Meet the hypochondriacs of golden age detective fiction. My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is out now in the UK and published on 24th April in North America. To find out more and get your copy, visit my website carolinecrampton.com/abodymadeofglass. Join the Shedunnit Book Club for two extra Shedunnit… Continue reading…
Episodes
The Tea Leaf
A scientific murder mystery. My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is published in April. To find out more and register for the exclusive pre-order bonus material, visit my website carolinecrampton.com. Join the Shedunnit Book Club for two extra Shedunnit episodes a month plus access to the monthly reading discussions… Continue reading…
Lucy, Anthony and Anne
The crime fiction of Lucy Beatrice Malleson deserves to be better known. My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is published in April. To find out more and register for the exclusive pre-order bonus material, visit my website carolinecrampton.com. Join the Shedunnit Book Club for two extra Shedunnit episodes a… Continue reading…
The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club (Green Penguin Book Club 1)
Helen Zaltzman is the guest for this dissection of the first green penguin. Until 26:43, the discussion is free of major spoilers. At that point, as you will hear us say, we enter the spoiler zone and you can expect spoilers until the end. Helen’s podcast The Allusionist is available wherever you are listening to… Continue reading…
The Green Penguin
One visit to Agatha Christie changed everything. Thank you to my guest, Jules Burt, for sharing his book-collecting experiences and knowledge with us. You can learn more about his collection on his YouTube channel, Jules Burt Collections and Unboxings at youtube.com/@JulesBurt. My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is published… Continue reading…
A Reading Life
A conversation about how Shedunnit is made. Mentioned in this episode: — Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond — Murder of a Lady by Anthony Wynne — The Birthday Murder by Lange Lewis — Enter Sir John by Clemence Dane and Helen Simpson Authors Mentioned: — Richard and Frances Lockridge — Rudolph Fisher Mentioned… Continue reading…
Whodunnit Centenary: 1924
Time travelling, murder mystery style. Mentioned in this episode: — The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie — The Plague Court Murders by John Dickson Carr — Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie — The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L Sayers — A Man Lay Dead by Ngaio Marsh — Death… Continue reading…
The Lifelong Fan (Replay)
Renée read her first detective novel in the 1930s. She hasn’t stopped since. Special thanks to my guest Renée. Her first crime novel is The Wild Card. This archive episode of Shedunnit (my personal favourite of all the ones I’ve ever made) was first published on 2nd September 2020. Become a member of the Shedunnit… Continue reading…
The Murderless Christmas Mystery
Not every mystery needs a murder. There are minor details shared for all the novels and stories listed below, but no major plot revelations in this episode. Mentioned in this episode: — “The Flying Stars” by G.K. Chesterton, collected in The Innocence of Father Brown — A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens — The Pickwick… Continue reading…
Who Was Robert Eustace?
A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. The 2023 Shedunnit Pledge Drive is underway! Help ensure the future of the podcast and get your hands on some exclusive audio perks by becoming a Shedunnit member now at shedunnitshow.com/pledgedrive. Spoilers: there will be minor details shared for all the novels and stories listed below,… Continue reading…
Death at the Club
Private members’ clubs are surprisingly popular with corpses. The 2023 Shedunnit Pledge Drive is underway! Help ensure the future of the podcast and get your hands on some exclusive audio perks by becoming a Shedunnit member now at shedunnitshow.com/pledgedrive. Mentioned in this episode: — The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club by Dorothy L Sayers —… Continue reading…
The Pimlico Poisoning Mystery
How Adelaide Bartlett got away with murder. The 2023 Shedunnit Pledge Drive and we’re already three quarters of the way to our goal! Help ensure the future of the podcast and get your hands on some exclusive audio perks by becoming a Shedunnit member now at shedunnitshow.com/pledgedrive. Mentioned in this episode: — The Anatomy of… Continue reading…
Spooky Sleuthing
