Abridgment, Narration Highlight Weaknesses

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

On the whole, probably not. I'm a fan of Ngaio Marsh and other classic English mystery writers largely for the restoratively escapist experience they provide -- the luxury of immersing myself in a not-too-serious puzzle in an elegantly mannered, rarified society at a distant time, without bothering my little head about the real world questions of social justice and an impermeable class system, economic depression, and xenophobia that also characterized these times. I also consider listening to the perfect vowels and resonant tones of Benedict Cumberbatch's voice a truly satisfying indulgence. Unfortunately, Cumberbatch doesn't do young women spectacularly well, and he does American women less successfully than English women. Since many of the most importent characters in this story, both the ones we're supposed to love and the ones were supposed to despise, are women, that fact makes the escapist exercise of suspending disbelief more difficult, the experience a bit less satisfying. Moreover, I have never thought that Marsh does very well by her characters when they are trying to express deep emotions, especially romantic ones. Lines that had struck me as uninspired or unsuccessful when reading this old favorite--but which I shrugged off, and read on in search of the bad guys -- are revealed as jaw-droppingly silly, vapid, even embarrassing in narration. (I suspect that the abridgment makes it even worse, as these things seem to come even more out of the blue than in the original, but I think the fault is there in the original.). Again, hard to stay rapt in the the moment when the urbane hero is making an implausible goob of himself. Overall I still enjoyed both the narration and the story, but I suspect that I could have spent the time on much more edifying or, alternatively, more effectively escapist, offerings.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Either left the development of the Alleyn -- Troy romance to another time, or done much more with it, more believably. I also would have made Cumberbatch's interpretations of the characters "Donna" and Bridget less affected and more straightforward.

Which character – as performed by Benedict Cumberbatch – was your favorite?

A toss-up. Cumberbatch's voice is ideal for Alleyn: I don't think I'd want to hear anyone else do it. Cumberbatch brought out aspects of Lord Robert Gospell's character that I had overlooked when reading the book, so I was surprised and then impressed by what he did with that character.

Do you think Death in a White Tie needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

As to writing, a moot point: there are many, many Alleyn books, and Dame Ngaio is no longer with us. As to recording, yes, absolutely. Cumberbatch should do as many of these books as possible, preferably focussing on books that have a high proportion of men and/or elderly women in the dramatis personae. And then he should do the Campion stories. And the Lord Peter Wimsey stories. And all the Sherlock Holmes.

14 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Get the full version!

The reader is brilliant but the abridged version is, well, too abridged. The listener sadly misses out on the delightful characters and complex story.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

bad pacing and narration

I hate to say this because I love Benedict Cumberbatch's speaking voice, but the narration on this audiobook is really bad - the pacing is too quick and, espcially with the fast pacing, it's difficult to tell one speaker from another. There are parts where the narration is much better and there is tone and emotion in the various character's voices, and other times when it sounds like the book is being read quickly with little inflection, as if under time constraints. I don't know if that's a post-production issue or if Cumberbatch read it that way.

I haven't decided if I'm going to continue or return it. I might choose an unabridged Ngaio Marsh title with a different narrator, as I can see some good mystery underneath it all.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Utterly charming

Benedict Cumberbatch reads Marsh's work brilliantly, giving the story charm and humour, emotion and detail. Set in an upper class realm of debutantes and high society, Marsh's mystery makes for a very entertaining and amusing audiobook. Highly recommended.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Totally enjoyable

Met my expectations in all ways but one.
It should never have been abridged., and Benedict cumberbatch should read every book of Ngiao Marsh's unabridged.
He was superb.

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White Tie and Blackmail

Would you consider the audio edition of Death in a White Tie to be better than the print version?

I love the book, but Benedict Cumberbatch's performance adds an extra dose of goodness.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Death in a White Tie?

I loved the scene between Alleyn and Lord Robert where the inspector enlists his friend to "go undercover."

Have you listened to any of Benedict Cumberbatch’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to two others and all are absolutely wonderful. Aside from his deliciously sexy voice, he has a real knack for character voices and gave each their own personality.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The interactions between Alleyn and Troy were very sweet.

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What a wonderful performance of a masterful novel!

Wonderful performance of a masterful mystery novel. I loved every minute of it. Wish Cumberbatch ha narrated more of these.

Abridged?!

Love these books and Benedict Cumberbatch's voice just wish I would have noticed it was NOT the full book. Now I have to go get the FULL book and read what I missed.

Perfect Rendition

This audio book sounded like an old serial radio show. Benedict Cumberbatch played every time with a distinctive voice, women and men, making this a perfect rendition of this classic mystery book.

I could have danced all night

superb! kept me totally entertained and longing for more. I will revisit again and again!