The Secret of Chimneys

Would you consider the audio edition of The Secret of Chimneys to be better than the print version? Hugh Fraser narrated the story very well, gave each character life and personality. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? There are many surprises, humours and delightful moments in the story. Any additional comments? One of my favourite non-Poirot and non-Marple Agatha Christie mystery novel. 16 people found this helpful

Where does The Secret of Chimneys rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far? It\’s difficult to rank this book among the others that I\’ve listened to as they are all such different types of books. The Secret of Chimneys would definitely be close to the top, though. What did you like best about this story? This has always been my favorite novel by Agatha Christie. There\’s something about Anthony Cade that I\’ve loved from the first time I read the book. His carefree manner vs his secretive nature just draws me in every time. A very likeable main character, a murder mystery, and all set at an English house-party…it just comes together for me and keeps me entertained from the very first word to the very last. What does Hugh Fraser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book? The accents. Hugh Fraser\’s ability to use different accents for every character really makes the book come alive in a way you don\’t get if you just read the book. Not only does he do several different British accents, but he\’s also great with the American, French, and Baltic area accents. He makes it that much more entertaining to listen vs read. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? Without giving too much away about the murder mystery, I\’d have to say the scene where they find out who the murderer really is and everyone\’s reactions. Especially George Lomax – the politician who thinks he knows everything – his reaction is priceless. Any additional comments? I highly recommend getting The Secret of Chimneys as an audio book. The story itself is one of Agatha Christie\’s best, in my opinion. Hugh Fraser\’s performance is spot on and his voice is very enjoyable listening. 25 people found this helpful

Perhaps Hugh Fraser should be credited with bringing it out in his wonderful interpretation, but now I know, Agatha Christie really had a way with words, not to mention that the plots and characters were beautifully portrayed. I don\’t suppose I can offer anything new in my review, so I\’ll just say I\’m glad I eventually noticed that I had been giving 4-5 stars to all the previous Christie audiobooks that I have in my library, and wonder why I only now have come to realize that I\’m a fan. 9 people found this helpful

Another great narration by Hugh Fraser, but the story itself is not up the Agatha Christie\’s usual standards, in my opinion. Probably because this was a very early story of hers — I like Inspector Battle, but the set up and mystery is both too confusing (fake monarchs of fake countries) and too cliche (stodgy forgetful old men, widow becomes a princess). I\’ll gladly listen to Hugh Fraser again and again, but it will be one of Christie\’s other novels. 6 people found this helpful

Actually, there’s more than one secret at Chimneys, the historic country seat of Lord Caterham and the place of choice whenever George Lomax (of the Foreign Office) wants a rural setting in which to trade state secrets. To be exact, there’s a treasure hunt, two kidnappings, and two and a half murders. In a plot that crowded, it’s little wonder that my title comes from an expostulation by Mr. Lomax himself, after hearing perhaps the most bizarre of the revelations that festoon this mystery. Though the least likable character in the book, his feelings echo mine; for all the far-fetched twists and turns, I enjoyed myself immensely. That’s probably because Christie knew what H. G. Wells knew: to make an implausible tale plausible, you have to make all the plausible parts perfectly plausible. Her characters, dialogue and details ring true to life; I was perfectly willing to swallow (with relish) everything else. And beyond all that, there’s Hugh Frasier, who played the earnest Captain Hastings to David Suchet’s impeccable Poirot in the long-running TV series. He gives his usual masterful performance here, though somewhat handicapped by a slight sibilance in the recording. It was his presence behind the microphone that prompted me to grab this one during the last 2-for-1 sale. 4 people found this helpful

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member