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BBC Radio 4 Marple
The Body in the Library
A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatization starring June Whitfield as the sharp-witted spinster sleuth
Dolly Bantry, mistress of Gossington Hall, is enjoying a pleasant doze when suddenly her dreams take a strange turn. The housemaid Mary is telling her that there is a body in the library. As she wakes up, it turns out to be true but who is the strange young blonde sprawled on the library floor? Enter St. Mary Mead s resident sleuth, Miss Mary Marple."
Dolly Bantry, mistress of Gossington Hall, is enjoying a pleasant doze when suddenly her dreams take a strange turn. The housemaid Mary is telling her that there is a body in the library. As she wakes up, it turns out to be true but who is the strange young blonde sprawled on the library floor? Enter St. Mary Mead s resident sleuth, Miss Mary Marple."
2 pages, Audio CD
First published May 22, 1999
33 people want to read
About the author
Michael Bakewell
72 books5 followersMichael Bakewell (7 June 1931 – 11 July 2023) was a British radio and television producer and radio playwright.
His work included adapting The Lord of the Rings (with Brian Sibley) into a 1981 radio series for the BBC and a series of 27 adaptations of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot stories broadcast between 1985 and 2007 by BBC Radio 4.
He was born in Birmingham, England. After graduating from Cambridge in 1954, he was recruited by the BBC's Third Programme. He became the first Head of Plays at the BBC in the 1960s.
His work included adapting The Lord of the Rings (with Brian Sibley) into a 1981 radio series for the BBC and a series of 27 adaptations of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot stories broadcast between 1985 and 2007 by BBC Radio 4.
He was born in Birmingham, England. After graduating from Cambridge in 1954, he was recruited by the BBC's Third Programme. He became the first Head of Plays at the BBC in the 1960s.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 17, 2020
DRAMATISATION LISTENED TO IN 2020
Well this was as enjoyable this time around as it was only 9 months ago. Listening to a great dramatisation whilst decorating is one of life's pleasures, and certainly makes the painting go faster.
Certainly still a 4 star listen.
DRAMATISATION LISTENED TO IN 2019
Now, it is worth making it crystal clear that a) this was an audiobook and b) it was a BBC Radio 4 full cast dramatisation, NOT someone reading the book.
So with that out of the way and bearing in mind the fact that I read this (as a book) 2 years ago, I still really enjoyed it. I was repairing a series of outdoor garden mobiles in my garage, well 3 to be precise and wanted something "easy" to listen to, and this fitted the bill.
I have probably 40 or 50 Christie audiobooks and dramatisation courtesy of my mother and now that I have nearly finished loading them all into iTunes it seemed silly not to take advantage of the opportunity.
This is of course an excellent story and despite being considerably condensed in this version it was still recognisably a Christie and therefore enjoyable. June Whitfield aurally as Miss Marple is excellent.
The story itself revolves around the discovery of a young platinum blonde found dead in Colonel Bantry's library. This of course is the cause of much suspicion against the hitherto innocent and gentlemanly Arthur Bantree. Miss Marple to the rescue ably assisted by Dolly Bantry and retired Police Commissioner Sir Henry Clithering.
This was an interesting dramatisation that helped pass an afternoon, with a good cast, BUT it is not as good as the book.
Well this was as enjoyable this time around as it was only 9 months ago. Listening to a great dramatisation whilst decorating is one of life's pleasures, and certainly makes the painting go faster.
Certainly still a 4 star listen.
DRAMATISATION LISTENED TO IN 2019
Now, it is worth making it crystal clear that a) this was an audiobook and b) it was a BBC Radio 4 full cast dramatisation, NOT someone reading the book.
So with that out of the way and bearing in mind the fact that I read this (as a book) 2 years ago, I still really enjoyed it. I was repairing a series of outdoor garden mobiles in my garage, well 3 to be precise and wanted something "easy" to listen to, and this fitted the bill.
I have probably 40 or 50 Christie audiobooks and dramatisation courtesy of my mother and now that I have nearly finished loading them all into iTunes it seemed silly not to take advantage of the opportunity.
