Reading the mysteries of the past 100 years. Books mentioned in this episode: — 1925: The Paddington Mystery by John Rhode — The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie — 1935: Gaudy Night by Dorothy L Sayers — The Omnibus of Crime: Great Short Stories of Detection — The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie — 1945: Coroner's Pidgin by Margery A…

There’s always more to say about detective fiction. Books mentioned in this episode: — The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie — The Secret Place by Tana French — The Crozier Pharaohs by Gladys Mitchell — Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie — The Examiner by Janice Hallett — The Appeal by Janice Hallett — The Documents in the Case by Dorothy L …

Last December, Leandra and I discussed a complete breakdown of the trends and statistics involving the book club's voting polls and short list results. As that bonus episode received positive reactions from club members, Leandra and I discuss these findings again for 2024's voting trends and how they will impact the Shedunnit Book Club in 2025, if …

The magical spirit of Christmas is the perfect cover for a murder mystery. Mentioned in this episode: — "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" by Arthur Conan Doyle, collected in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes — "The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding" by Agatha Christie, collected in The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding and a Selection of Entr…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club Conversation episode for December 2024, in which we are reading Who Killed the Curate? by Joan Coggin. This is part two of a two-part experience: in part one, you can hear some basic context and publication information for this book without any spoilers and this, part two, is a fully spoilered discussion between Caro…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club Fact File episode for December 2024, in which we are reading Who Killed the Curate? by Joan Coggin. There are no major spoilers here. In this fact file, you'll hear Caroline giving some basic context and publication information for the book without any spoilers. Then, if you head to part two — the conversation — you'…

The creator of amateur sleuth Gervase Fen loved to make fun of detective fiction. Mentioned in this episode: — The Crooked Hinge by John Dickson Carr — Bruce Montgomery/Edmund Crispin: A Life in Music and Books by David Whittle — The Case of the Gilded Fly by Edmund Crispin — Love Lies Bleeding by Edmund Crispin — The Glimpses of the Moon by Edmund…

Kathryn Harkup is Caroline’s guest for a reconsideration of Agatha Christie’s very first detective novel. No major plot spoilers until you hear Caroline say we are "entering the spoiler zone", at 20:38. After that, expect full spoilers. A full list of titles in the Penguin series can be found at penguinfirsteditions.com. The next book discussed in …

This is the Shedunnit Book Club Conversation episode for November 2024, in which we are reading The Secret Place by Tana French. This is part two of a two-part experience: in part one, you can hear some basic context and publication information for this book without any spoilers and this, part two, is a fully spoilered discussion between Caroline a…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club Fact File episode for November 2024, in which we are reading The Secret Place by Tana French. There are no major spoilers here. In this fact file, you'll hear Caroline giving some basic context and publication information for the book without any spoilers. Then, if you head to part two — the conversation — you'll fin…

Where did that dead body go? Mentioned in this episode: —The Vanishing Corpse by Anthony Gilbert —The Vanishing Corpse by Ellery Queen —The Case of the Runaway Corpse by Erle Stanley Gardner —The Corpse Steps Out by Craig Rice —Case Without A Corpse by Leo Bruce —The Disappearing Corpse by James Warren —A Silent Witness by R. Austin Freeman —The Ca…

How to weave the perfect murder mystery plot. Find out more about Kate Davies' work at katedaviesdesigns.com and browse all of her patterns at shopkdd.com. The Margery Allingham's Mysterious Knits book, which contains Caroline's essay about knitting and detective fiction, is available to order here. Mentioned in this episode: — Margery Allingham's …

This is the Shedunnit Book Club Conversation episode for October 2024, in which we are reading Death in Fancy Dress by Anthony Gilbert. This is part two of a two-part experience: in part one, you can hear some basic context and publication information for this book without any spoilers and this, part two, is a fully spoilered discussion between Car…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club Fact File episode for October 2024, in which we are reading Death in Fancy Dress by Anthony Gilbert. There are no major spoilers here. In this fact file, you'll hear Caroline giving some basic context and publication information for the book without any spoilers. Then, if you head to part two — the conversation — you…

Martin Edwards joins Caroline to revisit this iconic example of golden age detective fiction. No major plot spoilers until you hear Caroline say we are "entering the spoiler zone", at 11:06. After that, expect full spoilers. A full list of titles in the Penguin series can be found at penguinfirsteditions.com. Mentioned in this episode: — The Poison…

