The Killings at Badger’s Drift

Midsomer Murders Mystery, Book 1

By: Caroline Graham

Narrated by: John Hopkins

The Killings at Badger's Drift is the first spectacular instalment in the Midsomer Murders series and the story that inspired the ITV hit drama, now featuring an exclusive foreword by John Nettles, who played best-loved TV detective and star of Midsomer Murders, DCI Tom Barnaby.

The village of Badger's Drift is the essence of tranquillity. But when resident and well-loved spinster Miss Simpson takes a stroll in the nearby woods, she stumbles across something she was never meant to see, and there's only one way to keep her quiet.

Miss Simpson's death is not suspicious, say the villagers. But Miss Lucy Bellringer refuses to rest: her friend has been murdered. She is sure of it.

She calls on Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby to investigate, and it isn't long until the previously unseen seamy side of Badger's Drift is brought to light. But as old rivalries, past loves and new scandals surface, the next murder is not far away.

©1987 Caroline Graham (P)2022 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

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

"A mystery of which Agatha Christie would have been proud.... A beautifully written crime novel." (The Times)

"Tension builds, bitchery flares, resentment seethes...lots of atmosphere, colourful characters and fair clues." (Mail on Sunday)

A Midsomer's Murder

DCI Tom Barnaby is asked to investigate the death of Miss Simpson by her long-term friend Lucy Bellringer. The doctor had already filled a fall and released the body to the coroner. The story, set in a very small village, has loops and curves leading to a tangled mess, a least in the opinion of this reader. A total of 3 murders become revealed, including multiple suspects, blackmailers, affairs and solicited sex. John Hopkins performs Caroline Graham's story with excellent aplomb!

Better than the TV show-better than reading it yourself

The narrator brings a life to the story that I totally missed when I read it myself. The book, as usual, is better than the TV rendition. Don’t miss this intricate and fascinating murder mystery audiobook!

Not aware tv series in book

I was not aware the famous tv series started as a book. I look forward to listening to more stories so I can use my imagination.

Very Entertaining!

Interesting story, well written, beautifully narrated. Loved the humor mixed in with the drama. You can’t miss with this one!

Fantastic

I have always enjoyed the TV series, but as anyone knows books are usually better as can be read or heard with this one.

More, please!!!!’

Please do the whole series! I liked the TV series but the book was so much better! Please put all the episodes out as audiobooks, in order!

Excellent

I am a huge fan of the tv show and this is the first time I’ve read Caroline Graham’s books. It was amazing. Very well done. And the narration by John Hopkins (Sgt Dan Scott in the series) puts you right into the story.

I am now an even bigger fan!

I am a big fan of this show, but after listening to the introduction by John Nettles, I knew I was going to be meeting characters who were even richer than the ones I have come to love. I was not disappointed. Can't wait to read the next one!

Wonderfully written

John Hopkins is the perfect narrator for these books. The story is well written, and sucks you in. I have watched some of the Midsomer Murders episodes, but the books are so much better.

THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING

I HAVE WATCHED THE ENTIRE SERIES MORE THAN ONCE. I HAD NOT READ THE BOOKS, BUT TRIED THIS ONE. IT WAS NOT LIKE THE EPISODE BASED ON IT, BUT WAS VERY ENJOYABLE. I WILL TRY ANOTHER.