Once Upon a Crime

I went into this expecting a lightweight lark, but Fergus Craig’s performance turned *Once Upon a Crime* into something far more nuanced than I bargained for. His narration isn’t just competent—it’s a masterclass in comedic timing, with his crisp British accent lending a veneer of gravitas to the chaos. When Fishback’s protagonist, Detective Inspector Dreadful, tripped over his own shoelaces (literally) to reveal a clue, I laughed out loud at 3 AM. Craig’s ability to sell even the most ridiculous lines—like a suspect’s dramatic last words devolving into a grocery list—is nothing short of comedic alchemy. Still, the book isn’t without flaws. The middle act sags slightly as Fishback piles on increasingly unhinged twists, and by the third act, the joke risks wearing thin. The audiobook’s production is polished, but I’d have loved a tighter edit to trim the fat. That said, the final confrontation between Dreadful and the (supposed) villain is pure, cathartic joy—a chaotic, slapstick resolution that somehow feels earned. If you crave mysteries with a wink and don’t mind a few groaners alongside the laughter, this is your next listen. Just don’t expect to take it seriously.