The Margate Murders

by Tom Hofland, Pascal van Hulst, James Dobbyn

For fans of K. L. Slater, Sarah A. Denzil, and Joy Ellis, starring Sheridan Smith and Joanne Froggatt, get ready for your next (un)true crime obsession.
When you hit play, it will seem like you're listening to a true crime podcast. But this one is all made up, and will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Margate Murders follows the hunt for an elusive serial killer who murders once every decade, and then changes his identity. In a story full of shocking twists and turns, a journalist, a survivor, a witness, a detective, and a forensic psychologist are all interviewed for their perspective on what went right, and what went horribly wrong, in the hunt for a killer. But everyone has their own agenda, and maybe even something to hide…

When you listen to a true crime podcast, how can you be sure everyone’s telling the truth?

Also starring Cavan Clerkin, Aaron Neil, and Elexi Walker.

Genres: Audiobook, Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

Audible Audio

First published October 3, 2024

Reviews

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a production featuring a well known cast, and involves murders perpetrated ten years apart. It kept me company whilst I baked, and then prepared dinner.

[Magpie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiled by a confusing ending

[Paul Botterill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This audiobook book was ok. The purely interview style did not really do it for me, it felt a little one dimensional. It did get better and more engaging as it went on and I was ready to give it three stars but then I felt a deep disappointment in the ending which felt tacked on and unresolved.

[George’s Books83 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve listened to in this particular style. It is more like a documentary way of telling the story. I enjoyed it and it was easy to listen to.
I did have to remind myself a couple of times that it wasn’t a true story as the actors/narrators really bring it to life. Sherridan Smith was amazing as always.
The sound effects make it very atmospheric and it has a totally different feel to a normal audiobook.
Great story but I think the style may not suit everyone.
It is also free with an audible subscription which is a bonus!

[Karin Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this Audible original a few weeks ago but, as it's only just been added to GR, I'm adding to my "read" list now. This was a really enjoyable, interesting listen, with a full cast of reasonably well known British actors voicing the different parts. I was pleasantly surprised by how creative and twisty the story was and binged this in only a couple of sittings. I'd definitely be interested in listening to more works by the creators behind this production.

[Tracy A Bishop · Rating 1 out of 5]

So disappointed… boring as!

[Mez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this!

[Heather McGhie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story and the format in which it was told!

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Margate Murders surprised me in the best way. The cast really bring this story to life. Each character gives their own version of events, and even though there are a few little plot holes, the performances are so good that you end up forming your own opinions, who you trust, who you don't, and who you're secretly rooting for. Living near Margate made the whole thing feel even more atmospheric, and I loved how there were almost no slow moments at all.

The premise is genuinely interesting: a serial killer who strikes once every decade and then vanishes into a new identity. Hearing the journalist, survivor, witness, detective, and psychologist all share their sides of the story keeps you guessing the entire time. Everyone clearly has their own agenda, and you’re never quite sure who's telling the truth, which makes it feel like a true crime podcast with an extra twist. Overall, it's a fun, listen that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

[DarkPumpkinSpice (Helene) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well ok, this is not a book per se but an audio recording (Audible original).
However, in about 3 hours, we follow a detective investigating the brutal murder of her very good friend and her boyfriend both found burned and with missing teeth in a car. 10 years later, something very similar happened but this time, the victime barely escaped alive. And another 10 years later, a woman is kidnapped and the detective thinks the case could be linked to the two previous ones.

If anyone feels like hearing a good detective story with AMAZING voice actors, this is it. I am always amazed how well these stories are recreated! I’m just sad it was so short, I would have taken another 3 hours. The only complaint I have is that I felt the ending could hVe been explained with a bit more details. It felt a little bit rushed.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this in one sitting and enjoyed it. The twist at the end was great. I love Sheridan Smith as an actress so I was looking forward to listening to this and each actor was great in their part.
Each character speaks for a few minutes at a time giving their version of events during the course of a murder investigation that happened in Margate over a 10 year period. It’s worth a listen if you are into crime stories as it is written to make you feel like you are listening to a real life podcast. Overall, I really liked this story.

[Nigel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an OK short Audible original audio book. The story is presented as a True Crime podcast (which is not something I would usually bother with) and I can't say I was a fan of the format. It did however grip me enough to persevere with it so that I could find out what happened. The ending was a bit weird however in that it left a important question unresolved as 2 of the main contributors to the 'podcast' told polar opposite accounts of the final act and there was no real sense as to which was the truth, personally I found this annoying.

[Emma Dargue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a good audiodrama. Immersive, compelling and it reminded me of tv shows like unforgotten and the bay. the cast really create the story from the script they are given. Sheridan smith really immerses herself in the role. the ending was quite abrupt though and left it open ended. potentially due to the possibility of a second series but also it didn't totally felt that and felt that once the crime was solved that was it - it didn't need a second series it was very much an isolated story.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling listen from start to finish. I love that it is set out like a podcast as it gives you a sense of realism to the story. Love that Sheridan Smith is a narrator as she brings real life acting to the audiobook.
It’s an about a killer striking every ten years and the fight for justice but will people lose themselves and their jobs in the process of finding the killer.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first (in) true crime podcast I’ve listened to and I did enjoy it. I didn’t see the killer coming until I was about half was through but I didn’t see the ending coming at all. A good listen.

[Lupick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's short and sweet but very gripping. The voice acting was spot-on; at one stage I had to go back and check whether this was a true account because the acting was so genuine. The ending was a bit of a let-down, but overall, I really enjoyed it.

[Chelsie Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Strange format for me but enjoyed my first (un)true crime podcast. Took me a while to get into it because of the style I think. Enjoyed enough to keep listening on walks, while cooking, while cleaning 🧼
Didn’t see the twist coming at all! Enjoyable listen

[Alex BC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite “true” crime read, but certainly interesting narration style by adopting a podcast-interview model.
Cast were good, well-known British actors, with good characters, but the plot seemed a bit thin here and there.

[Tiina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was less a book than an audio play. I thought it was a mockumentary, and found it odd to hear music and sound effects when I was expecting a straightforward murder mystery. Not my cup of tea, though the plot was engaging.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
I liked the story and it was an interesting format. But I found the ‘uhm’ and ‘uhh’s to be a bit put on and hard to listen to. I get that it is to recreate a podcast or interview format, but it just didn’t feel natural.

[Vishnu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started out confusing but a pretty engaging middle. Interview style audiobook was new for me and was pretty interesting 1st for me. The end once the reveal was done was straightforward and probably even rushed. But still fun.

[Brad Audiobibliophile · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this from Audible Plus catalogue thinking it would be a good listen but it's more like a podcast or play than an audiobook. Not my thing at all. Gave up after a few minutes and removed from my Audible library.

[Síobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline. I thought the style was good, how their personal opinions and feelings warped the information they shared. The interview style made me feel like I was listening to a crime documentary.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent listen with a good twist but wouldn’t have captivated me enough if this had been in proper book form.

[Francis Wight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great listen - Sheridan Smith 10/10

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and entertaining as a performance but I found this whole thing a bit confusing tbh.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full production short mystery with a twist. Enough of a story to make it interesting and the audio enhanced the story. Made it sound like a podcast.

[Laurie Barshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this well-performed, all-star cast, audible original. Fictional ‘true’ crime story. I was hanging in every word from the excellent ensemble. Great story.

[Aisling Doonan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook is acted out like a podcast and it's very convincing. Kept me guessing till the end.

[Reen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well narrated audiobook with a full cast will always get 5 stars from me.