#137 The ABC Murders (Hercule Poirot)

It's a murderous game of catch me if you can! A killer has challenged the genius of Poirot's "little grey cells" sending him a letter saying a person whose name begins with the letter "A" will be murdered on a certain date in a certain city and it's up to him to stop it from happening. If he refuses the case or can't solve the crime in time another murder will be soon to follow. This time a person will die whose name begins with the letter "B". For each failure to stop the killer he vows to strike again randomly selecting a victim who name begins with the next letter in the alphabet. To chastise Poirot and show him he's not so clever the killer sends him a taunting letter with a clue to the identity of the next victim. John Moffatt provides the voice of Hercule Poirot in another great murder mystery from the mind of Agatha Christie produced by the BBC.

From the BBC:
A BBC Radio full-cast dramatization starring John Moffatt as the great Belgian detective. Alice Ascher is murdered at Andover. Betty Barnard is strangled at Bexhill-on-Sea. Each time, an ABC railway guide is found by the dead bodies and, each time, Poirot is warned in advance by a letter from someone signed "ABC." But who is ABC? And can Poirot find out in time to prevent the death of C?

http://www.amazon.com/The-ABC-Murders-Full-Cast-Radio/dp/0563510501

#125 Three Act Tragedy - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

It's the incomparable Hercule Poirot in Three Act Tragedy another gem from the BBC featuring John Moffatt as the great Belgian detective. During a cocktail party being given by actor Sir Charles Cartwright an elderly clergyman drops dead after only having a sip of a dry martini. His death is believed to be from  natural causes and so Poirot dismisses the case. Unconvinced that the death was from natural causes Sir Cartwright along with his love interest the much younger Lady "Egg" Lytton Gore and his good friend Mr. Satterthwaite begin their own investigation. However, when it happens again at another party with the same guests in attendance it's feared a killer is indeed on the loose and Poirot joins the investigation. Listeners will find this Agatha Christie story a bit different than usual as Poirot is present only minimally in the first Act and he doesn't make a full investigative appearance until the second Act.

From the BBC:

Hercule Poirot, his amateur detective acquaintance Mr Satterthwaite, and the distinguished Harley Street nerve specialist Sir Bartholomew Strange are amongst the guests at a weekend party being given by the celebrated actor Sir Charles Cartwright at his clifftop house in Cornwall. On the first evening after their arrival there is a cocktail party - at which an elderly clergyman, who's only had a sip of dry martini, falls dead. Was it through natural causes - or murder?

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Act-Tragedy-Agatha-Christie/dp/0563494077

#116 Dead Man's Folly - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

Dead Man's Folly again features John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot in another of the BBC's oustanding productions of Agatha Christies famous Belgian detective. This time Poirot's friend Ariadne Oliver (Julia McKenzie) has been asked to create a murder mystery game for a party. Fearing that somehow the game may become a reality she calls on Poirot to help her. Dead Man's Folly has been selected as one of Audio File Magazines 10 best in the "voices of 2011 full-cast category" along with another production spotlighted on this post, The Mark of Zorro. This is one of Christie's best written Poirot stories and a wonderful audio production.

From the BBC:
Ariadne Oliver, Queen of Crime Fiction, has been asked to devise a Murder Hunt for a fete at Nasse House, the home of Sir George Stubbs. But she begins to suspect that someone is manipulating the scenario of her game and fears that something very sinister is being planned. She sends for her old friend Hercule Poirot. At first he is not inclined to take her very seriously but soon a series of events propels him to change his mind. Then suddenly all Ariadne's worst fears are realised when the girl playing the part of the murder victim is found strangled in the boat-house. For Hercule Poirot, the Murder Hunt has become a grim reality. This is a BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation starring John Moffatt as the great Belgian detective, with Julia McKenzie as Ariadne Oliver.  



http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Folly-Full-Cast-Radio/dp/1405677201

#112 Five Little Pigs - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

Carla Lemarchant is engaged to be married. But before she does she feels it is of the utmost importance to clear up a very disconcerting point in her family history. Sixteen years ago her mother, Caroline Crale, was convicted of murdering her husband Amyas Crale. The facts presented to the jury said her mother was a murderess. Yet shortly before her death her mother, from her jail cell, penned a letter proclaiming her innocence. Now afraid that she may inherit this murderous tendency and not wanting to lose her soon to be husband's love for her, Carla approaches Poirot asking him to investigate the case. 

