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Vintage Murder

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Vintage Murder

By: Ngaio Marsh
Narrated by: James Saxon
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About this listen

A touring theatre company in New Zealand forms the basis of one of Marsh’s most ambitious and innovative novels.

New Zealand theatrical manager Alfred Meyer wanted to celebrate his wife’s birthday in style. The piece de résistance would be the jeroboam of champagne which would descend gently into a nest of fern and coloured lights on the table, set up onstage after the performance.

But something went horribly wrong. Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn witnessed it himself. Was Meyer’s death the product of Maori superstitions? Or something much more down to earth?

©1937 Original Text of 1937 by Ngaio Marsh (P)2015 Hachette Audio Cosy Crime Thrillers Fiction Mystery Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Detective

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Critic reviews

"The brilliant Ngaio Marsh ranks with Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers." ( Times Literary Supplement)
"The theatre detail is engrossing." (Margaret Lewis)
"A far more ambitious novel than anything Marsh had attempted before." ( American Journal of Popular Culture)
"Her work is as nearly flawless as makes no odds. Character, plot, wit, good writing, and sound technique." ( Sunday Times)
"The finest writer in the English languange of the pure, classical puzzle whodunnit. Among the crime queens, Ngaio Marsh stands out as an Empress." ( The Sun)
All stars
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One of my favourite Ngaio Marsh mysteries, well told by a voice artist of diverse ability. From brisk Cockney, through easily distinguishable New Zealand accents, including Maori, and Alleyn himself to a richly vocal old actor turned doorkeeper: James Saxon is an excellent narrator.
The descriptions of New Zealand, make you want to book a trip immediately.

Brilliantly evocative, intriguing detective story.

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Too many characters. Complicated and too long winded a plot. Characters too cliche. Performance ok.

Not a favourite.

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The story was boring and I found it hard to differentiate between the names and voices of the male characters. The New Zealand accent (no idea if it was realistic) sounded awful. I first read the book thirty years ago and didn't rate it - listening to the audio version confirms my earlier opinion.

Contrived Plot & boring

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Loved the detailed scenery and the narrator making each character believable. A very enjoyable listen

Classic Marsh with great characters

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I have been an avid reader of Ngaio Marsh for many years and thought I'd try listening to one. I'm afraid that this didn't work for me at all. I don't like the way the book is read, and I'm not impressed by James Saxon's rendition of it, but that may be personal prejudice. Don't think I'll be buying another one read by him, but may try the radio collection of Miss Marsh's stories.

Love the books but this didn't work for me

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Love James Saxon’s narration-it’s a great story by one of the best golden age detective authors. Thank you!

Wonderful!

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Mr James Saxon's voices were just incredible. He brought Ngaio Sarah's story to life - a complicated but fascinating story. I was so enjoying it that I kept putting off getting to the end.

Brilliant performance!

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This is just another Marsh classic that confirms her to be one of the truly great classic murder mystery novelists. Her language is always sublime and is forever combined with great warmth of place and character, and hilarious humour. Alleyn is a quintessential English detective, voiced here by the magnificent James Saxon who displays a terrific breadth of nuance in each characterization. Wholly recommended.

Another Marsh Cracker

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Not one of her best, despite some rather lovely descriptions of NZ scenery. The narration is uneven & the plot rather slow moving and far fetched. The book ( in my view) lacks the depth of characterisation and genuine tension of her best novels.

Bit creaky ...

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The characters were nicely developed and the murder a good old logistical puzzle. The ending was a disappointment and rather ran out of steam. Usual stereotypes abound but overall the New Zealand setting was enjoyable.

Great story but poor denouement

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