The Killings at Badger’s Drift

Midsomer Murders Mystery, Book 1

By: Caroline Graham

Narrated by: John Hopkins

The Killings at Badger's Drift is the first spectacular instalment in the Midsomer Murders series and the story that inspired the ITV hit drama, now featuring an exclusive foreword by John Nettles, who played best-loved TV detective and star of Midsomer Murders, DCI Tom Barnaby.

The village of Badger's Drift is the essence of tranquillity. But when resident and well-loved spinster Miss Simpson takes a stroll in the nearby woods, she stumbles across something she was never meant to see, and there's only one way to keep her quiet.

Miss Simpson's death is not suspicious, say the villagers. But Miss Lucy Bellringer refuses to rest: her friend has been murdered. She is sure of it.

She calls on Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby to investigate, and it isn't long until the previously unseen seamy side of Badger's Drift is brought to light. But as old rivalries, past loves and new scandals surface, the next murder is not far away.

©1987 Caroline Graham (P)2022 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

"Simply the best detective writer since Agatha Christie." (The Sunday Times)

"A mystery of which Agatha Christie would have been proud.... A beautifully written crime novel." (The Times)

"Tension builds, bitchery flares, resentment seethes...lots of atmosphere, colourful characters and fair clues." (Mail on Sunday)

A better presentation than the tv version

Excellent narration.
Barnaby is a much more likable character here than in TV version.
Good story twists will keep you interested.

Great narration, all the characters

Very engaging story, plausible and pleasing English characters and loved the descriptions of inner thoughts especially that of Inspector Barnaby. The narrator is one of the best I’ve come across.

Well written and interesting

The Killings at Badger's Drift kept me guessing. The story was well written. The narrator very good. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Good series

I started watching Midsommer Murders and always think books are better. They are! Hope to find more stories.

Excellent! I Need More

Excellent detective novel. Loved the characters and the small town who dunnit. Well spun out. The narrator was outstanding! I’d like to hear more about Detective Barnaby.