The Killings at Badger’s Drift

Midsomer Murders Mystery, Book 1

By: Caroline Graham

Narrated by: John Hopkins

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

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 Pty Ltd

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)

Excellent!

I had watched Midsomer Murders and really enjoyed it. I have a short attention span but this audiobook most definitely kept my attention! It was well written, made you think, played with your emotions a bit, showed you a bit of reality that could easily have come out of your own life.
The characters were well thought out, and well laid out. Troy is a bit different than the TV series, but he was more real to life somehow in the audiobook.
The narration was superb! I look forward to the next book, and I have not said that in a long time!

Rich language, talented detective and fascinating story!

I adore the book. Planning to continue my journey along the Graham’s investigations, village gardens, neighbours’ gossips and family mysteries.

Extremely Well Done Mystery

Gripping and thought- provoking work. Brilliantly read. One of those “I don’t want to turn the car off, even though I’ve arrived” stories.

Truly good

The depth of the characters and a plot that was apparent yet seemingly impossible insured a good few hours of listening

Wonderful

So many twists and turns. Spellbinding. Truly a great story to listen to while rocking babies that won’t sleep.

Great listen

The book that started it all. If you like the show you will enjoy the book.

Loved this story. I will definitely continue with the series!

Fantastic read and performed extremely well. Absolutely love the twists and turns that seem to come at you from every direction!

Great mystery story!

As a devotee of Midsomer Murder’s I was a little embarrassed to discover that all along there had been books the show was based on. Listening to the story was absolutely delightful, even though I knew where the story was headed. The mystery was well written and the characters really well developed. It was also charming to have a little more nuance added to Barnaby, Troy, and Joyce. The narration was also excellent! I’ve already downloaded the next book in the series!

Excellent narration and a wild storyline

A crime of passion and deceit.

The book is well-written with tremendous character development. Multiple crimes all around one point - misguided passion.

Narration - excellent. I do not typically 'like' British narration, but the narrator did a great job of keeping me engaged and wanting more.

A marvelous start to the series

I’ve never seen Midsommar Murders, but after listening to this production, I may have to give it a try. This is a great book, plenty of quirky characters, a twisty plot, and just enough light humor. The reader is perfect, and I can recommend it heartily.