Thirteen Guests

David Thorpe narrates *Thirteen Guests* with the precision of a watchmaker and the mischief of a pub raconteur. His voice shifts effortlessly between characters, from the pompous barrister to the simpering actress, each with a distinct cadence that never feels like mimicry. The real triumph, though, is how he handles the dialogue—Farjeon’s script is dripping with razor-sharp banter, and Thorpe sells every sarcastic jab and loaded pause, making even the most mundane exchanges feel like a parlor game with knives. That said, the production occasionally stumbles over the dense cast of characters, particularly in the opening act where introductions blur together like a crowded cocktail party you’ve gatecrashed. The pacing is another strength—Farjeon keeps the tension coiled tight, but there’s a moment around the two-hour mark where the mystery’s gears grind a little too slowly before snapping back into motion. Still, Thorpe’s performance elevates what could’ve been a forgettable country house romp into something far more sinister and satisfying. If you crave a mystery where the real culprit might be the butler *or* the author’s penchant for misdirection, this is your audiobook.