A Trace of Poison cover art

A Trace of Poison

A Phyllida Bright Mystery, Book 2

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A Trace of Poison

By: Colleen Cambridge
Narrated by: Rachel Atkins
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About this listen

Mystery fans will revel in this historical series set in the fascinating world of Agatha Christie, as her ever-capable housekeeper endeavors to solve mysteries far stranger than fiction—a treat for fans of Anna Lee Huber, Jacqueline Winspear, Alyssa Maxwell, and of course the grand dame of fiction herself.

In England's stately manor houses, murder is not generally a topic for polite conversation. Mallowan Hall, home to Agatha Christie and her husband, Max, is the exception. And housekeeper Phyllida Bright delights in discussing gory plot details with her friend and employer . . .

The neighboring village of Listleigh has also become a hub of grisly goings-on, thanks to a Murder Fete organized to benefit a local orphanage. Members of The Detection Club—a group of celebrated authors such as G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Agatha herself—will congregate for charitable events, including a writing contest for aspiring authors. The winner gets an international publishing contract, and entrants have gathered for a cocktail party—managed by the inimitable Phyllida—when murder strikes too close even for her comfort.

It seems the victim imbibed a poisoned cocktail intended for Alastair Whittlesby, president of the local writers' club. The insufferable Whittlesby is thought to be a shoo-in for the prize, and ambition is certainly a worthy motive. But narrowing down these suspects could leave even Phyllida's favorite fictional detective, M. Poirot, twirling his moustache in frustration.

It's a mystery too intriguing for Phyllida to resist, but one fraught with duplicity and danger, for every guest is an expert in murder—and how to get away with it . . .

©2022 Colleen Cambridge (P)2022 W F Howes
Amateur Sleuths Detective Fiction Historical Mystery
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What listeners say about A Trace of Poison

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great yarn, great characte

Only two books ? when can we see more of Philippa and Bates the chauffeur. A wonderful who done it adventure

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good story

The story was well crafted and there were plenty of ‘red herrings’ and twists and turns. Sadly the inclusion of American words like ‘sedan’ and ‘car hood’ detract from a story which in other ways is so firmly set in post war England.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Spoilt by American language and sloppy editing

A great fun plot, but I kept noticing USA terminology and manners of speech that grated in the scenarios and characters created, especially when read in an English accent. It became more apparent nearing the final chapters, as if the editor had gone for lunch then forgot to check the rest! These should have been ironed out. And twice in one chapter in the Audible recording there is a click, and a portion of text is repeated, missed by the sound engineer.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Unedited files…

The story is good and the narrator is excellent. Unfortunately, there are several instances of unedited repeats being left in the story. You'll hear a sentence read, then a click, and then the sentence is repeated.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Poor Ms Christie must be turning in her grave.

"A Trace of Poison" is better than the first book in the series, "Murder at Mallowan Hall," but still feels more like an American cash grab than an homage to the Queen of Crime. Poor Ms Christie must be turning in her grave.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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They are all similar

Dislike use of word ‘gotten’ by an English narrator on an English book !! Why. These are otherwise easy listening

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Agatha Christie, but not as expected

I enjoyed listening to this cozy mystery while driving, it is engaging enough but not too complicated.
Great idea to feature Agatha Christie, especially as she’s not as the main character, but I disliked how the reader interpreted her: instead of speaking she always seemed to sigh, with a voice that resembled a frightened rabbit.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Very annoying central character

I’m amazed no one tried to kill off Phyllida, the housekeeper detective. She is so annoying. I really can’t see what the chauffeur, Bradford, sees in her.

The plot itself was quite good, but can’t think why the author made Agatha Christie sound like a frightened, husky rabbit. It was very strange and jarring. It also quickly became clear that this had been written by an American and I found the US phraseology discordant. If you’re going to have an English country house mystery, then make sure the language is accurate. The overuse of ‘likely was a particular problem. And doing something Tuesday instead of ‘on Tuesday’ . Also using ‘out the door” or out the window’ instead of ‘out of ‘. As someone else mentioned, there are also editing errors.

I don’t think I’ll bother listening to any further books.

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2 people found this helpful