Death in a White Tie

By: Ngaio Marsh

Narrated by: James Saxon

The London season has begun. But while debutantes and chaperones plan their luncheons and balls a deadly blackmailer is stalking the highest echelons of society.

Naturally, it falls to charming, aloof Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn - son of Lady Alleyn - to investigate the case. He has already planted his close friend Lord Robert at the scene. But someone else got to him first....

Death in a White Tie was first published in 1938 and is perhaps the finest of Marsh's 1930s novels - elegantly constructed, witty and marvellously entertaining.

Please note: This is a vintage recording. The audio quality may not be up to modern day standards.

©1938 Original Text of 1938 by Ngaio Marsh (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"The brilliant Ngaio Marsh ranks with Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers." (Times Literary Supplement)

"Ngaio Marsh’s Death in a White Tie is the best detective story I have ever read...." (Dashiell Hammett)

"[This audiobook has] a distinction that puts the author in the front rank of crime story writers." (Times Literary Supplement)

Excellent story, strange acoustics

I love all of Ngaio Marsh's books so no quarrel with the plot! The readers's voice was very nice but the acoustics kept changing. It sounded like he was recording in a bathroom… And at one point like he was standing next to running water.

Alleyn and Fox

If you know Ngaio Marsh, you know her stories are always engaging. I prefer the Franks characterizations. Saxon’s Alleyn sounds more effete than suave, and it was sometimes hard to distinguish between speakers. And the audio on this particular recording was inconsistent. These points were not enough, however, to detract so much from the listening experience that I didn’t enjoy the mystery.

Great story, bad sound

I loved this story but the audio track was abominable! I chose this recording because it was unabridged. Each track had a different, and poor, sound quality.

as fun and clever as all Marsh's mysteries

if you love Agatha, then you will feel the same about Marsh. British, clever details, love - maybe, twists & turns, etc. there are a lot of reasons Marsh is so well regarded

Intricate and intriguing!!

This story is one of the best in the series. Although far too much happens in two days (as usual), the mystery remains a mystery until the very end and a most satisfying one! In addition, Alleyne wins his love. The narration has uneven patches but it goes well enough. I thought Vassily was pronounced differently in prior readings and maybe incorrect (Russian) here? Curious! Overall, a tremendous story and great fun.