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The Hog's Back Mystery

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The Hog's Back Mystery

By: Freeman Wills Crofts
Narrated by: Gordon Griffin
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Summary

Dr James Earle and his wife live in comfortable seclusion near the Hog's Back, a ridge in the North Downs in the beautiful Surrey countryside.

When Dr Earle disappears from his cottage, Inspector French is called in to investigate. At first he suspects a simple domestic intrigue - and begins to uncover a web of romantic entanglements beneath the couple's peaceful rural life.

The case soon takes a more complex turn. Other people vanish mysteriously, one of Dr Earle's houseguests among them.

What is the explanation for the disappearances? If the missing people have been murdered, what can be the motive?

©2015 Estate of Freeman Wills Crofts (P)2015 Soundings Detective Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Fiction
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This is a well narrated book …..the mystery/murders are good …..my only problem is I found it a bit long-winded . I guess we’re too used to speedier tales ! I have to say though it’s an interesting ‘ listen ‘ and am inclined to be thinking of starting again and paying more attention ! Nice that there’s no profanities / sexual content or gore .

Intrigued me ….but

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What made the experience of listening to The Hog's Back Mystery the most enjoyable?

Two things: the narration, which was exceptionally good, and the meticulous quality of Croft's writing. Although he is an intellectual writer (as opposed to one that plucks constantly at your emotions) he plays fair, so the dénouement is satisfying: not only practically feasible in terms of time and place, but psychologically comprehensible (in a way that some Agatha Chritie plots are not). I had never read anything by Crofts before, but I can see why he still retains his reputation for writing a classic 'puzzle' mystery.

What other book might you compare The Hog's Back Mystery to, and why?

It has some of the qualities of a Dorothy Sayers mystery, in being intricately planned but honest: the reader is given all the information he needs to work out the solution.

What does Gordon Griffin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Really wonderful characterisation. He is an outstandingly good narrator, one of the best I've listened to. He manages not only to produce different voices for the various characters, but he has got exactly the right pronunciation and intonation for a book set in the 1930's. Listening to his clipped, gentlemanly English one can almost see the wide, square suits and soft felt hats that the characters undoubtedly wore, as well-dressed men of their time. A very skilful job of narration that greatly enhanced the book for me.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No: but that is not any reflection on the book. This is an intellectual puzzle whodunnit, not an emotional novel, although the characters are attractive and interesting people.

Any additional comments?

This book was an exceptionally happy marriage of an enjoyable mental puzzle and a really superb narrator. A really enjoyable listen that kept me absorbed for hours.

A classic mystery, deservedly

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this was a brilliant performance and well done to everyone concerned
please can we have more

Great

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Having never heard of Freeman Wills Crofts before I didn't know what to expect but knowing that I could return the book if I didn't like it I had nothing to lose so I went ahead and bought it. I am so very glad I did.
The author takes his time with the plot and creates interesting characters and atmosphere as well as unexpected twists and turns right up to the ending. I had my suspicions about who "dunnit" but I was surprised in the end! Gordon Griffin's performance was excellent. All in all a very enjoyable listen.

A really g-ripping yarn!

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I love the way Inspector French talks through his deductions, enabling us to try to solve the case alongside him. Can't wait to listen to my next novel by Freeman Wills Crofts.

Excellent plot-twistening detective novel

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