Six Against the Yard

In the densest fog of mystery and suspense, “Six Against the Yard” emerges as a fascinating exploration of crime and justice, a riveting audiobook as narrated by the talented duo Philip Bretherton and Sherry Baines. The plot dives straight into the seemingly unassuming life of the gentlemanly A.E.W. Mason. But beneath this facade hides an astute and dangerous mind, a criminal mastermind of sorts. Mason, adeptly voiced by Bretherton, contemplates the perfect murder, one that will leave no trace, no clue to his guilt. His elaborate plans, his impeccable attention to detail make him a formidable force, his deeds chilling, as they blur the line between fiction and reality.

Simultaneously, we are introduced to Anthony Berkeley’s character, a seemingly hapless victim. Baines does an excellent job of portraying his innocence, his blind faith in his loved ones, only to find himself wrapped in a web of deceit and betrayal. The unexpected twists and turns, the chilling revelations, keep the listeners on the edge of their seats.

In an intriguing contrast to these two, Margery Allingham’s character stands as a beacon of hope. She is the relentless detective who will stop at nothing to unmask the culprits, her resolve as unwavering as her methods are unorthodox.

What follows is an engaging game of cat and mouse between these central characters, with Dorothy L. Sayers’ character, the eccentric outsider, caught in the middle. Sayers, both a source of comic relief and an unexpected ally, adds an extra layer to the plot, enriching the already complex dynamics.

While Freeman Wills Crofts’ character, the ever-observant policeman, often remains in the background, his sharp insights prove pivotal to the plot. On the other hand, Ronald Knox’s character, an unsuspecting bystander drawn into the chaos, experiences a transformation from a quiet observer to an active participant in this gripping drama.

Finally, the concluding chapters masterfully sew up all the loose ends, unraveling a resolution that is both surprising and satisfying. The listener is left with a sense of awe and admiration for the skillful storytelling and the subtle nuances of each character’s voice.

“Six Against the Yard” is an enthralling exploration of crime, suspense, and the human psyche, as brought to life by the combined talent of Philip Bretherton and Sherry Baines. It’s a tour-de-force of storytelling that will leave listeners questioning the nature of guilt and innocence, the line between good and evil, and the very nature of justice itself. A true masterpiece not to be missed. Ask a Policeman  or Bodies from the Library 3 begin in similar way so there is some resemblance but the story and plot are totally different and equally interesting.