This is of course an excellent story and despite being considerably condensed in this version it was still recognisably a Christie and therefore enjoyable. June Whitfield aurally as Miss Marple is excellent.
The story itself revolves around the discovery of a young platinum blonde found dead in Colonel Bantry's library. This of course is the cause of much suspicion against the hitherto innocent and gentlemanly Arthur Bantree. Miss Marple to the rescue ably assisted by Dolly Bantry and retired Police Commissioner Sir Henry Clithering.
This was an interesting dramatisation that helped pass an afternoon, with a good cast, BUT it is not as good as the book.
February 17, 2023
Ah, now this is a Miss Marple piece of wondery! Who is the body in the library? Why is Miss Marple always near a murder? Why are all her friends in the business of knowing people who have murderers around them? We don't care because we love Miss Marple!
May 1, 2020
When Rugby Keen, a young professional dancer is found murdered in St. Mary Mead, Miss Marple steps up to find out what happened to her. With patience, knowledge of human nature and observational skills she manages to carve out information to solve the crime.
I listened to the CD Audio edition of The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) by Agatha Christie. I found it a great option to listen to The Body in the Library as an audio book.
Miss Marple is the famous Agatha Christie character who aids police investigators with her gossipy ways, yet with a keen eye for complexities in human nature. This is story #3 about her. The Miss Marple character seems to vary slightly from story to story, but mainly she keeps to her gossipy, shrewd sleuthing manner which I so much enjoy and which makes the story work so well as a standalone.
Main character June (Miss) Marple, is famous for sleuthing out information while under some kind of unsuspicious cover. In this story she raises money for a good cause locally in St. Mary Mead. I find it impressive the way she gets access to people and manages to get them to open up and give her information they would be too afraid to give the police.
Secondary character, Basil Blake, is the party boy connected to film industry that seems very rude and has a dodgy attitude. I find him to be a very unsympathetic person who is easy to suspect of having committed some kind of criminal offence. I don’t think he would be anyone’s idea of a hero. -Certainly not mine. He is my least favorite character.
My favorite part of The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) by Agatha Christie was the setting of the plot. I really enjoyed the parts describing village life in St. Mary Mead and the feeling that Miss Marple very much enjoys living there.
The plot consists of all the well tested elements. The plot was intricate. Plenty of suspects, and well laid out clues for Miss Marple to investigate. The identity of the murderer was so well disguised. It felt like a surprise, as I had been looking in a completely different direction.
The writing is excellent in the trademark way of The Queen of Crime. Readers get pulled into life in a sleepy little English village where nothing much happens.
The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) is the exiting story of Miss Marple set in her home town St. Mary Mead. The writing is excellent and the plot expertly crafted in the way of Agatha Christie. Fans of Agatha Christie will love The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) with all the trademark ingredients. As will readers of crime fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Arthur Conan Doyle.
All opinions in this review are completely my own.
My rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: Expertly crafted plot, interesting characters, surprise ending
I listened to the CD Audio edition of The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) by Agatha Christie. I found it a great option to listen to The Body in the Library as an audio book.
Miss Marple is the famous Agatha Christie character who aids police investigators with her gossipy ways, yet with a keen eye for complexities in human nature. This is story #3 about her. The Miss Marple character seems to vary slightly from story to story, but mainly she keeps to her gossipy, shrewd sleuthing manner which I so much enjoy and which makes the story work so well as a standalone.
Main character June (Miss) Marple, is famous for sleuthing out information while under some kind of unsuspicious cover. In this story she raises money for a good cause locally in St. Mary Mead. I find it impressive the way she gets access to people and manages to get them to open up and give her information they would be too afraid to give the police.
Secondary character, Basil Blake, is the party boy connected to film industry that seems very rude and has a dodgy attitude. I find him to be a very unsympathetic person who is easy to suspect of having committed some kind of criminal offence. I don’t think he would be anyone’s idea of a hero. -Certainly not mine. He is my least favorite character.
My favorite part of The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) by Agatha Christie was the setting of the plot. I really enjoyed the parts describing village life in St. Mary Mead and the feeling that Miss Marple very much enjoys living there.
