Death in a White Tie

On the whole, probably not. I'm a fan of Ngaio Marsh and other classic English mystery writers largely for the restoratively escapist experience they provide -- the luxury of immersing myself in a not-too-serious puzzle in an elegantly mannered, rarified society at a distant time, without bothering my little head about the real world questions of social justice and an impermeable class system, economic depression, and xenophobia that also characterized these times. I also consider listening to the perfect vowels and resonant tones of Benedict Cumberbatch's voice a truly satisfying indulgence. Unfortunately, Cumberbatch doesn't do young women spectacularly well, and he does American women less successfully than English women. Since many of the most importent characters in this story, both the ones we're supposed to love and the ones were supposed to despise, are women, that fact makes the escapist exercise of suspending disbelief more difficult, the experience a bit less satisfying. Moreover, I have never thought that Marsh does very well by her characters when they are trying to express deep emotions, especially romantic ones. Lines that had struck me as uninspired or unsuccessful when reading this old favorite--but which I shrugged off, and read on in search of the bad guys -- are revealed as jaw-droppingly silly, vapid, even embarrassing in narration. (I suspect that the abridgment makes it even worse, as these things seem to come even more out of the blue than in the original, but I think the fault is there in the original.). Again, hard to stay rapt in the the moment when the urbane hero is making an implausible goob of himself. Overall I still enjoyed both the narration and the story, but I suspect that I could have spent the time on much more edifying or, alternatively, more effectively escapist, offerings.

Either left the development of the Alleyn -- Troy romance to another time, or done much more with it, more believably. I also would have made Cumberbatch's interpretations of the characters "Donna" and Bridget less affected and more straightforward.

A toss-up. Cumberbatch's voice is ideal for Alleyn: I don't think I'd want to hear anyone else do it. Cumberbatch brought out aspects of Lord Robert Gospell's character that I had overlooked when reading the book, so I was surprised and then impressed by what he did with that character.

As to writing, a moot point: there are many, many Alleyn books, and Dame Ngaio is no longer with us. As to recording, yes, absolutely. Cumberbatch should do as many of these books as possible, preferably focussing on books that have a high proportion of men and/or elderly women in the dramatis personae. And then he should do the Campion stories. And the Lord Peter Wimsey stories. And all the Sherlock Holmes.

I hate to say this because I love Benedict Cumberbatch's speaking voice, but the narration on this audiobook is really bad - the pacing is too quick and, espcially with the fast pacing, it's difficult to tell one speaker from another. There are parts where the narration is much better and there is tone and emotion in the various character's voices, and other times when it sounds like the book is being read quickly with little inflection, as if under time constraints. I don't know if that's a post-production issue or if Cumberbatch read it that way.

I haven't decided if I'm going to continue or return it. I might choose an unabridged Ngaio Marsh title with a different narrator, as I can see some good mystery underneath it all.

Benedict Cumberbatch reads Marsh's work brilliantly, giving the story charm and humour, emotion and detail. Set in an upper class realm of debutantes and high society, Marsh's mystery makes for a very entertaining and amusing audiobook. Highly recommended.

I love the book, but Benedict Cumberbatch's performance adds an extra dose of goodness.

I loved the scene between Alleyn and Lord Robert where the inspector enlists his friend to "go undercover."

I've listened to two others and all are absolutely wonderful. Aside from his deliciously sexy voice, he has a real knack for character voices and gave each their own personality.

The interactions between Alleyn and Troy were very sweet.

loved this rendering of Death in a White Tie
(make that pg13 for adult themes)
I love Ngaio (ny-oh) Marsh
her writing is superb PG rated stuff
fascinating stuff.
well done on all the voices and accents. (even American) Mr Cumberbatch.
well spent time and money

The reader is brilliant but the abridged version is, well, too abridged. The listener sadly misses out on the delightful characters and complex story.

Marsh is much better than Agatha Christie better character development. Highly recommend all her works

The most enjoyable part was listening to Benedict Cumberbatch's range! I loved his Lady Lorrimer! I knew the story already and just really loved listening to it again...and again....and again. I find that I am as engrossed in the listening as Benedict is in the telling. Fabulous! Going to download another Ngaio Marsh ASAP.

Lady Lorrimer and Bunchie. I love the high pitched voice. He pulls it off so amusingly that you can't help but love the characters.

The part where Lady Alleyn calls Lady Lorrimer to do some nosing about for Roderick is one of my favourite parts. I love the well played confusion of the whole conversation. Lady Lorrimer is not an easy woman to follow particularly when she is riled by something....It really is so amusing! I laugh every time!

No....must hurry to download another one. They make my hour long commute sooo much more bearable.

I've listened to this audio book a number Of times. It is just that fun! Benedict Cumberbatch does so many unique, believable Voices that even though I bought it because he was narrating it, I very quickly forget that it is him and get lost in the characters! I wish he would do more audio books, because I have not had the same experience with the other Ngaio Marsh narrators.

Met my expectations in all ways but one.
It should never have been abridged., and Benedict cumberbatch should read every book of Ngiao Marsh's unabridged.
He was superb.