The first dual biography of two of the world’s most remarkable women—Elizabeth I of England and Mary Queen of Scots—by one of Britain’s “best biographers” (The Sunday Times).In a rich and riveting narrative, Jane Dunn reveals the extraordinary rivalry between the regal cousins. It is the story of two queens ruling on one island, each with a claim to the throne of England, each embodying dramatically opposing qualities of character, ideals of womanliness (and views of sexua...

All six series of Christopher Lee's enthralling parliamentary drama - plus Christmas SpecialSuave, unflappable and ambitious, veteran politician Charles Bannister knows his way around the corridors of power. As Chief Whip, he's adept at keeping MPs in line and squashing potential scandals - aided by his brother-in-law, MI6 agent Henry Colvil, who whispers useful titbits of information in his ear. His position seems invincible - but nothing is forever, and when the ...

Multicast narration featuring David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Juliet Stevenson, and moreMurder and mystery lurk in the picturesque English countryside in this new collection of Agatha Christie short stories.Growing up in Torquay, Agatha Christie’s love of the West Country never left her and many of her most intriguing mysteries are set on the moors and shores of Devon and Cornwall. This collection celebrates some of Christie's finest countryside...

Multicast narration featuring Isla Blair, Joan Hickson, David Suchet, and moreMiss Marple and Hercule Poirot both make appearances in Agatha Christie’s Double Sin and Other Stories, a sterling collection of short mystery fiction that offers double the suspense, surprise, and fun.In one of London’s most elegant shops, a decorative doll dressed in green velvet adopts some rather human, and rather sinister, traits.A country ge...

Joy and heartbreak combine in this bittersweet tale of a champion greyhound’s journey through life – and from owner to owner…“The sack wasn't just drifting gently along like everything else, it was turning of its own accord. There was definitely something inside it, struggling against the side of the plastic bag, kicking at it, squeaking and squealing in terror. He had no idea what it might be, only that it was alive and in danger of drowning.”When Patrick saves a litter of...

Multicast narration featuring Hugh Fraser, Isla Blair, and Simon VanceHercule Poirot is joined by the mysterious problem solver Harley Quin in the pages of The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories—a collection of ingenious short masterworks of mystery and suspense that showcase the legendary Agatha Christie at her very best.A grand treasure for fans of the grande dame of mystery, The Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories brin...

Multicast narration featuring Hugh Fraser, Joan Hickson, David Suchet, and moreHercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and Christie’s wildly unconventional investigator, Parker Pyne, all make appearances in The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories—a riveting collection of short stories featuring a host of murderous crimes of passion, pleasure, and profit.There's a body in a trunk; a dead girl's reflection is caught in a mirror; and one corpse is...

Read by Hugh Fraser and Christopher LeeA sterling collection of short stories featuring Hercule Poirot and others, The Golden Ball and Other Stories is a riveting compendium of shocking secrets, dastardly crimes, and brilliant detection—a showcase of Dame Agatha at her very best.Is it a gesture of goodwill or a sinister trap that lures Rupert St. Vincent and his family to a magnificent estate?How desperate is Joyce Lambert,...

Read by David Suchet and Hugh FraserA dead heiress on a train, a murdered recluse, a wealthy playboy slain at a costume ball are but a few of the unfortunate victims of confounding crimes committed in the pages of Agatha Christie’s The Under Dog and Other Stories, a superior collection of short mystery fiction all featuring Hercule Poirot as the investigator.A beautiful heiress has been found dead on a train. A playboy has been sta...

Multicast narration featuring Joan Hickson, David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, and moreAgatha Christie demonstrates her unparalleled mastery with Three Blind Mice and Other Stories—a classic compendium of mystery and suspense, crime and detection, whose title novella served as the basis for The Mousetrap, the longest running stage play in the history of the London theater.A blinding snowstorm—and a homicidal maniac—traps a small p...

When wealthy spinster Emily French is found murdered, suspicion falls on Leonard Vole, the man to whom she hastily bequeathed her riches before she died. Leonard assures the investigators that his wife, Romaine Heilger, can provide them with an alibi. However, when questioned, Romaine informs the police that Vole returned home late that night covered in blood. During the trial, Ms. French’s housekeeper, Janet, gives damning evidence against Vole, and, as Romaine’s cross-examination begins,...

Read by Richard E. GrantIn Agatha Christie’s classic, A Pocket Full of Rye**, the bizarre death of a financial tycoon has Miss Marple investigating a very odd case of crime by rhyme.**Rex Fortescue, king of a financial empire, was sipping tea in his “counting house” when he suffered an agonizing and sudden death. On later inspection, the pockets of the deceased were found to contain traces of cereals....