Final Curtain

By: Ngaio Marsh

Narrated by: Nadia May

Beautiful Troy Alleyn, artist wife of Inspector Alleyn, had been warned about the famed old Shakespearean actor, and his eccentric household. But she was not prepared for their acts of malice and mischief.

Now Sir Henry was dead, after a large and lethal birthday dinner of champagne and crayfish, and after changing his will in favor of his glamorous young fiancee. And Troy was suddenly star witness in one of her husband's most sensational cases to determine which of the flamboyant characters brought down the final curtain, and turned a drawing room farce into tragedy.

©1947 Ngaio Marsh, Ltd. (P)1994 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Nadia May's British accent and soprano voice perfectly capture Marsh's narrative. Her portrayal of the bizarre cast of characters is superb." (AudioFile)

A solid and enjoyable mystery

Always love a Troy/Alleyn story! in fact I love the bits about Troy and her painting adventures so much that I almost don't want the murder to come and mess things up! Satisfying mystery, kept me guessing and startled me at the end despite my best efforts at figuring it all out. well narrated, really added to my enjoyment.

Will read more

1st I've read by Ngaio Marsh. Quite entertaining plot and characters. Look forward to reading others!

Visit Troy & Roderick Alleyn near the end of WWII

<p>Ngaio Marsh’s background in the theater (for which she was named a Dame of the British Empire) is evident in the “casting” of the characters that make up this ensemble. Sir Henry is a elderly, retired Shakespearian actor and head of a family full of people who are absolutely revel in their eccentricities. Indeed, the story begins when Sir Henry’s son arrives at Chief Inspector Alleyn’s wife’s London flat and begs her to do a portrait of his father. He dangles the eccentricities of his family before her, giving a quick sketch of all the personalities. Unwillingly, she becomes fascinated enough to succumb to his request.</p>
<p>Ngaio Marsh is known for her characterizations, and each of the characters is drawn with enough depth for us to see both redeeming qualities in the repellent and weaknesses in the most noble. You find yourself quite liking the tantrum throwing child, “Panty” and eventually becoming sympathetic to the common, gold-digging fiancée.</p>
<p>I love the stories in this series which feature Agatha Troy, Alleyn’s artist wife. This story occurs near the end of World War II when Troy and Roderick have been separated for several years due to wartime activities, and includes their reunion when Rory returns to England in time to solve the mystery. The glimpses of the British wartime lifestyle are an interesting backdrop to this tale, as are the jobs to which the Alleyn’s have been put by the war. Other stories which are key in their relationship include “Artists in Crime” where they first meet, and “Death in a White Tie” where Alleyn wins Troy’s consent to marry, and “Tied Up in Tinsel” is the story of another portrait painting job gone awry.</p>
<p>I recommend this mystery both as an interesting puzzle with a surprise ending, and as one of the milestone tales in the Alleyn’s personal lives in this wonderful series.</p>

A slow start

The beginning of the book is a little tedious. But it does pick up and get better and turns into a good read.

Cheers for Troy!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely, if they like classic British mysteries and great writing.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoy any of Njaio Marsh's book that show the relationship between Alleyn and Troy. She is an especially delightful and unique character, and I find her refreshing and funny. It is a good mystery as well, with many quirky characters.

Which character – as performed by Nadia May – was your favorite?

It would have to be Troy. I wish there were more books with her!

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

Maybe the time when Troy first realizes that all the strange events that have been happening at the house since she first arrived might be adding up to something quite sinister and dangerous, and she wishes for Alleyn's return.

Any additional comments?

Worth listening to a second time!

Great story; unfortunate pronunciations

Disappointed that there were so many words pronounced incorrectly. And that over the course of the series the name “Alleyn” is pronounced differently.

Classic

Where does Final Curtain rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Ngaio Marsh writes such classic stories that it reminds me why I like reading mysteries to begin with.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Christie

Easier to follow. Good story.

This one was easier to follow than the previous ones I’ve tried. Sometimes this series makes me feel like my brain leaked out overnight and left me a gibberish fool. There are so many references to classical works.

Narrator was good.

One of my favorites

I love Ngaio Marsh books and this is one of my favorites. I love that Agatha Troy has such a major part in the story. I love her and her relationship with Roderick. The odd cast of characters in the story are so much fun from start to finish. And Nadia May is the best.

A satisfying Classic British Mystery

I thought the narration was well done. I enjoyed the last 1/2 the most - once Chief Inspector Alleyn arrives. His wife Troy is in the first 1/2 which is fine but slower going - simply introduction of the characters and the build up before the murder. The characters were all PIAs (except the Alleyns & Fox). I enjoyed Final Curtain as a free Audible Member selection.