The Sound of Crime
A natural offspring of the radio programme, audio books have been around for decades. Now, nearly every book can be found on audio format, either on CD or even download on the home computer. I think that the genre of crime fiction, especially historical authors such as Christie or Conan Doyle, has been well served and I’d like to give a boost for the audio books out there!
Just Google “audio books” and you’ll see a massive availability and most bookshops have a section devoted to it. And well represented are the exploits of Sherlock Holmes - with many famous narrators; the cases of Hercule Poirot are usually “covered” by the great David Suchet; June Whitfield gives voice to the unflappable Miss Marple; The Roman sleuth Falco is brought to life by Anton Lesser; Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham ... All found in audio format. Even less well known authors have their representatives such as Jane Finnis’ Aurelia Marcella series and the escapades of Daisy Dalrymple, written by Carola Dunn.
There is something quite relaxing to listening to a favourite book - being able to relax, close your eyes and visualise the story. Some find it hard to stay awake; dropping off isn’t a comment on the authors talents, it is a natural effect of the soporific effect. But audio books are a respectable adjunct to the novel, never in competition and always in demand. Here’s a salute to the “Talking Book”!
