THE ABC MURDERS

Retired Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is drawn into investigating a series of murders that follow the alphabet, based on victim and town names, with an "ABC" guide found near each body. Though brief, this adaptation, originally for BBC Radio, captures the novel quite thoroughly. Typically, the acting of the ensemble cast is capable or better; the sound effects professional and unobtrusive. As Poirot, John Moffatt exhibits the detective's idiosyncrasies without making him a caricature, keeping him likable, engaging, and even, at times, someone to take seriously. The presentation enhances its material: It's entertaining enough to keep the listener's mind off the implausible nature of the crime, once it's revealed. W.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 08]