Back in July of this year, I did an episode titled Christianna Brand's Impossible Crimes (Ad Free). During the research and preparation for that episode, I read quite a few Brand novels. Even though I haven't read every single work she published, I hope you enjoy this ranking of 15 books from Christianna Brand's canon. Christianna Brand novels ment…

What connects a notorious 1827 murder case with the Detection Club’s cosy Soho clubrooms? There are minor spoilers for the books listed below in this episode. Also, please be aware that there are passing references (without description) in this episode to infant death. Mentioned or consulted in the making of this episode: — The Red Barn, A Tale Fou…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club Conversation episode for September 2024, in which we are reading Gaudy Night by Dorothy L Sayers. This is part two of a two-part experience: in part one, you can hear some basic context and publication information for this book without any spoilers and this, part two, is a fully spoilered discussion between Caroline …

This is the Shedunnit Book Club Fact File for September 2024, in which we are reading Gaudy Night by Dorothy L Sayers. There are no major spoilers here. This is a new two-part primer format that we're trying out. In this episode, part one — the fact file — you'll hear Caroline giving some basic context and publication information for this book with…

Open wide! There are spoilers in this episode for the titles listed below. Mentioned in this episode: — Death in the Dentist's Chair by Molly Thynne — The Uncertain Glory by Molly Thynne — "Death Sits in the Dentist's Chair" by Cornell Woolrich, collected in Darkness at Dawn: Early Suspense Classics — Murder Underground by Mavis Doriel Hay — One, T…

With holiday season in full swing for many of us, Leandra joined me in a discussion on holiday reading habits. We describe what we like to read on holiday, discuss the common assumptions about "beach reads," and share three book recommendations each. Mentioned in this episode: — Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar — Diavola by Jennifer Thorne …

Beware the pipe organ. Mentioned in this episode: — The Organ Speaks by E.C.R. Lorac — Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers — The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers — The Nebuly Coat by J. Meade Falkner — The Hymn Tune Mystery by George A. Birmingham — Holy Disorders by Edmund Crispin — Swan Song by Edmund Crispin — The Pit-Prop Syndicate by Freeman Wil…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club companion episode for August 2024, in which we are reading An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by PD James. There are no major spoilers in this primer, but if you'd rather read the book with no knowledge of its plot or structure at all, I'd recommend listening only once you've finished reading. I’ll see you in the Shedunni…

Dolores Gordon-Smith joins Caroline to read this short story collection by H.C. Bailey. Caroline's new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is out now. To find out more and get your copy, visit her website carolinecrampton.com/abodymadeofglass. No major plot spoilers until you hear Caroline say we are "entering the spoiler zone", …

Which matters more in a murder mystery, plot or character? Mentioned in this episode: — Nurse Matilda by Christianna Brand — Nurse Matilda Goes to Town by Christianna Brand — Nurse Matilda Goes to Hospital by Christianna Brand — Death in High Heels by Christianna Brand — The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie — Tour de Force by Christia…

In this bonus episode, Leandra and I discuss the planning, research, and production of Death at the Speakeasy (Ad Free). Not only was this Leandra's debut in the role of episode host, but we experimented with a completely new episode format. Mentioned in this episode: — Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent — Murder on 'B' De…

During Prohibition, the cocktails are downright criminal. This episode was hosted by Leandra Griffith with guest (and usual host) Caroline Crampton. If you are interested in seeing more content from Leandra, you can find her on YouTube and Instagram. My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is out now. To find out more and get …

This is the Shedunnit Book Club companion episode for July 2024, in which we are reading The Wheel Spins by Ethel Lina White. There are no major spoilers in this primer, but if you'd rather read the book with no knowledge of its plot or structure at all, I'd recommend listening only once you've finished reading. I’ll see you in the Shedunnit forum …

CriminOlly joins Caroline to read this classic of American hardboiled crime fiction. Olly's YouTube channel can be found at youtube.com/@CriminOllyBlog. Caroline's new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is out now. To find out more and get your copy, visit her website carolinecrampton.com/abodymadeofglass. No major plot spoilers…

In this bonus episode, Caroline continues her conversation with Harriet Evans from the Murder in the Library episode (don't worry, no repeat content here, just new stuff!). Topics include: Harriet's journey from writing commercial fiction to writing crime fiction, Harriet's obsession with butterflies, and our dream casting for a new Gaudy Night TV …

