A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia

Freddy is Back

I read and enjoyed the entire 10 book series Clara Benson wrote about Angela Marchmont. Freddy was a reoccurring character in that series. It was fun to see him again in an adventure of his own. Gethyn Edwards does a fine job of narrating the story. Clear and understandable and easy to distinguish which character is speaking. He also conveys the mood of each scene.

I admit the story isn't "great literature", but it is a fun vintage feeling mystery. Those who have run out of Agatha Christie mysteries will probably enjoy reading about Freddy.

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Very enjoyable!

Any additional comments?

I've read all of Clara Benson's books and I like them all. This audio version of the first Freddie book stands out. The narrative and the reader together are exceptional- reminiscent of PG Wodehouse.. I like mysteries to be light and funny and this fills the bill.

15 sur 15 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Wodehouse meets Christie--a treat to listen to!

Don't be put off by the fun in this book--where Clara Benson writes, and Gethyn Edwards reads--- a perfect capturing of the parody of the upper class in Britain, while also weaving in a very good mystery. Freddy Pilkington-Soames, journalist and son of one of the suspects, starts out more like Bertie Wooster, but winds up sounding a great deal more intelligent and capable. An interesting transition that takes place very gradually through the story, but not until loads of episodes ensue, as Benson does the Wodehouse-like poking of fun at the stilted manners and customs of the privileged folks.

Tricky Maltravers is a man people don't seem to like, but strangely everyone treats him like royalty. Until they don't--and very quickly in the story, he is murdered. The early part of the book is like a madcap, laugh-aloud farce, but as the story evolves, and Freddy decides he needs to get serious about solving the mystery, it becomes more traditional, though without ever losing that slightly amusing look at the gentry of between-the-wars Britain.

I really liked this book. Never having heard of either the author or narrator before, I hesitated before purchasing it. Now, I hope there are more! This seemed a special treat to find. I highly recommend it for a light, but delightful, listen.

19 sur 20 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Enjoyable light reading

If you are looking for War and Peace this is not your book. However, if you're looking for a good English procedural mystery you're come to the right place. I really thought the plot was clever and I truly liked the characters. Definitely worth a credit.

6 sur 6 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Charming Golden Age Upper Class Mystery

Where does A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not as good as Ngaio Marsh or Agatha Christie, (but nothing ever is). But if you're in the mood for a British Golden Age Cozy, this is perfect.

What did you like best about this story?

Light and fizzy dialogue, clever plot, not too bogged down on technical details, some nice characters, and perfect narration. Nothing too graphic and the amateur sleuth (Freddie) is a decent guy.

Any additional comments?

I hope there are many more Freddie Pilkington-Soames mysteries to come!

5 sur 5 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Delightful British period mystery

Any additional comments?

Clara Benson writes British period mysteries that are very fun to read - and narrator Gethyn Edwards makes this novel great fun to listen to. He's the perfect choice to voice louche dilettante Freddy Pilkington-Soames, and he does a great job with the daffy array of characters in this entertaining mystery.

5 sur 5 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Enjoyable light listen

Plot is interesting, corpse deserves it, silly upper class entertains without too much eye rolling. Hero's motivations are reasonable, if a little far fetched. But this is not serious literature that drags reader into reality. Grabs and holds attention; the plot does not stagnate with filler diversions. Even has a plot twist at the end to head off darkness.

The actor/reader is excellent. Wonderful to experience someone who can convey individual voices as well as inflection to sell the story. To these American ears the accents sounded believable (excepting the Australian and Indian - but that only served to highlight the overall excellence.)

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Clara Benson's New Protagonist is a Hit!

I have been an avid follower of the exploits of Clara Benson's Angela Marchmont. I must admit that I was a little leary about her starting a new series, as I have seen other authors attempt this with limited success. I should have had more faith!! Clara Benson brings the same wit and charm to Freddy Pilkington-Soames as she did to Angela. I won't list any spoilers here, but I will say that there is a most satisfactory corpse. Freddy, his mother and the varied cast are subjects of both humor and pity severally. Although I spotted the murderer fairly quickly, it was well worth the read to see the characters and clues unfold. If you're a fan of Clara's protagonist Angela Marchmont, fear not and read on! If you are totally new to Clara Benson, you are in for a treat...

3 sur 3 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Light listening

Humorous characters and a good mystery! The narrator was wonderful and the story moved along well

3 sur 3 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

who done it

a good mystery mix with comedy. will be reading more of this series. love the main character