Murder at Madingley Grange

By: Caroline Graham

Narrated by: John Hopkins

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

When a failed entrepreneur is temporarily left in charge of his aunt's huge gothic home, he knows he must be able to make a profit from it somehow. Murder, he decides, is the only way to do it. For Madingley Grange is the perfect venue for a 1930s murder-mystery weekend, and Simon Hannaford – with the reluctant help of his long-suffering sister – soon hatches a plan for money-spinning mayhem.

From the conservatory to the claret cellar, the clues are carefully sprinkled. But when the guests arrive, it is obvious that the game won't be going as planned. Not one of the visitors is willing to play the victim. And when a body does appear, it hardly takes Hercule Poirot to guess it is not a volunteer. Now the game really begins...

©1990 Caroline Graham (P)2023 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

"Audiobook listeners, as well as nine paying guests, are invited to a 1930s murder mystery weekend at a faux gothic country house. The talented English actor John Hopkins narrates this lively mystery, creating the glamorous atmosphere of the best vintage whodunits. His deep voice captures the posh sound of the weekend's scheming host, Simon. Hopkins also does a fabulous job presenting the character Fred, whose crassness offends so many of the stuffy guests. Hopkins's portrayal of the larcenous butler is hilarious and memorable. Many things go wrong over the weekend, and listeners will be kept intrigued. There's romance in the conservatory, as well as knives and blood.... It's fun to hear the scenes unfold." (AudioFile)

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

Though it is not a part of the original Barnaby series I enjoyed this recording very much,

I will listen to this recording again the narrator is that good. The story is not too complicated it winds its way along. Just complicated enough to keep you engaged. Enjoy. I just kept waiting for Barnaby and Troy (sp) to show up. chuckle

Lighthearted and entertaining

I like this story better than the Inspector Barnaby stories, which i like a lot! The cast of characters is quite a comically drawn bunch of stereotypes and the plot leaves you not always certain of your conclusions about them. I’ll listen to this one again.

Charming criminal caper

Simon and Laurie are hosting a murder, and you are invited. This riotous romp in Aunt Maude’s appalling moated mansion is superbly vintage Caroline Graham, peopled with strangely fascinating aspiring murderers. Laurie’s quaintly thoughtful weekend plans are cast asunder as each sojourner’s clandestine intentions are relentlessly revealed. The arrogant elite, the crass nouveau riche, the scheming spouse, the reluctant lover, the Holmes aficionado, the ingenue, are unlikely inmates in the castle, each anticipating achieving their own mysterious ambitions within the weekend. Graham’s character development is swift and ongoing, as the complexity of each is gradually exposed. You will find that you know every single participant in the sinister plot, or feel like you do. The dizzy deeds pursued by each of the holiday sleuths contribute to the improbable but oddly inevitable conclusion. Don’t miss this hilariously charming criminal caper!

Great fun!

The story was funny and well written, and the characters engaging. The performance was excellent.

Not up to the old Caroline Graham books

Quite disappointed with this lightweight addition, definitely not at par with the Barnaby series. Even the excellent narration of John Hopkins cannot save the day!

A bit of a let down…

Don’t want to give a ‘spoiler alert’!
Can not call this a murder mystery…

The narrator gets an A++

Enjoyable if idealistic

I expected a Midsomer story, which this is not. It is a classic murder weekend mystery.

Clever and twisty

If you are expecting Midsommer Murders, this is not the book for you. There are none of the dark pleasures of those books. But this is not a cozy, either.
The plotting is masterful, just short of farcical. Graham has a clear idea of her reader’s expectations and responses. She uses that knowledge to lead the reader to a certain climax, then pulls the rug out. Her comic timing is impeccable.
I recommend it highly to classic mystery lovers who want to brighten their day.

Pure Joy .

I love quirky characters. Ingenious plot.
I want to read all Carolyn Grahams novels after this fun experience.!

Meh

Although this book is full of Mrs Graham's strong suit, quirky people, I had a difficult time getting into the story. The ending was quite good, though. Not least that I no longer had to listen to people who I found unpleasant. I can't say that I even liked the character who turned out to be the protagonist, if indeed they were. Oh, well. I have already purchased another one of her books, so cross your fingers for me! 🤣