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The Killings at Badger’s Drift

Midsomer Murders Mystery, Book 1

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The Killings at Badger’s Drift

By: Caroline Graham
Narrated by: John Hopkins
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About this listen

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 Crime Fiction Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Crime Village Murder

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)
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The best story I have read from Caroline Graham. Juicy characters, lots of sub plots, and a chilling conclusion. Loved this book!

The Killings at Badgers Drift

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My first experience of the novels coming from the tv series and I’m very impressed. John Hopkins is fantasitic, and versatile. Nails Barnaby and Troy, and made the middle class affectations of the town a very amusing delight. And it’s great to have DC Scott himself back after a sudden absence.
The story has more nuance and effortlessly evokes vivid imagery which is a nice foil to the everyday drama of the characters. A good nighttime choice I found for winding down.
Looking forward to the next.

Excellent introduction, great performance

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Wasn't too sure how I'd go having Sgt Scott reading this, but John Hopkins did a great job. Slow and well enunciated but you definitely get hooked in to the narrative. Very much enjoyed the audio book .... dare I say made better by the images of characters brought to life on the television.

Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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I was completely captivated by the story from beginning to end. I have seen this episode from the TV series and it is not nearly as good as the book! Fabulous and John Hopkins does a marvellous job as the narrator.

Enthralling

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Given my familiarity with The TV series I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this reading. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Surprised!

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