Poirot conducts his investigation through a series of interviews with the five persons who were there at the time the events of Amyas Crale's death took place. Labeling them the five little pigs, for each one was supposedly doing something different at the time of the murder, the great detective sets out to reconstruct the crime. However, his "little grey cells" will be put to the test in order to solve this mystery. For without access to the scene of the crime he must solve the case purely by reflecting upon the testimony of the participants.

John Moffatt once again stars as Poirot in the well made, thoroughly entertaining BBC full-cast audio drama production.

From the BBC:

Beautiful Caroline Crale was convicted of poisoning her husband, but just like the nursery rhyme, there were five other “little pigs” who could have done it: Philip Blake (the stockbroker), who went to market; Meredith Blake (the amateur herbalist), who stayed at home; Elsa Greer (the three-time divorcée), who had her roast beef; Cecilia Williams (the devoted governess), who had none; and Angela Warren (the disfigured sister), who cried all the way home. Sixteen years later, Caroline’s daughter is determined to prove her mother’s innocence, and Poirot just can’t get that nursery rhyme out of his mind.

http://www.amazon.com/Five-Little-Pigs-Hercule-Dramatization/dp/1602837309

#96 Evil Under The Sun - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

Agatha Christie's classic tale of murder and intrigue comes to life in the BBC's production of Evil Under the Sun. Well produced and acted this whodunnit is sure to please any mystery lover.

From the BBC:
An exclusive hotel on a tiny picturesque island seems to be the ideal retreat for Hercule Poirot from the stresses of criminal detection. But with the appearance of the beautiful Arlena Stuart, the quiet and peaceful atmosphere becomes charged with an indefinable erotic tension. And, when she is found viciously strangled in a secluded cove, there are few, especially among the women, who seem to feel either surprise or regret. As Poirot follows a twisting path of bizarre and bewildering clues, his only certainties are that the solution lies within Arlena herself, and that there is evil under the sun. John Moffat is Hercule Poirot in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatization with an all-star cast which includes Iain Glen, Fiona Fullerton, Robin Ellis, Wendy Craig, George Baker and Joan Littlewood.

http://www.amazon.com/Evil-Under-Sun-Radio-Collection/dp/0563494255

#85 Mystery of the Blue Train - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

One of the BBC's best Hercule Poirot mysteries. This time with Maurice Denham starring as the great Belgian detective. It is the only production in the series in which Denham voices the role of Poirot. His performance mimics that of Peter Ustinov who played the role of Poirot in a series of Poirot movies in 1970s and 80s. The Mystery of the Blue Train is a superb audio drama filled with twists, turns and suspense.

From the BBC:

A BBC full-cast radio drama starring Maurice Denham as the great Belgian detective. A millionaire strikes a deal on the seedier side of Paris and gives to his heartsick daughter, Ruth Kettering, the "Heart of Fire," one of the world's legendary jewels. Legend has it that the possession of the jewel leads to death - but despite her father's protests, young Ruth decides to take it with her on the Blue Train to the French Riviera, where she has planned a reunion with her former lover. A few days into the journey, Ruth is found dead and her priceless rubies stolen. The suspects line up: could the murderer be Derek, her weak and greedy husband; Ruth's former lover, the Comte de la Roche; or the beautiful but tempestuous dancer Mirelle? Only master sleuth Hercule Poirot can unravel the mystery and find the truth.

http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Blue-Train-Full-Cast-Radio/dp/184607035X

#77 Murder on the Links - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

John Moffatt is back as the great Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot in another first-rate BBC production. One of Agatha Christies best Poirot stories. Without a doubt this one's a great whodunnit.

When Poirot arrives in France, following an urgent appeal for help, he finds he is too late. His client, a South American millionaire, has been stabbed to death and his body flung into a freshly dug open grave on the golf course adjoining the property. Meanwhile the millionaire's wife is found bound and gagged in her room. Poirot launches an investigation and the baffling mystery begins to unfold.

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Links-BBC-Audio-Crime/dp/0563510064

#70 The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

In the quiet village of King's Abbot a widow's suicide has stirred suspicion - and dreadful gossip. There are rumors she murdered her first husband, rumors she was being blackmailed, and rumors that her secret lover was Roger Ackroyd. Then Ackroyd is found murdered - and all the members of the household stand to gain from his death. Hercule Poirot, who has retired to King's Abbot, is reluctantly drawn into finding a clever and devious killer.


From the BBC:
BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisztion starring John Moffat as Hercule Poirot. Mrs Farrars is found dead of an apparent overdose one year after the death of her husband. The villagers of King's Abbot are suspicious. The rumor is that she poisoned her husband and was in love with Roger Ackroyd. When he is found murdered the following day, there is little to go on. Luckily one of the newest residents who has retired to this normally quiet village is none other than Monsieur Hercule Poirot.