The plot consists of all the well tested elements. The plot was intricate. Plenty of suspects, and well laid out clues for Miss Marple to investigate. The identity of the murderer was so well disguised. It felt like a surprise, as I had been looking in a completely different direction.
The writing is excellent in the trademark way of The Queen of Crime. Readers get pulled into life in a sleepy little English village where nothing much happens.
The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) is the exiting story of Miss Marple set in her home town St. Mary Mead. The writing is excellent and the plot expertly crafted in the way of Agatha Christie. Fans of Agatha Christie will love The Body in the Library (Miss Marple #3) with all the trademark ingredients. As will readers of crime fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Arthur Conan Doyle.
All opinions in this review are completely my own.
My rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: Expertly crafted plot, interesting characters, surprise ending
January 18, 2018
I enjoyed this, and the voice acting was fantastic, but I think I missed something crucial somewhere along the line as I've had to google what actually happened. I'm not sure if this is down to me (likely) or the abridged version of the story. I would however still recommend this based on the performance alone.
December 8, 2013
I kept seeing in my mind's eye Dolly Bantry as portrayed by Joanna Lumley in the PBS show. This audiobook went by way too fast. I love Ms. Marple and would have enjoyed more.
February 2, 2021
Just read the actual book. The full-cast radio drama was fun, but it left out so much that I would have been totally confused if I didn't already know the story.
March 14, 2013
Mrs Dolly Bantry von Gossington Hall wird von ihrer Hausangstellten Mary sehr unsanft geweckt: In der Bibliothek liegt eine Leiche. Mrs Bantry ruft natürlich gleich ihre Freundin Miss Marple an. Die Bewohner des Hauses kennen die Tote nicht. Man vermutet, dass die Tote Dinah, die Freundin des Nachbarn Basil Blake, sein könnte, die ist aber noch sehr lebendig.
Letztendlich vermutet man, dass die Tote die Achtzehnjährige Ruby Keene, eine Tänzerin, sein könnte, was ihre Cousine Josephine "Josie" Turner bestätigt.
Ruby Keene war für einen alten Freund der Bantrys, Conway Jefferson, so etwas wie eine Ersatztochter, nachdem seine eigenen beiden Kinder bei einem Flugzeugabsturz ums Leben gekommen waren. Zwar lebt die Witwe seines Sohnes bei ihm, aber da diese sich wieder neu verheiraten will, suchte Conway eine neue Ersatztochter, die er in Ruby fand.
Kurz darauf wird die verbrannte Leiche der sechzehnjährigen Pfadfinderin Pamela Reeves in einem gestohlenen Auto gefunden.
Gibt es eine Verbindung zwischen den beiden toten jungen Frauen?
Überkonstruiert wäre noch milde ausgedrückt und viele Fragen bleiben für mich offen. Warum gerade Pamela? Zufall, Ähnlichkeit oder andere Gründe? Warum dieses Ablenkungsmanöver und vor allem, warum hat sich Conway Jefferson nicht einmal ein Foto der toten Ruby angesehen oder der Toten die letzte Ehre erwiesen, wenn er sie doch so sehr mochte? Da wäre alles sofort aufgeflogen, was sollte das also? Es gab eben neben Josie noch weitere Leute, die sie hätten identifizieren können, warum wurde das nicht gemacht? Warum hat man keine Fingerabdrücke der Toten genommen, das war 1942 sicherlich in UK auch schon üblich? Das ist einfach so unglaublich schlecht konstruiert und ermittelt, dass es schon peinlich ist. Diese Verwechslung ist entweder absolut unglaubwürdig oder es sind sehr viele Fakten in Hörspiel gekürzt worden, die nun zum Verständnis fehlen. Das Motiv ist noch nachvollziehbar, aber warum ext man nicht den reichen alten Mann, bevor er sein Testament ändert sondern zieht diesen Stunt durch?
