The China Governess

By: Margery Allingham

Narrated by: David Thorpe

Timothy Kinnit needs Albert Campion's help. He is rich, handsome and successful but his past is a mystery to him and he needs Campion to find out how it connects him to the notorious Turk Street Mile slum.

In addition, his own illustrious adopted family has a sinister secret of his own - involving a murderous 19th-century governess - that must also be brought to life by Campion's investigations. An Albert Campion mystery.

©2013 Margery Allingham (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"Margery Allingham has worked her way up to a worthy place among the tiny hierarchy of front-rankers in the detective world" (Tatler)

"One of the finest 'golden age' crime novelists" (Sunday Telegraph)

"Faultless" (The Times)

Couldn’t finish it.

Seemed a departure from Alberts usual adventures and most of the characters were angry and shouting at each other. Couldn’t follow the plot. Gave up and listened to another Allingham which was much better. Maybe I’ll try it again later.

Allingham's always good, but this one's confusing

Would you consider the audio edition of The China Governess to be better than the print version?

Have not read the print version.

Would you recommend The China Governess to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, I enjoyed this book, although I found it the most confusing of all the Campion books. I am reading them all in order, and will grieve when they are done.

Which character – as performed by David Thorpe – was your favorite?

I liked Julia so much, as I find young people with firm, strong personalities and self-knowledge to be refreshing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Might have been less confusing if I had. Yes.

Any additional comments?

Although "legend" has it that Allingham wrote these novels as an imitation of Dorothy Sayers, she was immensely talented. Campion is a fantastic character and the sense of atmosphere, especially over the decades, is thorough. Allingham IS as good as Sayers, and that is saying a huge amount in my book!

David Thorpe, as always, is non-traditional and excellent.

confusing

excellent intricate plot that has one really confusing chapter that I had to listen to twice to get the gist. ultimately explained but it was a tricky read. of course nobody should be reading Marjorie allenham for an easy read without paying attention. The charm of her books is the detail that she puts into it so everything contributes to the picture that she paints, even if it's not important to the plot.

Great book

I liked it a lot. The Nanny Broom character was hysterical. I only wish the series contained more books. I’m greedy that way!

The Good Stuff

When you are in need of a good old British mystery this will do the trick.

Another great Campion romp!

Another great Campion romp - great story, wonderful setting, variety of characters as some historical intrigue. .. highly recommend!

The worst of the series

Every time I try to listen to this, I become frustrated and give up. It’s so convoluted and emotional, totally out of character with the other Albert Campion/detective Luke titles. The weeping and whining couple in at the center of the story are unbearable. Nanny Broom is an idiot, and the intuitive leaps. Luke goes to our only balanced by his complete obtuseness regarding his main suspect. I loved the other books in this series, but this one is a lemon.