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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 Village
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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)

What listeners say about The Killings at Badger’s Drift

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brilliant

if u love midsomer murders I
u will love this a very good book

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Throughly enjoyable

Loved it! Great for our road trip from Lancashire to Norfolk over festive season. On to book 2.

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Wow! One for the Midsomer regulars

The novel has made me appreciate the TV series even more! John Hopkins (Scott) narrates in an unmistakably John Nettles’s Tom Barnaby-esque style. The character descriptions and scene portrayal were vivid and Tom’s constant battle with Joyce’s cooking was even more amusing!

If you love the first few Midsomer TV series then you’ll enjoy this.

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Killing at Badgers Hill

This is a gem of a find
Totally engrossing and brilliantly crafted and executed can’t wait to listen to the full series
The narrator sounds like John Nettles

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A Bl**dy good listen!

Absolutely loved this. Great story, and so much darker than the tv series - what a find!

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Midsummer Murders - my favourite

I love Midsummer Murders and now I love the Audible books as well. Well written and well performed.

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Excellent

I really enjoyed listening and felt immersed in the story and characters. John Hopkins is indistinguishable from John Nettles playing Barnaby. He has lovely voice and brings the story alive. Couldn’t wait to get back to listening. Totally hooked and loved story and narration.

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I had ignored this book and was fool to do so

I have been absolutely gripped by this book and have had an excellent listening experience but it has taken me years to risk a credit on it. The sample of the book is an extract from the foreword by John Nettles rather than the actual narrator, so if you don’t take to Nettles’ style of reading, don’t be put off.
I also had judged it for being the basis of Midsomer Murders which I had enjoyed as a child but found a bit stale and dated. However, as noted in foreword , the original novel is so rich and character led, it feels timeless, fresh, full of life and interest. Im so glad I have the rest of the series to get stuck into. Download and enjoy x

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Absolutely fabulous

Another well-written and narrated story. Characterisations beautifully depicted, rounded and interesting. Please make more….

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Midsomer magic

I have enjoyed reading and re-reading Caroline Graham,s books for many years and what a joy to listen to them for the first time. Great narration, I think he brought the characters to life. I will be downloading next in the series.

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