The first Albert Campion mystery, brilliantly narrated by acclaimed Shakespearean actor Philip Franks. This three-disc audiobook captures golden-age detective fiction at its finest.
About This Audiobook
Margery Allingham's The Crime at Black Dudley (1929) introduces one of crime fiction's most iconic detectives: the enigmatic Albert Campion. When young George Abbershaw arrives at a remote country house for what should be a romantic weekend, a harmless parlour game turns sinister—and murder takes the stage. Trapped with a killer among the guests, George must rely on the quiet, seemingly bumbling detective Campion to unlock the mystery.
Published by Hachette Digital, this 2010 recording features Philip Franks, an acclaimed actor with extensive experience in classical theatre (Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre) and major television dramas including Heartbeat and The Darling Buds of May. Franks brings unparalleled depth to Allingham's atmospheric prose, capturing the menace and intrigue of the manor setting with masterful restraint.
The complete unabridged text (abridged audiobook format, approximately 4 hours) spans three discs and comes with its original woven label and interior paper inserts intact. This is an ideal entry point to Allingham's celebrated Campion series and a superb example of literary crime fiction performed by a world-class narrator.
Key Details
Golden-Age Detective Fiction
First published in 1929, this is the inaugural appearance of Albert Campion—one of crime fiction's most enduring and beloved detectives.
Acclaimed Narrator
Philip Franks, veteran of the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre, delivers a captivating performance across all three discs.
Complete Set
All three audio CDs, interior paper inserts, and woven label present and in working order. Abridged format, approximately 4 hours running time.
Collectable Edition
2010 Hachette Digital release. Highly sought by audiobook collectors, Allingham enthusiasts, and students of classic detective fiction.
Specifications
| Author | Margery Allingham |
|---|---|
| Title | The Crime at Black Dudley |
| Series | Albert Campion Mystery (Book 1) |
| Narrator | Philip Franks |
| Publisher | Hachette Digital |
| Format | Audio CD (3 Discs) |
| Running Time | Approximately 4 hours (Abridged) |
| Publication Year | 2010 |
| ISBN | 978-1-4056-0792-9 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Crime & Thriller / Mystery |
| Audience | Adults |
Condition Report
This is a pre-owned 3-CD audiobook set in good overall condition. The three audio discs play fully and the interior paper inserts are clean and present. The woven Hachette label is intact and legible. However, the outer "fat box" standard jewel case displays a visible crack across the front cover—a cosmetic flaw that does not affect playback or the structural integrity of the disc trays. Please examine the photo gallery to assess the case condition before purchasing.
Why This Audiobook?
The Crime at Black Dudley marks Albert Campion's debut. Collectors of classic detective fiction and Allingham enthusiasts prize this as essential to the series.
Philip Franks's masterful reading breathes theatrical life into Allingham's tense, atmospheric prose—critics note the production as "dangerously addictive" (Independent).
Written in 1929, this exemplifies the detective story's maturation in the 1920s–30s. A landmark of the genre alongside Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers.
Original 2010 Hachette Digital release with all three discs, inserts, and label. Increasingly scarce in the second-hand market.