A Fatal Illusion

Cherringham - A Cosy Crime Series, Episode 48

De: Matthew Costello, Neil Richards

Narrado por: Neil Dudgeon

When an elderly, world-famous magician is found dead in his Cherringham mansion, there is nothing suspicious about the passing. According to the doctor, it was a heart attack - plain and simple. But the performer's long-time assistant suspects something sinister and she asks Jack and Sarah to investigate. And like the great magician's amazing tricks, it soon becomes clear that his death is anything but simple: in the world of magic, nothing is ever what it seems, and sometimes even illusions can turn deadly...

Set in the sleepy English village of Cherringham, the detective series brings together an unlikely sleuthing duo: English web designer Sarah and American ex-cop Jack. Thrilling and deadly - but with a spot of tea - it's like Rosamunde Pilcher meets Inspector Barnaby.

Co-authors Neil Richards (based in the UK) and Matthew Costello (based in the US), have been writing together since the mid-90s, creating innovative content and working on major projects for the BBC, Disney Channel, Sony, ABC, Eidos, and Nintendo to name but a few. Their transatlantic collaboration has underpinned scores of TV drama scripts, computer games, radio shows, and the best-selling mystery series Cherringham. Their latest series project is called Mydworth Mysteries.

The narrator of the audiobook, Neil Dudgeon, has been in many British television programmes including the roles of 'DCI John Barnaby' in 'Midsomer Murders' and 'Jim Riley' in 'The Life of Riley'. He is also known for his film roles in 'The Nativity', 'Sorted' and 'Son of Rambow'. In 2012 Dudgeon starred as 'Norman Birkett' on BBC Radio 4's Afternoon Play series written by Caroline and David Stafford.

©2025 Bastei Lübbe AG (P)2025 Lübbe Audio, Bastei Lübbe AG

I’ll never tired of listening to these books

Every time a new Cherringham book comes out I can’t wait to listen to it. And then while I’m listening to it, I know it’s going to end soon. I have to wait so long to listen to another. But these books are so entertaining and they never get old. They are always fresh and delightful. Beautifully red as well.

Didn’t see that ending coming!

I really enjoy these short mysteries. Jack and Sarah make a great team. The narrator was a little off this time on some of the female voices. Overall, it was a good little book. I’ll keep listening as long as Matthew keeps writing them.

Magic remains in this series

I am a devoted reader of this series and this is the best in a while.
Interesting new characters and backgrounds. Perhaps a long awaited spark in the relationship between our leading characters ?

Surprise

Love this series but this might be my favorite. Lots of twists and turns. A great ending and maybe a new start for Sarah and Jack?

brilliant narration & masterful wordsmithing

Neil Dundgeon is a master! He lively & lovingly brings every character & nuance of the story to life- without being a ham! These stories are always original, clever and the most well-balanced between true mystery, humor and charm that I have ever come across in my vast mystery experience. It engages & entertains without an ounce of fear. I feel enough fear in the world as it is. And they’re not corny. Mysteries without a lot of darkness that aren’t corny, are very rare! How do they not burn out? The series is not tired!!!

unexpected plot twist

a new case and full of surprises. Neal Richards and Matthew Costello have done it again.

Love these short mysteries!

Love the chemistry between Jack and Sarah! Although I do not appreciate magicians I loved the story! Keep them coming!

The end

Lack of realism. So many circumstances did not pull together for a realistic picture in my mind.

Sara and Jack's excellent repore.

I thoroughly enjoy the interaction between Sara and Jack, as well as where they live. it's like listening in on old friends.

One of the good ones!

If, like me, you're still here after 48 installments, I don't need to tell you how good the characters, plots, writing and narration are, but you also know there have been some weak links in the chain. 'A Fatal Illusion, though, is excellent--fast-paced, taut, and surprising.