Final Curtain

By: Ngaio Marsh

Narrated by: Nadia May

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Beautiful Troy Alleyn, artist wife of Inspector Alleyn, had been warned about the famed old Shakespearean actor, and his eccentric household. But she was not prepared for their acts of malice and mischief.

Now Sir Henry was dead, after a large and lethal birthday dinner of champagne and crayfish, and after changing his will in favor of his glamorous young fiancee. And Troy was suddenly star witness in one of her husband's most sensational cases to determine which of the flamboyant characters brought down the final curtain, and turned a drawing room farce into tragedy.

©1947 Ngaio Marsh, Ltd. (P)1994 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Nadia May's British accent and soprano voice perfectly capture Marsh's narrative. Her portrayal of the bizarre cast of characters is superb." (AudioFile)

Visit Troy & Roderick Alleyn near the end of WWII

<p>Ngaio Marsh’s background in the theater (for which she was named a Dame of the British Empire) is evident in the “casting” of the characters that make up this ensemble. Sir Henry is a elderly, retired Shakespearian actor and head of a family full of people who are absolutely revel in their eccentricities. Indeed, the story begins when Sir Henry’s son arrives at Chief Inspector Alleyn’s wife’s London flat and begs her to do a portrait of his father. He dangles the eccentricities of his family before her, giving a quick sketch of all the personalities. Unwillingly, she becomes fascinated enough to succumb to his request.</p>
<p>Ngaio Marsh is known for her characterizations, and each of the characters is drawn with enough depth for us to see both redeeming qualities in the repellent and weaknesses in the most noble. You find yourself quite liking the tantrum throwing child, “Panty” and eventually becoming sympathetic to the common, gold-digging fiancée.</p>
<p>I love the stories in this series which feature Agatha Troy, Alleyn’s artist wife. This story occurs near the end of World War II when Troy and Roderick have been separated for several years due to wartime activities, and includes their reunion when Rory returns to England in time to solve the mystery. The glimpses of the British wartime lifestyle are an interesting backdrop to this tale, as are the jobs to which the Alleyn’s have been put by the war. Other stories which are key in their relationship include “Artists in Crime” where they first meet, and “Death in a White Tie” where Alleyn wins Troy’s consent to marry, and “Tied Up in Tinsel” is the story of another portrait painting job gone awry.</p>
<p>I recommend this mystery both as an interesting puzzle with a surprise ending, and as one of the milestone tales in the Alleyn’s personal lives in this wonderful series.</p>

One of my favorites

I love Ngaio Marsh books and this is one of my favorites. I love that Agatha Troy has such a major part in the story. I love her and her relationship with Roderick. The odd cast of characters in the story are so much fun from start to finish. And Nadia May is the best.

What a romp!

If Agatha Christie visited P G Woodehouse for the weekend, this is what you might get! It's a mystery, yes, but read or listen for the wonderfully eccentric characters, gathered for a birthday party that you just know won't end well. The plot structure is intersting: the first half centers around Inspector Alleyn's wife, included in the house-party as a sort of artist-in-residence; after the murder, she goes home and is replaced by the Inspector himself, down to investigate the crime. The narrator gets a big thumbs up.

Tiresome narrator

Have been enjoying the Inspector Alleyn novels, but this narrator did me in. Everything on every page, the narrative parts of the story and each character's voice, is read with the same arch and emphatic tone of voice. Yes, the characters speak with different accents but the cadence and emphasis just goes on and on and finally becomes grating. Bailed with only two hours left to listen.

Philip Franks, IMO, narrates this series perfectly. Wish he had been given the reading of all of them.

Classic

Where does Final Curtain rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Ngaio Marsh writes such classic stories that it reminds me why I like reading mysteries to begin with.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Christie

Another good one

I love the Inspector Alleyn mysteries. The narrator does the voices pretty well too. I usually can figure out who the murderer is but this one had me stumped. Nice grow to Rory and Troy's relationship too. Very enjoyable listen.

Ngaio Marsh hits it out of the park

I always love these novels and I listened again to this one after many years. It was just as mystifying and enchanting. I felt as though I were a visitor in the castle. Such real characters and beautiful prose. Narrator was alright. I’m used to her. Great mystery. Recommend it.

A satisfying Classic British Mystery

I thought the narration was well done. I enjoyed the last 1/2 the most - once Chief Inspector Alleyn arrives. His wife Troy is in the first 1/2 which is fine but slower going - simply introduction of the characters and the build up before the murder. The characters were all PIAs (except the Alleyns & Fox). I enjoyed Final Curtain as a free Audible Member selection.

Will read more

1st I've read by Ngaio Marsh. Quite entertaining plot and characters. Look forward to reading others!

Another Great Read from my new favorite.

a really great read. narration was fantastic. Characters are great. Story engrossing. Love Ngaio Marsh.