Detective cover art

Detective

The Complete BBC Radio 4 Crime Drama

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Detective

By: Robert Barr
Narrated by: full cast, Ray Brooks
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About this listen

All four radio series of Robert Barr’s gripping London-based police drama.

Originally broadcast as Detective: Stories of Crime and Detection in London, this BBC radio drama ran for four series between 1980 and 1985. Written by the award-winning creator of Z Cars and Softly Softly, Robert Barr, it comprised 39 thrilling stories set in London’s criminal underworld, all of which are collected here for the first time.

DS Dave Brook is a long-serving, ducking-and-diving police officer who takes armed robberies and violent crime in his stride. But then he is teamed up with young 'grammar school boy' DC Blair Maxton from sleepy Epsom. How will Max cope with the mean streets of his new patch?

Among the thrilling cases in these four series, the detectives tackle an armed gang, confront a notorious crime family, search for a missing wife, investigate a gruesome ax murder and the death of a reclusive young woman, and assist ‘The Sweeney’ flying squad. It’s all in a day’s work for Brook and his team....

Ray Brooks stars as DS Brook, with Christopher Blake as DC Maxton, David Daker as Chief Inspector Roach, Peter Cleall as DC Harrison, Jacqueline Tong as Judy and Stephen Garlick as DC Tully.

Written by Robert Barr

Produced and directed by Martin Fisher

First broadcast 3 January-27 March 1980, BBC Radio 4 (Series 1), 16 March-18 May 1982, BBC Radio 4, (Series 2), 27 June-15 August 1984, BBC Radio 2 (Series 3), 24 June-12 August 1985, BBC Radio 2 (Series 4)

©2019 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2019 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Mystery Exciting Funny British Detective Mysteries British Crime

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All stars
Most relevant
Enjoyable series that is well written and acted. I highly recommend giving this series a listen.

Detective

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The series was a good listen overall even if a bit out dated in its view of women and gender stereotypes. It was also amusing listening to actors with strong RP playing cockney criminals. This did not takeaway for the overall well acted and well developed plots in this 1970’s ( I presume) cop drama. A great listen in the car!

A bit out dated but enjoyable

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I thoroughly enjoyed this series. listened whilst walking the dog and ended up walking for miles as I was so caught up in the stories. sorry there weren't more.

shame there wasn't more!

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Didn’t expect much from this but really enjoyed it. Brooks is great and the stories are pretty good

Impressed

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I really enjoyed this programme. Are there any more? I would love to hear another one!!!

A quite realistic detective programme

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