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Vintage Murder

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Vintage Murder

By: Ngaio Marsh
Narrated by: James Saxon
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About this listen

A touring theatre company in New Zealand forms the basis of one of Marsh’s most ambitious and innovative novels.

New Zealand theatrical manager Alfred Meyer wanted to celebrate his wife’s birthday in style. The piece de résistance would be the jeroboam of champagne which would descend gently into a nest of fern and coloured lights on the table, set up onstage after the performance.

But something went horribly wrong. Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn witnessed it himself. Was Meyer’s death the product of Maori superstitions? Or something much more down to earth?

©1937 Original Text of 1937 by Ngaio Marsh (P)2015 Hachette Audio Cosy Crime Thrillers Fiction Mystery Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Detective Crime

Critic reviews

"The brilliant Ngaio Marsh ranks with Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers." ( Times Literary Supplement)
"The theatre detail is engrossing." (Margaret Lewis)
"A far more ambitious novel than anything Marsh had attempted before." ( American Journal of Popular Culture)
"Her work is as nearly flawless as makes no odds. Character, plot, wit, good writing, and sound technique." ( Sunday Times)
"The finest writer in the English languange of the pure, classical puzzle whodunnit. Among the crime queens, Ngaio Marsh stands out as an Empress." ( The Sun)
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This is just another Marsh classic that confirms her to be one of the truly great classic murder mystery novelists. Her language is always sublime and is forever combined with great warmth of place and character, and hilarious humour. Alleyn is a quintessential English detective, voiced here by the magnificent James Saxon who displays a terrific breadth of nuance in each characterization. Wholly recommended.

Another Marsh Cracker

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Love James Saxon’s narration-it’s a great story by one of the best golden age detective authors. Thank you!

Wonderful!

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One of my favourite Ngaio Marsh mysteries, well told by a voice artist of diverse ability. From brisk Cockney, through easily distinguishable New Zealand accents, including Maori, and Alleyn himself to a richly vocal old actor turned doorkeeper: James Saxon is an excellent narrator.
The descriptions of New Zealand, make you want to book a trip immediately.

Brilliantly evocative, intriguing detective story.

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The characters were nicely developed and the murder a good old logistical puzzle. The ending was a disappointment and rather ran out of steam. Usual stereotypes abound but overall the New Zealand setting was enjoyable.

Great story but poor denouement

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Not one of her best, despite some rather lovely descriptions of NZ scenery. The narration is uneven & the plot rather slow moving and far fetched. The book ( in my view) lacks the depth of characterisation and genuine tension of her best novels.

Bit creaky ...

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