The Killings at Badger’s Drift

Midsomer Murders Mystery, Book 1

By: Caroline Graham

Narrated by: John Hopkins

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

The Killings at Badger's Drift is the first spectacular instalment in the Midsomer Murders series and the story that inspired the ITV hit drama, now featuring an exclusive foreword by John Nettles, who played best-loved TV detective and star of Midsomer Murders, DCI Tom Barnaby.

The village of Badger's Drift is the essence of tranquillity. But when resident and well-loved spinster Miss Simpson takes a stroll in the nearby woods, she stumbles across something she was never meant to see, and there's only one way to keep her quiet.

Miss Simpson's death is not suspicious, say the villagers. But Miss Lucy Bellringer refuses to rest: her friend has been murdered. She is sure of it.

She calls on Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby to investigate, and it isn't long until the previously unseen seamy side of Badger's Drift is brought to light. But as old rivalries, past loves and new scandals surface, the next murder is not far away.

©1987 Caroline Graham (P)2022 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"Simply the best detective writer since Agatha Christie." (The Sunday Times)

"A mystery of which Agatha Christie would have been proud.... A beautifully written crime novel." (The Times)

"Tension builds, bitchery flares, resentment seethes...lots of atmosphere, colourful characters and fair clues." (Mail on Sunday)

Excellent!

I had watched Midsomer Murders and really enjoyed it. I have a short attention span but this audiobook most definitely kept my attention! It was well written, made you think, played with your emotions a bit, showed you a bit of reality that could easily have come out of your own life.
The characters were well thought out, and well laid out. Troy is a bit different than the TV series, but he was more real to life somehow in the audiobook.
The narration was superb! I look forward to the next book, and I have not said that in a long time!

Wonderful

So many twists and turns. Spellbinding. Truly a great story to listen to while rocking babies that won’t sleep.

Extremely Well Done Mystery

Gripping and thought- provoking work. Brilliantly read. One of those “I don’t want to turn the car off, even though I’ve arrived” stories.

Rich language, talented detective and fascinating story!

I adore the book. Planning to continue my journey along the Graham’s investigations, village gardens, neighbours’ gossips and family mysteries.

Sooo Good !!

I have watched this series on BBC 3 times now. My favorite show and hope to travel across the pond again just to take the tour where the filming took place. I purchased the books to get more insight into the characters and to see how close they tried to follow the author's writing. Understanding that TV must really just hit the highlights in the hour they have. I'm now on book 3 and have been so happy to see the book is followed enough to recognize, and the brilliance of the producer! If you truly are a fan of this series you will feel like it's Christmas morning - what a gift and the narrator is amazing!

he sounds like Barnaby

John Hopkins did a great job as narrator. He actually mimicks John Nettles perfectly. story was good but that was expected.

A Very Interesting Murder Story

this Audible book was well done though at first a bit to slow for me. There are a lot of twists throughout the story. I truely Disliked Sargent Trout and his bigoted reactions to the various characters he was taking notes of during the interviews. Narrator does a good job with the Entire Storyline.

Excellent mystery!

Very entertaining listen with a very talented narrator. Colorful characters (like you wouldn’t believe!!), and snappy writing keeps the listener propelling all the way through to the end! All in all, a Great Listen…☺️

Love this mystery!

Have enjoyed this author for decades! The reading was excellent and the plot enthralling! Thanks!

Thought provoking

I love the tv series from England. Decided to listen to the actual books that triggered the series. The characters are more deeply illustrated.