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Artists in Crime  By  cover art

Artists in Crime

By: Ngaio Marsh
Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch
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Publisher's summary

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 re-enacted in earnest: the model is dead, fixed for ever 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 Ngaio Marsh (P)2008 Hachette Digital

What listeners say about Artists in Crime

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Worth Listening for Cumberbatch's performance

Would you consider the audio edition of Artists in Crime to be better than the print version?

I'm not a fan of Ngaio Marsh but I was drawn to this audio book because of Benedict Cumberbatch. Normally, I avoid abridged editions altogether. The story was alright, but nothing to write home about.

What about Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance did you like?

Cumberbatch really is a one-man band in this performance, doing a multiplicity of roles and voices.But I can listen to him read anything, really. He's that good.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to this book in one sitting and was pretty disappointed when it was all over.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A meeting of two people

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, It is exciting and the characters are very interesting.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not really but it did keep me wondering who did it. It was a surprise at who did it.
The characters all had some grudge against each other

Which scene was your favorite?

When Inspector Alleyn meets Troy and says her painting is perfect the way it is and not to spoil it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not sure I could do it in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Good plot, kept moving along and changing directions which makes it interesting. and meeting the new character the Reporter and of course Inspector Fox

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great narration and story!

Mr. Cumberbatch does a fantastic job narrating this whodunnit! I really enjoyed this book. The story is very good.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Aii! Abridged

I love the narrator but I forgot to check that this was an unabridged version. Sigh. Why would anyone even make an abridged recording?

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21 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • L
  • 02-07-13

Oh dear.

What would have made Artists in Crime better?

I loved this book when I read it. However, even the lovely voice of Benedict Cumberbatch couldn't save this slash-and-burn abridgement.

What was most disappointing about Ngaio Marsh’s story?

'Hachette Audio UK' are very well named. Even the strong central whodunnit plot doesn't withstand the brute force they used to strip bare the original story.

What about Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance did you like?

Benedict Cumberbatch is a great narrator but he's working without tools here.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

If you are a fan of the Queen of Crime, avoid this mess of of an abridgement, Run fast, run far.

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11 people found this helpful