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Overture to Death

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Overture to Death

By: Ngaio Marsh
Narrated by: Ric Jerrom
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About this listen

It was planned as an act of charity: a new piano for the parish hall, an amusing play to finance the gift. But its execution was doomed when Miss Campanula sat down to play.

A chord was struck, a shot rang out and Miss Campanula was dead. A case of sinister infatuation for the brilliant Chief Detective-Inspector Alleyn.

©1939 Original Text of 1939 by Ngaio Marsh (P)2015 Hachette Audio Cosy Crime Thrillers Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Fiction Detective Thriller Crime

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Critic reviews

"Admirably mysterious." ( Daily Mail)
"It's time to start comparing Christie to Marsh instead of the other way around." ( New York magazine)
All stars
Most relevant  
terrific country house murder mystery superbly read , I'm about to look up and subscribe for more readings by Ric Jerrom

in the best tradition

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There is a deliciously improbable murder, characters and language set firmly in their period, complex plotting and a narrator who brings it all to life with a myriad of voices and just the right amount of ham! I loved it!

Absolutely enthralling!

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Book of the year for me will not reevaluate decisions so please don’t be surprised if you don’t get the answer.

This was a great

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Best narration I've heard. I loved it. It's kept me going on my daily commute

Ric Jerrom faultless

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I enjoyed this Naigo Marsh whodunit. It kept me listening with great interest as to whodunit. The narration was good. To be recommended.

Recommended

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Would you consider the audio edition of Overture to Death to be better than the print version?

Have not read the book itself

What was one of the most memorable moments of Overture to Death?

The reveal!

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Little too theatrical for me on some of the characters but still well worth a listen

Good book

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I liked everything. Even if some characters made you squirm! Narrator excellent. Am now a great Marsh/Alley fan after reading quite a few.

Ngaio Marsh on form

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Ngaio Marsh is one of the great writers of detective fiction - far superior to Agatha Christie, in my opinipn - and this is one of her best.Very well read too.

A classic of the Golden Age

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True old-fashioned golden age stuff, every component present: narrow circle of suspects (all of whom are frightfully upper-middle class), complicatedly clever murder, loads of stock characters (bluff but decent lord of the manor, charming young couple, glamorous hussy, plus -in this case- frustrated old biddies), posh but handsome detective with stolid but intelligent sidekick (Wimsey and Bunter but in police costumes) etc. With Ngaio Marsh you usually get a bit of theatre (✔️, and often a newly-arrived Kiwi - missing in this case. Just the cosy escapist bit of nonsense we all need in these miserable days!

Read really well, by the way: voices excellent- educated but believable detective, sexy floozy and even cheeky small boy.
Well done!

Proper Golden Age!

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Detailed scenes setting and characterisations together with a far fetched plot combine in an enjoyable entertainment. Expertly narrated.

Charming period piece

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