Vintage Murder

By: Ngaio Marsh

Narrated by: James Saxon

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

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)

Old School Mystery

Too complicated, too many characters. That said, the characters were well drawn and well developed. The narrator was faultless - super job of giving each character a unique voice. I got this as it was the selection of the month for a book club. I did enjoy it and would recommend it if you want a cozy mystery that is not easy to figure out.

How did he do it?

Ngaio Marsh has been a favorite of mine for many...years. I'm "rereading" her with Audible. The reader James Saxon is excellent!
Inspector Alleyn is recovering, and needing rest, he decides to visit another country. He happens to be present at a murder. Trying his best to not be recognized nor pulled into the case, he fails.
Take a trip with Chief Inspector Allyn. You will be glad you did.

Too complex

I usually enjoy Ngaio Marsh stories but this one seemed unnecessarily complex. There were too many characters with very similar personalities which made the story was hard to follow.

Excellent Narration of A Classic Mystery

Disclaimer: I am already a fan of Ngaio Marsh books, so am rather biased in regards to the tale itself. This tale is especially lovely in that it takes place in New Zealand in the mid-1930s, the language is quaint, and the scene descriptions delightful. James Saxon, the narrator, uses charming accents and voices for the different characters. He is now one of my favorite narrators and I shall look for examples of his work just for the pleasure of hearing his portrayals of other characters.10/10 recommend this performance.

A bit dull

I used to love reading Ngaio Marsh and I think several of her mysteries are more compelling than this one. But I’m afraid I found this one a little dull, Roderick Alleyn (who I considered a literary dreamboat) a little over the top, and the reader didn’t do much for me. He was skillful in his performance but he sounds like a rather fusty old-school BBC announcer.