Ein typisches BBC Hörspiel mit June Whitfield als Miss Marple und auch sonst topp Sprechern in den anderen Rollen. Die Umsetzung ist analog zu den anderen Hörspielen der Reihe, insgesamt ist das Hörspiel aber eigenständig und kann außer der Reihe gehört werden. Leider ist der Fall einfach nur unglaubwürdig und überkonstruiert. Um damals verwendete Ermittlungsmethogen schert sich die Autorin kein wenig, Miss Marple knobelt und die Polizei geht Kaffee trinken und lässt sie mal machen. Was haben die Ermittler überhaupt gemacht, außer die Leiche in einen Sack zu stecken und den Todeszeitpunkt festzustellen? Ich bezweifle im Übrigen, dass die damals den Todeszeitpunkt dermaßen genau bestimmen konnten, aber zu doof waren, Fingerabdrücke zu nehmen. Bei diesen rieisigen Logiklöchern können auch top Sprecher nichts mehr retten.
Letztendlich vermutet man, dass die Tote die Achtzehnjährige Ruby Keene, eine Tänzerin, sein könnte, was ihre Cousine Josephine "Josie" Turner bestätigt.
Ruby Keene war für einen alten Freund der Bantrys, Conway Jefferson, so etwas wie eine Ersatztochter, nachdem seine eigenen beiden Kinder bei einem Flugzeugabsturz ums Leben gekommen waren. Zwar lebt die Witwe seines Sohnes bei ihm, aber da diese sich wieder neu verheiraten will, suchte Conway eine neue Ersatztochter, die er in Ruby fand.
Kurz darauf wird die verbrannte Leiche der sechzehnjährigen Pfadfinderin Pamela Reeves in einem gestohlenen Auto gefunden.
Gibt es eine Verbindung zwischen den beiden toten jungen Frauen?
Überkonstruiert wäre noch milde ausgedrückt und viele Fragen bleiben für mich offen. Warum gerade Pamela? Zufall, Ähnlichkeit oder andere Gründe? Warum dieses Ablenkungsmanöver und vor allem, warum hat sich Conway Jefferson nicht einmal ein Foto der toten Ruby angesehen oder der Toten die letzte Ehre erwiesen, wenn er sie doch so sehr mochte? Da wäre alles sofort aufgeflogen, was sollte das also? Es gab eben neben Josie noch weitere Leute, die sie hätten identifizieren können, warum wurde das nicht gemacht? Warum hat man keine Fingerabdrücke der Toten genommen, das war 1942 sicherlich in UK auch schon üblich? Das ist einfach so unglaublich schlecht konstruiert und ermittelt, dass es schon peinlich ist. Diese Verwechslung ist entweder absolut unglaubwürdig oder es sind sehr viele Fakten in Hörspiel gekürzt worden, die nun zum Verständnis fehlen. Das Motiv ist noch nachvollziehbar, aber warum ext man nicht den reichen alten Mann, bevor er sein Testament ändert sondern zieht diesen Stunt durch?
Ein typisches BBC Hörspiel mit June Whitfield als Miss Marple und auch sonst topp Sprechern in den anderen Rollen. Die Umsetzung ist analog zu den anderen Hörspielen der Reihe, insgesamt ist das Hörspiel aber eigenständig und kann außer der Reihe gehört werden. Leider ist der Fall einfach nur unglaubwürdig und überkonstruiert. Um damals verwendete Ermittlungsmethogen schert sich die Autorin kein wenig, Miss Marple knobelt und die Polizei geht Kaffee trinken und lässt sie mal machen. Was haben die Ermittler überhaupt gemacht, außer die Leiche in einen Sack zu stecken und den Todeszeitpunkt festzustellen? Ich bezweifle im Übrigen, dass die damals den Todeszeitpunkt dermaßen genau bestimmen konnten, aber zu doof waren, Fingerabdrücke zu nehmen. Bei diesen rieisigen Logiklöchern können auch top Sprecher nichts mehr retten.
June 20, 2021
I'm a big fan of the BBC dramatizations of the Agatha Christie novels. It feels like listening to an old-fashioned radio show. So fun.
September 24, 2025
I very much enjoyed listening to this in the car on the way to work. It’s clear, unhurried, well acted and manages to not distract you whilst driving, and tell an interesting yarn at the same time.
It is economical with the story and some of the characters receive less attention than they do in the original novel, such as Raymond Starr, the tennis coach. Other characters like Colonel and Dolly Bantry sound exactly as you would imagine.