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Roger-Ackroyd-Hercule-Dramatization/dp/1602837325

#61 Appointment With Death - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

 



Among the towering red cliffs of Petra, like some monstrous swollen Buddha, sat the corpse of Mrs. Boynton. A tiny puncture mark on her wrist was the only sign of the fatal injection that had killed her. With only 24 hours available to solve the mystery, Hercule Poirot recalled a chance remark he had overheard back in Jerusalem: "You see, don't you, that she's got to be killed?" Mrs. Boynton was, indeed, the most detestable woman he'd ever met. This classic Christie radio drama stars John Moffatt as Hercule Poirot.

http://www.amazon.com/Appointment-Death-Full-Cast-Radio-Drama/dp/0563536497

#60 The Mysterious Affair at Styles - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

Set in 1916, we meet Captain Hastings as he is invalided out of the Great War and goes to convalesce at Styles Court, the family home of his good friend, John Cavendish. By an extraordinary coincidence, billeted in the village is a brilliant little retired detective with an egg-shaped head, who made a considerable impression on the Captain when he was in Belgium. Styles is not a happy household and in the blistering summer heat, tensions mount. Even so, the tragic murder which occurs is not expected. The entire family is drawn into the case but with their reluctant permission, Hastings calls upon the services of the diminutive Belgian. Thus begins one of the great partnerships and friendships in the history of crime.

John Moffatt stars as Hercule Poirot, Simon Williams as Captain Hastings and Philip Jackson as Detective Inspector Japp, who already has reason to be indebted to the distinguished and unique hero of so many mysteries.

http://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Affair-Styles-Full-Cast-Radio/dp/0563510315

#51 One, Two Buckle My Shoe - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

What reason would an amiable dentist like Dr. Morely have for committing suicide? He didn't have emotional difficulties, money problems, or love trouble. What he did have was an appointment with Hercule Poirot, who is not persuaded by the suicide story and has therefore taken it upon himself to questions the good doctor's patients, partners, and friends. All he's come up with is the numbing fear that Dr. Morely wasn't an unlikely victim at all. Nor the first. This full-cast radio drama stars John Moffatt as Poirot and Philip Jackson and Chief Inspector James Japp.

http://www.amazon.com/One-Two-Buckle-Shoe-Full-Cast/dp/0563524065

#50 Peril At End House - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation starring John Moffatt as the great Belgian detective. Hercule Poirot and his good friend Captain Hastings are enjoying a well-deserved break on the Cornish Riviera, in the idyllic village of St Loo. Wandering along the terrace of the Hotel Majestic on the first morning of their stay, Poirot literally falls at the feet of a pretty, dark-haired girl and, much to Hastings delight, insists that she join them for a cocktail. The girl is Nick Buckley, last in a long line of Buckleys to live at End House, an isolated old place perched on the end of a rocky outcrop. As she reassures the two friends that living there is more fun than it might seem, Poirot s ears prick up she is having fun, Nick says, despite the fact that she has had three near-fatal accidents in the past few days. To Poirot, that adds up to more than coincidence. And when Nick jerks away from a bee flying past that turns out to be a bullet, the Belgian knows there is work ahead for the little grey cells. The perpetrator of these accidents may well be endlessly inventive and diabolically clever, but is he a match for the meticulous Poirot?  

http://www.amazon.com/Peril-End-House-Radio-Collection/dp/0563524391

#42 Death In The Clouds - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

John Moffatt returns to the role of Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie's Death in the Clouds. Philip Jackson (A&E/BBC Hercule Poirot TV series) reprises his TV role of Chief Inspector James Japp for this radio drama presentation.

On a flight from Le Bourget to Croydon, on which Hercule Poirot is an apprehensive passenger, a woman is found dead. A doctor on board is inclined to put it down to a wasp-sting, but Poirot suspects that a poisoned dart is the real cause—and, perhaps rather too conveniently, a blow pipe is discovered stuffed down the back of his seat. Clearly, the murder can only have been committed by one of the passengers or crew on the plane. But which one? Poirot, Japp, and M. Fournier of the Surete will make their way through shoals of red herrings before reaching an utterly unexpected conclusion.

http://www.amazon.com/Death-Clouds-Full-Cast-Radio-Collection/dp/056353043X

#35 Lord Edgware Dies (aka Thirteen at Dinner) - (BBC)

The BBC again creates a great Hercule Poirot mystery this time with Lord Edgware Dies (aka Thirteen at Dinner). Lady Edgware, Jane Wilkenson, wants a divorce from her unkind and unloving husband. If she can't get one she's made it public knowledge that she'll take a taxi to the house "and bump him off." Only a few hours after uttering those words he's found dead, brutally stabbed to death. With all the evidence pointing to her, including witnesses who saw her enter the house at the time of the murder, the case against her seems cut and dried. But not so fast mon ami the great detective is on the case. Listen to the case develop as Poirot digs up clues that lead to the truth.

