By the Pricking of My Thumbs

A Tommy and Tuppence Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Hugh Fraser

Read by Hugh Fraser

Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, Agatha Christie’s delightful sleuthing duo, investigate the strange and troubling doings behind the scenes at a gothic British nursing home in By the Pricking of My Thumbs

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.

First Agatha Christie for me

Surprisingly fun to listen to. Quirky and totally catching into who did what and who was who. Not my typical read.

Marvelous mystery

Love Tommy and Tuppence and the escapades they get embroiled in. Great plot line laced with tidbits of humor, well performed, and simply exciting to read.

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!