reign!" ( Sunday Times)
"The finest writer in the English language of the pure, classical puzzle whodunit. Among the crime queens, Ngaio Marsh stands out as an Empress." ( The Sun)
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I devoured all the Alleyn books many years ago and still re read them. This Audible reading had me riveted. Although I knew the story well I was drawn completely into the world of the artists, Troy and Alleyn. Philip Franks has a very subtle style, the characters were credible and very distinctive, he never over plays things. So many male readers sound like pantomime dames when interpreting female parts...but his are quiet and distinctive. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Well done to all concerned.

Wonderful

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love this book read it many years ago but how sad that the narrator mispronounces the main characters name. In the name Alleyn the y is silent therefore name is pronounced Allen not Alain. Sorry to be so picky but when you know and love a character its really irritating and spoils an otherwise enjoyable story.

Wrong name

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Not my favourite Marsh because the "romance" between Alleyn and Troy leaves me cold, but I do like the art world being explored and the actual killer was quite a surprise to me the first time I encountered the book. The narrator mispronouncing the name of the main character every single time however really, really gets annoying.

Good story let down by narrator

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What made the experience of listening to Artists in Crime the most enjoyable?

Obviously, to me, the experience of hearing one of the few New Zealand authors to belong in the Golden Age of murder mysteries. Ngaio Marsh was also a member of The Detection Club in the UK in the 1930's.

Philip Franks does a superb job on this book. The characters are clearly sketched but not overdone (he even manages to get the Australian accent about right).

Overall, I'd have to say that this is my favourite Marsh book. The story combined with the narration make it a pure joy to listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Artists in Crime?

The first meeting between Troy and Alleyn.

Which character – as performed by Philip Franks – was your favourite?

To be honest, they all were. He did such a great job.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No real emotional reaction. This book (and the others by Ngaio Marsh) rate up there with Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers. They're what I'd call cozy murders.

Any additional comments?

Can we have the rest please?

At last, more Golden Age Mysteries!

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I've always enjoyed Ngaio Marsh's writing, her discriptive passages are sensational getting right down to the facts of the matter. love them. Truly transportative.

Wonderful narration by Philip Frank'

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