By the Pricking of My Thumbs

A Tommy and Tuppence Mystery

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Hugh Fraser

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

When Tommy and Tuppence visit an elderly aunt in her gothic nursing home, they think nothing of her mistrust of the doctors; after all, Ada is a very difficult old lady.

But when Mrs. Lockett mentions a poisoned mushroom stew and Mrs. Lancaster talks about "something behind the fireplace," Tommy and Tuppence find themselves caught up in a spine-chilling adventure that could spell death for either of them....

©1968 Agatha Christie Limited (P)2006 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

Something wicked...truly

Would you listen to By the Pricking of My Thumbs again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to this again. Hugh Fraser (Hastings from Poirot stories) does a very good job with the reading. And the story is quite creepy enough.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Albert, the slightly excitable butler, who must read American crime novels in his spare time.

What does Hugh Fraser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Fraser has the nuances we have come to enjoy from his role as Hastings. His voices are very well done.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The description of Mrs. Packard's face - if hairs rising can be called "moving."

Any additional comments?

It's been a while since I read any Tommy and Tuppence and I was not disappointed in this audio version.

Outstanding Story and Narration

Agatha does not disappoint with this dark tale and Hugh Fraser gives an excellent performance.

Tommy & Tuppence, Christie & Fraser

Where does By the Pricking of My Thumbs rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It really is fantastic! I love the story and I love how much trouble Tuppence always seems to get into. The relationship between these two only progresses with age and I love that they are very real as a couple. The mystery was very different and I enjoyed listening to it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of By the Pricking of My Thumbs?

One of the most memorable scenes for me was that of Tommy leaving for his conference and telling Tuppence to keep out of trouble while she isn't listening to him and is immediately plotting her adventure as he's walking out the door. I LOVE them!

What about Hugh Fraser’s performance did you like?

Mr. Fraser is perhaps the most talented performer of audio books I have heard. His vocal range is brilliant and he completely understands Christie's writing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I don't include spoilers, but the scene that reveals the killer was very intense.

Any additional comments?

Fantastic listen!

Great Listen

Great Agatha Christy novel, plot was easy to follow and the who done it was a complete shock.

good

great narrator love his voice and the way he makes characters come alive want more

Tommy and Tuppence never loose their appeal

I’ve seen By The Pricking Of My Thumbs on Television and this is a far better plot. Hugh Fraser does his usual excellent job narrating etc. But the actual plot of the book is what held my attention. It is so different from the Miss Marple Version and so much more interesting and well rounded.. The Beresfords are in their 50’s (I think.) They never actually say. But still care for each other, and like each other. Now, after many comfortable years together, children together, and many adventures together, both domestic and professional, they are very aware of each other’s foibles. Tuppence hasn’t lost her ability to take off after a mystery w/o thinking it thru 100% and Tommy has grown more cautious if anything. Which makes this story so frustrating at times. I kept saying “don’t go in there” to Tuppence and “You’ve got the info you need, Tommy, go after her! Without giving the plot away I’ll just say the storyline is nothing like the Marple Version. First of all, Miss Marple does not make an appearance at all and there’s no Gingerbread House! There is a house, there’s a painting and there’s a Mrs Lancaster, and an Aunt Ada. But that’s where the similarities end.

This one’s a keeper and by far my favorite of the Tommy and Tuppence books.