THE SECRET OF CHIMNEYS

Hugh Fraser, known to aficionados of PBS's "Mystery" as Poirot's sidekick, Captain Hastings, is the narrator of this delightful story in which the combined forces of Scotland Yard and the French Surete can do no better than run in circles--until the final murder at Chimneys. Readers might think they’ve picked up a multivoiced performance when they meet Anthony Cade, the witty, and chivalrous hero who never loses his cool in sticky situations; the zealous politician George Lomax, hilarious in his pomposity; Herzoslovakian Baron Lolopretjzyl ,who does strange and amusing things to English word order; Prince Michael's gothic valet; the intelligent and sensible Superintendent Battle; Lady Eileen ("Bundle") Brent, who uncovers the "secret" of the title; and Virginia, who sounds so delicate but actually enjoys being blackmailed for the sake of the experience. Listen to this audiobook once for the mystery and parody and again for the wealth of Fraser’s smooth, cultured character presentations. K.A.T. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]