Overture to Death

By: Ngaio Marsh

Narrated by: Ric Jerrom

It was planned as an act of charity: a new piano for the parish hall, an amusing play to finance the gift. But its execution was doomed when Miss Campanula sat down to play.

A chord was struck, a shot rang out and Miss Campanula was dead. A case of sinister infatuation for the brilliant Chief Detective-Inspector Alleyn.

©1939 Original Text of 1939 by Ngaio Marsh (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Admirably mysterious." ( Daily Mail)

"It's time to start comparing Christie to Marsh instead of the other way around." ( New York magazine)

a few good red herrings...

A unique murder weapon, a few viable suspects, and the incomparable Roderick Alleyn, Inspector Fox, & Nigel Bathgate. My Ngaio Marsh binge continues to pay off.

Great Story, Passable Narrator

Overture to Death meets all the criteria of a great whodunnit - means, motive, opportunity, a cast of compelling characters and an exquisite plot. Although the murderer was obvious from the beginning, this does not detracts from the storyline. The narrator, Ric Jerome, reads well but does not do a very good job of bringing the characters to life. His Inspector Alleyn was poor almost a caricature. Similar voices were usd for some characters making them appear lackluster and inconsequential.

A thoroughly entertaining read.

This is my favorite Ngaio Marsh tale. It has a great plot, is well narrated.

Life in a Small Village Can Be Murder

Another wonderful mystery from one of the original Queens of the Golden Age. It has all the ingredients of a good "cozy." A typical English village. An interesting cast of characters. One or two likely victims. Some good red herrings. And the charming and brilliant Chief Inspector Alleyn to sort it all out. Nicely performed by Ric Jerrom.

Overture to Death

Very intriguingly plotted. Highly enjoyable to read. In plot and language, one of her best.