John Moffatt stars as the great Belgian detective in this BBC Radio full-cast dramatization.

http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Edgware-Dies-Full-Cast-Radio/dp/0563510757

#29 Sad Cypress - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

John Moffatt portrays the great Belgian detective in a great radio adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel. Elinor Carlisle and Roddy Welman are very distant cousins happily engaged to be married when they receive an anonymous letter claiming that someone is "sucking up" to their wealthy aunt Laura. Elinor immediately suspects Mary Gerrard, the lodgekeeper's daughter, to whom their aunt has grown quite fond of. Elinor and Roddy expecting to inherit a tidy fortune from their aunt decide it would be in everyone's best interests to visit her. Soon after their visit tragedy strikes, Mary is dead and Elinor is on trial for her life. It's up to Poirot to save this young woman from the gallows.

From the BBC:
Elinor Carlisle and Roddy Welman are the model English couple, perfect companions set for a life of ease when they inherit Aunt Laura's considerable fortune. But a poison pen letter begins a chain of events which is to end in tragedy...Enter Hercule Poirot to investigate. John Moffatt stars as the great Belgian detective in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation. 

http://www.amazon.com/Sad-Cypress-Full-Cast-Radio-Collection/dp/0563524448

#14 Murder in Mesopotamia - A Hercule Poirot Mystery (BBC)

Murder in Mesopotamia is another is the great line of BBC Hercule Poirot radio drama productions dramatized by Michael Bakewell and directed by Enyd Williams. John Moffitt stars as Poirot.

On an archeological dig in Irag Mrs. Leidner is found dead in her room, struck fatally on the head with a large blunt object. The mystery deepens when it's learned that Mrs. Leidner had confided to her nurse, Nurse Leatheran, that she had received several threatening letters that were signed by her first husband who was believed to be killed years ago in a train accident. The digs medical doctor, Dr. Reilly, convinced the local authorities need help to solve this mysterious death convinces the dead woman's husband Dr. Leidner to summon the great Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, who is traveling in Iraq.

A great whodunnit from the mind of Agatha Christie.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Murder-Mesopotamia-Radio-Dramatisation-Collection/dp/0563494239

#12 Death on the Nile - A Hercule Poirot Mystery (BBC)

John Moffitt portrays the Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot once again in Death on the Nile. Full of twists, turns, intrigue and.... murder. Take a journey up the Nile in this amazing production by the BBC. Directed by Enyd Williams and dramatized for radio by Michael Bakewell - truly two of the finest radio drama producers of the modern era.

From the BBC:
Linnet Doyle is young, beautiful, and rich. She's the girl who has everything--including the man her best friend loves. Linnet and her new husband take a cruise on the Nile, where they meet the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot. It should be an idyllic trip, yet Poirot has a vague, uneasy feeling that something is dangerously amiss...

http://www.amazon.com/Death-Nile-BBC-Radio-Presents/dp/0553478117

#5 Murder on the Orient Express (BBC)

The BBC's brilliant adaptation of Agatha Christie's timeless story of mystery and intrigue. John Moffitt, a sound alike to David Suchet, portrays the great Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. The entire cast gives one stunning performance after another. Perhaps the greatest radio drama mystery ever produced.

From the BBC:
Hercule Poirot manages to get a berth on the glamorous Orient Express, which is unusually crowded for the off season. He joins an international cast of passengers on the train, one of whom attracts his attention - a smartly dressed, obviously wealthy American. The next day the man tells Poirot that his life has been threatened and offers the detective "big money" if he will protect him. But there is something about the man Poirot doesn't like, and he refuses the offer. The next morning the man is found dead in his cabin, stabbed twelve times. There is no lack of clues for Hercule Poirot - but which is real and which a clever plant? Poirot realizes that this time he is dealing with a murderer of enormous cunning and that, in a case fraught with fear and inconsistencies, only one thing is certain - the murderer is still aboard the train and waiting to strike again. Agatha Christie's famous mystery is dramatized with a full cast starring John Moffatt as Poirot, Joss Ackland, Sylvia Syms, and Francesca Annis.

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Orient-Express-Radio-Presents/dp/0553472151