Showing results by narrator "David Blair" in All Categories

The dapper, mustache-twirling little Belgian with the egg-shaped head and curious mannerisms has solved some of the most puzzling crimes of the century - and, in his own humble opinion, is "probably the greatest detective in the world". In this complete collection of more than 50 stories, ranging from short tales to novellas, Poirot faces violent murders, poisonings, kidnappings, and thefts - all solved with his characteristic panache. Only Agatha Christie could have devised cases worthy of Hercule Poirot's skill and "little gray cells".

Young King Henry VI has married the beautiful Margaret of Anjou but the new queen is ruthless and ambitious. Supported by the powerful Duke of Suffolk, Margaret plots the overthrow of her enemies, chief among them the Duke of Gloucester. But the Duke of York also aspires to the crown, and the common people, led by Jack Cade, are in rebellion. To the despair of the mild young king, England descends into civil war.

The all-conquering King Henry V is dead, and the throne is occupied by his infant son, Henry VI. The good Duke Humphrey of Gloucester has been appointed protector, but a struggle for power soon develops between the young king's Lancastrian relatives and the powerful house of York under Richard Plantagenet. Meanwhile the French, led by Joan of Arc, the maid of Orleans, threaten to win back the territories lost to Henry V.

Suave, unflappable and ambitious, veteran politician Charles Bannister knows his way around the corridors of power. As chief whip, he's adept at keeping MPs in line and squashing potential scandals—aided by his brother-in-law, MI6 Agent Henry Colvil, who whispers useful titbits of information in his ear. His position seems invincible—but nothing is forever, and when the tides of politics turn, Charles finds himself under threat. In these six series, we follow his fortunes and those of his close friend Home Secretary Dougal Baxter. Together, the duo rise, fall and rise again.

Autumn is the season of misty mornings and cosy nights in, but as the leaves begin to fall the nights get longer and the shadows grow darker… Secluded cottages, eerie manors and ghostly hauntings and cursed tombs abound in this collection of 12 supernatural mysteries and murderous plots featuring Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple and Agatha Christie’s other favourite detectives.

This is a delightful collection of fairy tales and fables written by the most beloved of all children's authors and read with charming wit and tenderness. Includes the story of that fleet-footed Gingerbread Man who commences running as soon as the oven door is opened.

This is the story of a family and the secret that lies at its heart. André is the son, raised by his aunt in the French countryside. His mother Gabrielle, beautiful but distant, lives in Paris. Surrounded by his cousins, far from the noise of the city, André's childhood is a happy one. No-one questions the absence of his mother, or dares voice the name of his father. But beneath the quiet joy of the everyday lies a tragedy, passed down through the generations. Over time, the truth will come to the surface, whether the son desires it or not.

A charming collection of whimsical children's favorites narrated with wit, warmth, and wonder. Featuring the mischievous story of "Jack and the Beanstalk", the tongue-twisting "Henny Penny", the lethargic "Lazy Jack", and the scrambled "Humpty Dumpty".

A wonderful collection of Christmas stories and poems celebrating all the warmth and joy of the holiday season. "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" is a kindly editor's reply to a young reader regarding the existence of Santa; "Silent Night" is the classic song read with meaning and reverence; "The Christmas Masquerade" is a charming tale of a magical Christmas Eve.

The story of one man in World War II. TJ operated in the UK, Norway, Ireland, USA, Canada, Bermuda, Italy, and Austria. This is a true story, it is a war story, it is anti-war story, and it is a love story. All TJ wanted was the peace and time to love Liz, a fellow MI6 agent. Should they dare hope for a life together after the war? And, even if they survived, could their love?

The days are growing warmer and the nights are growing shorter... It's the perfect time to relax in the garden with this spring-themed collection from legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie. Blossoming flowers and countryside strolls may sound innocent enough, but not when there’s murder in the air. Beware of secluded cottages, stolen treasure and fatal revenge schemes. This compendium of short stories, some featuring beloved detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, is an essential omnibus for Christie fans and the perfect gift for mystery lovers.

When Nick Vincent, producer of true-crime show Infamous, hears about an explosive new angle on a high-profile case – the murder of an eight-year-old girl in Oxford in 2016 – he leaps at the chance to send a researcher to verify the claims. Two months later, a dog walker discovers a woman’s body, bound and buried in a shallow grave in the woods, and forensic evidence links it to the disappearance of that same child. DCI Adam Fawley, the original investigating officer, is called in to run the enquiry.

For Squadron Leader Alex Everton dogfights in his Spitfire have become his way of life. He knows every time he goes up in the air, he might not make it home again, but he’ll keep fighting anyway. The boys in blue seem to be winning the Battle of Britain, but during a raid over Dieppe the Luftwaffe gain the upper hand and Alex’s spitfire is shot down. Alex expects to either drown in the water beneath him or be incarcerated in a German prisoner of war camp. Instead, he becomes an evader, dodging the enemy as he tries to get back home to Blighty.

The biggest annual sports event in the world is the Tour de France. In the wake of its overwhelming popularity, it’s easy to forget that there is much more to cycling than whoever gets to wear the yellow jersey. Cycling is rich with legends and pioneers, and it is their stories which light up this compelling account of the sport. This is the story of British cycling as told through the lives of the people who built it. From the first recorded race in a Paris park in 1868 to the present day, Great British Cycling Legends profiles the true originals.

They say the sea never forgets...When an injured John Maynard accepts the position of lighthouse keeper on the remote island of Craghorn, he finds himself in unfamiliar territory. With only his faithful dog and the last keeper for company, the dilapidated lighthouse station soon appears to be more occupied than on initial inspection. Now the lights have gone out and there’s a storm coming. A classic ghost story for lovers of mystery and isolation.

A delightful collection of children's favorites hosted by a hilarious wicked witch and narrated with delightful enthusiasm. Featuring the classic story of "Snow White", the story of "The Seven Ravens", the charming "Little Ida's Flowers", and the mirthful "The Shoemaker and the Elves".

Parenting is a challenge. Between busy schedules and stress, it feels like the world is closing in on you; we’ve all been there. Do you know what could help? Meditation. You’re about to discover a world in which you can possess the mindfulness to get you through all of life’s troubles. With the recent COVID pandemic, life has been even more challenging. Through the isolation of quarantine, the trials of maintaining financial stability, and the hindrance to your children’s education, one thing can be said: It’s been a struggle.

This collection of classic Christmas tales is a delightful celebration of Christmas and the joyful spirit of giving. "What Christmas is as We Grow Older" is Charles Dicken's touching essay on the true meaning of charity; "Christmas Day" is a delightful story of a young boy's willingness to sacrifice skating with his friends to help an old woman; "The Little Match Girl" is the heart-wrenching classic about a poor little match girl, cold and alone on the streets on Christmas Eve; and "The Greatest of These" is an upbeat, inspiring story of a pair of farmers who bring Christmas to a poor neighbor's family.

Frankie the sausage dog puppy can't wait to spend his first Christmas with his new family, even grumpy old cat Holly. But he can't believe it when Holly tells him that Santa doesn't bring presents to animals. Frankie decides to take things into his own paws. He'll be a Sausage Dog Santa and make all his animal friends' Christmas wishes come true!

Argentina, 1988. Human remains are found on a beach - a gruesome echo of when the tide brought home dozens of bodies thrown from planes during Argentina's Dirty War. Flights of death, their passengers known as the Disappeared. International Tribune reporter Jonny Murphy is in Buenos Aires interviewing families of the missing, desperate to keep their memory alive, when the corpse turns up. His investigations with his companion, freelance photographer Paloma, have barely started when Argentina's simmering financial crisis explodes around them.