The mystery is engaging and my only criticism of this dramatisation is that the resolution feels a little more rushed than it deserves. The exposition and explanation of the murder at the end is very good and does in part make up for this.
An excellent dramatisation. Not perfect, but really enjoyable nonetheless.
It is economical with the story and some of the characters receive less attention than they do in the original novel, such as Raymond Starr, the tennis coach. Other characters like Colonel and Dolly Bantry sound exactly as you would imagine.
The mystery is engaging and my only criticism of this dramatisation is that the resolution feels a little more rushed than it deserves. The exposition and explanation of the murder at the end is very good and does in part make up for this.
An excellent dramatisation. Not perfect, but really enjoyable nonetheless.
November 20, 2017
I did like this audio book, but not as much as I liked the BBC Radio dramatization of the Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Distinguishing the voices was my main problem- sometimes when too many ladies or gentlemen were in a scene together the voices and accents were not distinct enough for me to realize who was speaking at what time- which makes understanding a murder mystery rather tough. It was still a good book, just not one of my faves. Hopefully one day I'll actually read the book and see if I understand it better!
August 2, 2023
I like the Miss Marple detective much better than the male detective in books like “Murder on the Orient Express.” Not to say I don’t like him. But there’s something about Marple that is so refreshing and observant. She knew that the wrong person was arrested but was very calm and controlled at the moment. She’s smart and witty, which makes her a more personable detective. I enjoyed listening to it. Although, Dan Stevens is my favorite narrator for Agatha’s books.
November 10, 2020
I loved the plot.
It was different from the rest.
I wasnt sure that i would love Miss Marple just as much as Poirot and I was wrong!
I love her.
The audio books are 1.5 hours, maybe gives a gist of the book. However, whenever time permits would love to read the book..
But thanks to BBC for bringing these audio series.
Nevertheless, a great companion while having some "me" time!
It was different from the rest.
I wasnt sure that i would love Miss Marple just as much as Poirot and I was wrong!
I love her.
The audio books are 1.5 hours, maybe gives a gist of the book. However, whenever time permits would love to read the book..
But thanks to BBC for bringing these audio series.
Nevertheless, a great companion while having some "me" time!
March 1, 2021
I really liked this book. The audio was great. It was like the older radio stories. Great cast of narrators, intrigue, emotions, twists and turns and a good ending. Great for reading (listening) anytime. This was well performed and was very enjoyable. Enjoy!
May 30, 2021
Miss Marple solves this case of the murder of, well, someone, with clues of fingernails and dresses; with a little help from a Girl Guide. An adaptation which manages to include all the essentials including just the right amount of red herrings. Enjoyable to hear Graham Crowden!
September 17, 2019
I loved listening to this book. Listening to the BBC cast give a reading of this book adds another layer of enjoyment. Although I’m not quite old enough for old time radio shows, I love listening to them and the BBC cast are some of the best.
January 9, 2020
Time for some good fun with my audio-reading! I rarely choose dramatizations, favoring the whole text of a book, but this Miss Marple tale was really well done. This would be great for a roadtrip!
July 1, 2020
A most enjoyable accompaniment to my lockdown exercise.
September 29, 2021
Love these adaptations.
November 12, 2022
Not the craziest or best of all Christie’s work but still an excellently produced audio adaptation with a spot on cast. I recommend it for commuting etc!
December 6, 2022
A wonderful, classic Miss Marple right at home in St. Mary Mead solving her neighbor's problems and murders. Told in the fun style of a radio drama.
December 16, 2022
didn't see that coming
January 24, 2025
A marvellous introduction to the wonderful Miss Marple, perfectly realised by June Whitfield.
March 11, 2025
The mysterious death in the library was a classic, well written criminal case. I liked it a lot
April 9, 2016
In Miss Marple #3 , we find her talents of observation and deduction called upon for the solving of the case involving the body of a young woman discovered in the library of her friend's home. Her knowledge is estimable and the local investigation most willing to hear her recommendations. A good introduction to Miss Marple's talents and personality evident throughout the series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews