The Secret of Chimneys

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Hugh Fraser

A brand new audio edition of Agatha Christie’s thriller, the first to feature Superintendent Battle and ‘Bundle’ Brent.

Little did Anthony Cade suspect that a simple errand on behalf of a friend would make him the centrepiece of a murderous international conspiracy. Someone would stop at nothing to prevent the monarchy being restored in faraway Herzoslovakia.

The combined forces of Scotland Yard and the French Surete can do no better than go in circles – until the final murder at Chimneys, the great country estate that yields up an amazing secret…

©1925 Agatha Christie Limited, a Chorion Company (P)2003 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London UK

Critic reviews

‘One of the best of Agatha Christie’s early thrillers.’ Charles Osborne

‘A thick fog of mystery, cross purposes, and romance, which leads up to a most unexpected and highly satisfactory ending.’ Times Literary Supplement

‘Here’s another capital detective story by Miss Christie, which will keep the reader guessing until the very end, not only as to the identity of the arch villain – the murderer – but also that of the hero, Anthony Cade.’ Literary Review

After all it is..

...Agatha Christie. My rating is based on its era and genre. Hugh Fraser reads very well, and engages the listener quickly. I liked this story in part because the English Aunt, Miss M, and the Belgian detective, P, are indeed absent. Absent too is is the frenzied killer with bizarre mutilations and graphic descriptions of mutilated and tortured bodies.
Nice clean bullets to the head and brandished knives in scuffles in the night are more the go. Bodies in trunks and country estates are delightfully mixed with daring and, dull young men,
Even though you may guess correctly who the baddies are, the story is an enjoyable light holiday listen. You will not need to check your doors and windows, and likely feel ready to approach the next murder mystery with a lighter heart.

Coincidence abound !

What did you love best about The Secret of Chimneys?

It is Agatha Christie - what's not to love ? :D

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not really, but it was entertaining and that is what is more important.

What does Hugh Fraser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice reminds me of the Poirot episodes he used to do, and it is very cultured and manages to have distinctive personalities for each character. You were never confused in who was speaking at the moment.

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

Yes, but haven't managed it yet. I listen to audiobooks just before bed, as I find that relaxing - and I often fall asleep to the readings. And I pick the story back up from where I left off, when I take the bus in the morning.