COUPLES IN CRIME Radio Detectives & Their Ladies

This compilation of (sometimes rare) programs from radio series ranging from 1944-1955 features couples—married or not—in crime and mystery stories. In the spirit of the Thin Man franchise, they add banter and romance to action and detection. The acting and sound effects are always competent, and the casting is good, including such actors as Lloyd Nolan and Claire Trevor. A few programs, included for historical interest, have sound issues, and the series vary in quality mostly in the writing, some silly or melodramatic, some more cogent and believable. They will generally entertain listeners comfortable in the period and are occasionally even absorbing—one wants to know what comes next. Best for old-time radio fans, but for them, a solid choice. W.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2008]