The supernatural and the rational come together in the murder mystery. Thank you to my returning guest, Carla Valentine, for joining me. This episode marks the beginning of the 2023 Shedunnit Pledge Drive! Help ensure the future of the podcast and get your hands on some exclusive audio perks by becoming a Shedunnit member now… Continue reading…
Agatha and Plum
Agatha Christie and P.G. Wodehouse had a lot in common. Thank you to my guest, Eliza Easton, for joining me. Mentioned in this episode:— The Code of the Woosters by PG Wodehouse— Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie— The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie— Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie— Murder on the… Continue reading…
Knock Knock (Replay)
Wouldn’t sleuthing be so much easier if the dead could speak to the living? This episode was first released on 18th September 2019. Be aware: there are no major (ending!) spoilers in this episode but there are plot descriptions given of the books listed below. Books mentioned: — Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers — Peril at End… Continue reading…
Shedunnit Recommends
What’s in the true detective fiction fan’s library? Be aware: there are no major (ending!) spoilers in this episode but there are plot descriptions given of the books listed below. Books recommended: — Speedy Death by Gladys Mitchell — The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley — Murder in the Basement by Anthony Berkeley… Continue reading…
Murder-on-Sea
Murder does like to be beside the seaside. Thanks very much to my guests. Dr Allan Brodie is a visiting fellow at Bournemouth University and the author of books including England’s Seaside Heritage from the Air. Dr Kathryn Ferry is a historian of the British seaside and the author of books including The British Seaside Holiday, more… Continue reading…
Murder in a Heatwave
When the temperature rises, don’t lose your cool. Thanks to my guest Cecily Gayford — you can find more information about Murder in a Heatwave and all the other anthologies she has edited via the website for Profile Books. Be aware: there are spoilers in this episode for the the story “The Vindictive Story of… Continue reading…
Cricket and Crime
Why are crime writers so bowled over by the game? Thank you to my guests, Dr. Andrew Green and cricket statistician Andy Zaltzman. You can find more cricket-related content and news from Andy by listening to Test Match Special on BBC Radio 5, or via his podcast, The Bugle Ashes Urncast. You can find Dr.… Continue reading…
Editing Agatha Christie
How do we approach offensive language in texts from previous times? Be aware that this episode includes discussion of prejudice, slurs and “of its time” attitudes and language. Thank you to my guest, Subhadra Das. You can find more information about her work at her website subhadradas.com and her book (Un)Civilised: Ten Lies That Made… Continue reading…
Meet The Coles
What happens when a couple of socialists decide to write mysteries? Thanks to my guest, Curtis Evans. His blog is The Passing Tramp and his book, The Spectrum of the English Murder, it is available through all good booksellers. Join Caroline and guest Teresa Peschel for a free live episode of Shedunnit on YouTube on… Continue reading…
Miss Marple, Spinster Sleuth
A feminist take on the gossiping busybody of St Mary Mead. Thanks to my guest, Leandra Griffith. As well as being Shedunnit’s production assistant, she posts about mysteries on her Instagram @leandra_thetbrzero and her YouTube channel. Become a member of the Shedunnit book club and get bonus audio, listen to ad free episodes and join… Continue reading…
The Villa Murder
The tragic tale of Alma Rattenbury. Content warning: this episode includes mention of suicide. Become a member of the Shedunnit book club and get bonus audio, listen to ad free episodes and join a book-loving community at shedunnitshow.com/membership. Mentioned in the episode:— The Anatomy of Murder by The Detection Club— Stay of Execution by Eliot… Continue reading…
Death Under Par
Golf and murder have been close companions for a whole century. To support the podcast, be part of a superb bookish community, and get two bonus episodes a month, become a member of the Shedunnit Book Club now at shedunnitbookclub.com/join. Mentioned in the episode:— The Murder on the Links (1923) by Agatha Christie— “The Murder on… Continue reading…
The Golden Age Autopsy
Step inside the mortuary. Thanks to my guest, Carla Valentine, for joining me. Her book, Murder Isn’t Easy: The Forensics of Agatha Christie, has lots more on this subject, as does her previous appearance on Shedunnit, Murder Isn’t Easy. Mentioned in the episode: — Murder Isn’t Easy by Carla Valentine— The Murder at the Vicarage… Continue reading…
