Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The 12.30 from Croydon  By  cover art

The 12.30 from Croydon

By: Freeman Wills Crofts
Narrated by: Gordon Griffin
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $31.58

Buy for $31.58

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

We begin with a body.

Andrew Crowther, a wealthy retired manufacturer, is found dead in his seat on the 12.30 flight from Croydon to Paris. Rather less orthodox is the ensuing flashback in which we live with the killer at every stage, from the first thoughts of murder to the strains and stresses of living with its execution. Seen from the criminal's perspective, a mild-mannered Inspector by the name of French is simply another character who needs to be dealt with. This is an unconventional yet gripping story of intrigue, betrayal, obsession, justification and self-delusion. And will the killer get away with it?

©2016 Estate of Freeman Wills Crofts (P)2016 Soundings

What listeners say about The 12.30 from Croydon

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    16
  • 4 Stars
    6
  • 3 Stars
    7
  • 2 Stars
    5
  • 1 Stars
    1
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    16
  • 4 Stars
    10
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1
Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    12
  • 4 Stars
    6
  • 3 Stars
    7
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Unusual form of detective story

What made the experience of listening to The 12.30 from Croydon the most enjoyable?

The combination of a well written story and a good performance.

What did you like best about this story?

The account of the circumstances that draw the murderer committing murder, the description of how he executes his plan, the episode that makes him commit a second murder are carefully detailed. The account of his arrest and trial are also presented. Then at the end, the detective explains how he solved the problems.

What does Gordon Griffin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Gordon Griffin reads the story well. I imagine that if I had the book, I would have enjoyed the story but I don't have the book'.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

A story of the murder of a rich and frail or sick old person is not uncommon. Dorothy Sayers' "Unnatural Death" and Crofts' "The Hogback Mystery" are examples that come to mind. Here the detailed account of the hard time for everyone in Cold Pickerby, and of Charles' financial difficulties from Charles's point of view make his descent to murder believable. The second murder to silence a blackmailer is logical. The explanation of the detective at the end of the book makes a satisfying end.

Any additional comments?

I should warn other listeners that I am old. I enjoy detective stories from the 1930's. I like the fact that they move slowly and carefully. If you like something fast and racy, this book won't suit you.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

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

Atypical, well written and compelling

Although it is not a whodunit, the plot is compelling and worth a listen for British murder mystery fans.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful