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Death in a White Tie  By  cover art

Death in a White Tie

By: Ngaio Marsh
Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch
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Publisher's summary

A body in the back of a taxi begins an elegantly constructed mystery, perhaps the finest of Marsh's 1930s novels.

The season had begun. Débutantes and chaperones were planning their luncheons, teas, dinners, balls. And the blackmailer was planning his strategies, stalking his next victim. But Chief Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn knew that something was up. He had already planted his friend Lord Robert Gospell at the scene. But someone else got there first...

©1938 Ngaio Marsh (P)2008 Hachette Digital

What listeners say about Death in a White Tie

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Pretty good

I'm rereading the Marsh books.Read them years ago and I'm still a bit mystified with Chief Inspector Allen' s persona. He doesn't seem to have much going for him so far.I thought Benedict Number batch was fine still hadn't quite gotten an American accent yet and why does Gmail Marsh hate Americans?

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story, Great Reader

What made the experience of listening to Death in a White Tie the most enjoyable?

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.

Which character – as performed by Benedict Cumberbatch – was your favorite?

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.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

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!

Any additional comments?

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Marsh is an uncelebrated Christie!

Fabulous as always! And who better than Cumberbatch to bring it to life! A classic!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Utterly charming

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.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Totally enjoyable

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.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

recommend this audio to all lovers of mystery

I have long admired Benedict Cumberbatch and enjoyed his narration tremendosly. Love mysteries and those by MS Marsh are among the best.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Charming

Love story , murder amongst the elite and a eighteen year old scandal revealed.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

White Tie and Blackmail

Would you consider the audio edition of Death in a White Tie to be better than the print version?

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

What was one of the most memorable moments of Death in a White Tie?

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

Have you listened to any of Benedict Cumberbatch’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

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.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The interactions between Alleyn and Troy were very sweet.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Well done!

Thoroughly enjoyed it, was completely transported. Wonderful performance by Benedict, will look for more narrations by him.
I thought it was a short story (having never read it), & actually would love for there to be more to it. Will aso look for that.
Excellent!

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