'A Series of Murders'

When I first saw that this audiobook was only 57mins long for ?8.89, compared to the other Charles Paris audiotape which is 6hs.28mins for the same price, I thought there must have been a misprint somewhere. But being a long-time fan of both Charles Paris and Bill Nighy, I went ahead and treated myself regardless.

Was this originally a full-length book? While the 'play' was enjoyable, it felt very 'compressed', to the extent that the characters came across as two-dimensionable cardboard cut-outs. This seems to be the fault of the BBC rather than the scriptwriter, who did his/her best with the time available. Surely extending it just another half hour would have made all the difference. I don't know where the 'series' of murders came from; there were only two. However, all the cast made the best of their lines; Bill Nighy has the perfect voice for Charles Paris. But I had to listen to it twice to catch the fast bits I missed the first time. It really deserves 5 stars, unfortunately
a big thumbs down and a lost star for the BBC for skimping on the time allowed, and another lost star for the decision to price a 57mins tape at ?8.89, whoever made it. ?4 - ?5 would be a fairer price, I think.

Nevertheless, an enjoyable listen. But most definitely a 'very special treat'!

10 people found this helpful

Too short!

I'm a Bill Nighy fan and I love the rest of this series, so I used a credit to buy this one. It's good but it's really too short. If you get it, wait for a sale.

3 people found this helpful

a wonderful play, gripping and entertaining

Nighy makes Paris's slightly seedy, but self aware and almost-past-it cad utterly convincing with a tired, sardonic wit that carries the classically styled 'who-dunnit' plot to perfection. With every double whisky and plot twist I smiled or laughed. More please.

2 people found this helpful

A couple of easy listening murders!

A Good story line with a few twists and turns which make for an interesting listen. The play within a play works well too.

1 person found this helpful

Fabulous fun.

Would you consider the audio edition of Radio Crimes to be better than the print version?

Both are good. The BBC dramatisation though brings the story forward to today, and with wonderful down to earth dialogue - you're in the heart of the crime, the play, the tangled personal relationships and their history before you know it.

Which character – as performed by Bill Nighy and Suzanne Burden – was your favourite?

Charles, Frances, Maurice ............... they're all played expertly.

Any additional comments?

Love these dramatisations.

1 person found this helpful

What long car journeys were made for

I've listened to 2-3 of this series and thay are all excellent. The stories have excellent pace and the cast, very ably captained by the always-reliable Mr Bill Nighy, keep you engaged throughout. I also like the way that the overall production, whether by accident or design, reminds me of the very best radio plays you can hear on Radio 4, or even better, sitting in a tent listening to the radio as a boy in my parents back garden.



Very highly recommended

1 person found this helpful

Charles Paris

Fantastic Bill Nighy and cast, all of these Simon Brett stories are excellent, more please.

1 person found this helpful

Not the best

A bit too short and too much explaining, not enough music and banter. Excellent performances as usual though. Not the best.

A great weight lifted from my shoulders.

A Jeremy Front adaptation of Simon Brett's comedic murder mystery, A series of Murders, which, unusually, finds Charles Paris fully employed, playing Sergeant Collins in a TV detective series. But not for much longer. As the filming days pass on location in Dorset, the death toll rises as Charles earns the unwelcome title of Corpse Finder General.
With Bill Nighy playing Charles Paris and with a full BBC cast, this short one hour production is a pleasure for the ears and not to the heart. Wonderful

bill nighy is just brilliant! funny and serious!

bill nighy is just brilliant - funny and serious and perfect for my commute!!! highly recommended!