At Home With Agatha Christie
Come with me on a tour of Greenway. Special thanks to Clive and everyone at the National Trust for making me and my microphone welcome at Greenway, and to Sarah Thrift for arranging it. I’m also grateful to my friend Elizabeth Minkel, who spent the afternoon doing this even though she has only read one… Continue reading…
The Trials of Madeleine Smith
What if you are found neither innocent nor guilty? Books mentioned in this episode— The Law and the Lady by Wilkie Collins— The House in Queen Anne Square by William Darling Lyell— Madeleine Smith: A Tragi-Comedy in Two Acts by Winifred Duke— Trial of Madeleine Smith (Notable British Trials), appraisal by F. Tennyson Jesse— Murder… Continue reading…
The Death Of The Country House
A most golden age murder. Books mentioned in this episode— Lady Chatterley’s Lover by DH Lawrence— The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame— Peril at End House by Agatha Christie— The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham— There Came Both Mist and Snow by Michael Innes— Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie— Too Soon… Continue reading…
A Detective’s Farewell
How do you say goodbye to a long-running character? Many thanks to my guest, Elly Griffiths. Her latest book is The Last Remains. Books mentioned in this episode— Cat Among The Pigeons by Agatha Christie— The Clocks by Agatha Christie— Curtain by Agatha Christie— The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths— The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths—… Continue reading…
The Mysterious Dorothy Bowers
She wrote five successful murder mysteries and then vanished without a trace. Mentioned in this episode: — Postscript to Poison by Dorothy Bowers— Shadows Before by Dorothy Bowers— A Deed Without A Name by Dorothy Bowers— Fear For Miss Betony by Dorothy Bowers— The Bells at Old Bailey by Dorothy Bowers NB: Links to… Continue reading…
The Advertising Adventures of Dorothy L. Sayers
She created Lord Peter Wimsey — and also some excellent slogans about mustard. Mentioned in this episode: — The Mutual Admiration Society by Mo Moulton — Dorothy L. Sayers: Her Life And Soul by Barbara Reynolds — Dorothy L. Sayers: A Careless Rage for Life by David Coomes — Dorothy L. Sayers: A Companion to the… Continue reading…
Let It Snow (Replay)
Snow is a very powerful tool for a detective novelist. It can create a sinister atmosphere, keep suspects and murderer stormbound, and preserve the footprints of anyone who dares to escape. What could be more seasonal or festive than that? This episode of Shedunnit first aired on 11th December 2019. Caroline is currently recovering from… Continue reading…
Howdunnit
Invert everything you know about murder mysteries. Mentioned in this episode:— “The Case of Oscar Brodski” by R. Austin Freeman— The Mystery of 31, New Inn by R. Austin Freeman— The Red Thumb Mark by R. Austin Freeman— John Thorndyke’s Cases by R. Austin Freeman— “A Wastrel’s Romance” by R. Austin Freeman— “The Art of… Continue reading…
Clerical Crimes
Why do murder mysteries contain so many vicars? Mentioned in this episode: — Measuring religious affiliation in Great Britain by Clive D. Field — The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers — Death in Holy Orders by P.D. James — The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie — Unnatural Death by Dorothy L. Sayers… Continue reading…
The Shedunnit Centenary
In which Caroline is the guest, not the host. Caroline Crampton is the host of Shedunnit. You can find out what she does when she’s not hosting this podcast at carolinecrampton.com or on Instagram @cacrampton. Guy Cuthbertson is her husband. His website is guycuthbertson.com and he tweets @guywjc. Mentioned in this episode: — The Lion,… Continue reading…
The Kidnap of Elizabeth Canning
There’s a dark story connecting this 18th century abduction with a 20th century crime novel. Thanks to my guest, Tana French. The new Penguin edition of The Franchise Affair, which includes her introduction, is available now. And Tana’s own latest novel is The Searcher, now available in paperback. This episode contains minor spoilers for… Continue reading…
Queering The Golden Age
What if everything we thought about murder mysteries was wrong? Thanks to my guest, Benedict Morrison. Among his many publications, you can read him on Agatha Christie’s theatrical work in the Bloomsbury Handbook to Agatha Christie. Mentioned in this episode: — The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie — A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie — The… Continue reading…
A Prize Mystery
Could you beat the detective to the solution? This live episode of Shedunnit was recorded at the 2022 International Agatha Christie Festival in Torquay. Mentioned in this episode: — The Wintringham Mystery by Anthony Berkeley — The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie — The Mystery of Norman’s Court by John Chancellor — The… Continue reading…
The Elusive Agatha Christie
How well do we really know the queen of crime? Thanks to my guest, Lucy Worsley. Her book Agatha Christie: A Very Elusive Woman is out now. Books and sources mentioned: — An Autobiography by Agatha Christie — Agatha Christie: A Biography by Janet P. Morgan — Agatha Christie: A Mysterious Life by Laura Thompson… Continue reading…
The Challenge Of Dorothy L. Sayers
Should detective fiction be easy reading? Thanks to my guest, Eric Sandberg. He is an assistant professor at City University of Hong Kong and the editor of Dorothy L. Sayers: A Companion to the Mystery Fiction. Mentioned in this episode: — Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers — The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins — The… Continue reading…
Agatha The Adventuress
In 1922, Agatha Christie took a trip around the world. Find out more about this episode at shedunnitshow.com/agathatheadventuress. To support the podcast, be part of a superb bookish community, and get two bonus episodes a month, become a member of the Shedunnit Book Club now at shedunnitbookclub. Referenced for this episode: — Agatha Christie: The Grand Tour… Continue reading…
The Nobodies
Clerks, shop assistants, secretaries, salespeople — we have lots to learn from the lower middle class characters of classic detective fiction. Thanks to my guest, Dr Nicola Bishop. Her book, Lower-Middle-Class Nation: The White-Collar Worker in British Popular Culture is published by Bloomsbury Academic. Find out more about this episode at shedunnitshow.com/thenobodies. To support the… Continue reading…
At The Old Bailey
A judge looks back over her time on the bench at a very famous court. Thanks to my guest, Wendy Joseph. Her book about her time as an Old Bailey judge, Unlawful Killings, is out now. Find out more about this episode at shedunnitshow.com/attheoldbailey To support the podcast, be part of a superb bookish community, and… Continue reading…
The Dark Side of True Crime
What if thinking and talking about real life murders was not actually good for us? Thanks to my guest, Emma Berquist. Find all the details about her books and articles at emmaberquist.com. Find out more about this episode at shedunnitshow.com/thedarksideoftruecrime To support the podcast, be part of a superb bookish community, and get two bonus… Continue reading…
Looking East
Expanding the horizons of golden age detective fiction. Many thanks to my guest, Christopher Huang. You can find out more about his work at ricordius.com. His first mystery novel is A Gentleman’s Murder. Read his article “How Do You Decolonise The Golden Age Mystery? Read More Historical Fiction!” at crimereads.com. Find out more about this episode… Continue reading…
The Queen of True Crime
F. Tennyson Jesse created a way of telling crime stories that still influences us today. Find out more about this episode at shedunnitshow.com/thequeenoftruecrime. To support the podcast, be part of a superb bookish community, and get two bonus episodes a month, become a member of the Shedunnit Book Club now at shedunnitbookclub.com/join. Books mentioned and… Continue reading…
The Long Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe
The grandfather of detective fiction still has a lot to teach us. Many thanks to my guest, Jim Noy. You can find out more about his work at his blog, theinvisibleevent.com. His book The Red Death Murders is available only from Amazon worldwide (link for UK; link for US). To support the podcast, be part of… Continue reading…
Death By Chocolate
A box of chocolates can conceal a poisonous secret. To support the podcast, be part of a superb bookish community, and get two bonus episodes a month, become a member of the Shedunnit Book Club now at shedunnitbookclub.com/join. Books mentioned: — The Case of the Chocolate Cream Killer by Kaye Jones — The Invention of… Continue reading…
The Detective’s Best Friend
Please join me for a long-awaited guided tour of the role that dogs play in detective fiction. Books mentioned: — My Lady’s Money by Wilkie Collins — The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle — A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle — The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time… Continue reading…