There’s something sinister in the stacks. Thanks to my guest Harriet Evans, aka Harriet F. Townson, who is the author of D is for Death. My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is out now. To find out more and get your copy, visit my website carolinecrampton.com/abodymadeofglass. Mentioned in this episode: — The Body in the Li…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club companion episode for June 2024, in which we are reading Tokyo Express by Seichō Matsumoto. There are no major spoilers in this primer, but if you'd rather read the book with no knowledge of its plot or structure at all, I'd recommend listening only once you've finished reading. I’ll see you in the Shedunnit forum fo…

The great Welsh poet Dylan Thomas had a passion for detective stories. John Goodby is Professor of Arts and Culture at Sheffield Hallam University, and an expert on Dylan Thomas. He edited The Collected Poems of Dylan Thomas and has co-authored a biography of Thomas. He is also a poet, translator and arts organiser. You can hear more of Guy and Joh…

In this bonus episode, Guy and John Goodby continue their conversation from the Dylan's Whodunnits episode, covering the other poets of the 1930s and their connections to detective fiction — in particular W.H. Auden and Cecil Day Lewis (aka Nicholas Blake). Listen using the player above or in your own app via your private podcast feed (setup instru…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club companion episode for May 2024, in which we are reading Black Plumes by Margery Allingham. There are no major spoilers in this primer, but if you'd rather read the book with no knowledge of its plot or structure at all, I'd recommend listening only once you've finished reading. I’ll see you in the Shedunnit forum for…

Why didn’t the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh write more detective fiction? My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is out now. To find out more and get your copy, visit my website carolinecrampton.com/abodymadeofglass. Mentioned in this episode: — When We Were Very Young by AA Milne — Winnie-the-Pooh by AA Milne — The House At Po…

Caroline Crampton is joined by writer Moira Redmond to talk about the Chalet School books by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer. This is a crossover episode from another podcast series Caroline is making at the moment, A Body Made of Glass. If you head to carolinecrampton.com/abodymadeofglasspodcast, you listen to more conversations that explore the intersection…

In this bonus episode, Leandra and I tackle a topic that we think will be of particular interest to many members in the book club. We discuss the ways in which we access books for episode research, monthly book club reads, and our personal non-Shedunnit reading habits. We attempt to outline a comprehensive list of tips for accessing books, ranging …

John Curran joins Caroline to read Christie’s third novel, her first (sort of?) to appear as a green penguin. My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is out now. To find out more and get your copy, visit my website carolinecrampton.com/abodymadeofglass. A full list of titles in the Penguin series can be found at penguinfirsted…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club companion episode for April 2024, in which we are reading These Names Make Clues by E.C.R. Lorac. There are no major spoilers in this primer, but if you'd rather read the book with no knowledge of its plot or structure at all, I'd recommend listening only once you've finished reading. I’ll see you in the Shedunnit fo…

A portrait of a writer via her addresses. My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is out now. To find out more and get your copy, visit my website carolinecrampton.com/abodymadeofglass. Mentioned in this episode: — The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie — The Hollow by Agatha Christie — Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie — The Myste…

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. Mentioned in this episode: — "The Case of the Perfect Maid" by Agatha Chr…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club companion episode for March 2024, in which we are reading Trent’s Last Case by E.C. Bentley. There are no major spoilers in this primer, but if you'd rather read the book with no knowledge of its plot or structure at all, I'd recommend listening only once you've finished reading. I’ll see you in the Shedunnit forum f…

In this bonus episode, Leandra and I discuss our thoughts on spoilers, our personal experiences with spoilers, and the various ways spoilers can be well-intentioned or nefarious. This is a subject I covered more broadly in a general episode from November 2020, Spoiler Warning (Ad Free). Of course, there are no actual spoilers in either episode, so …

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. Mentioned in this episode: — "The Tea Leaf" by Robert Eustace and Edgar Jepson Related Shedunnit Episodes: — Who Was Robert…

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 month plus acce…

This is extra audio from my interview with Jules Burt, which appeared in The Green Penguin episode of the main podcast. A list of mentioned books is in the shownotes of that main episode. You can find more content from Jules by watching his YouTube channel, Jules Burt Collections and Unboxings. Listen using the player above, your private podcast fe…

This is the Shedunnit Book Club companion episode for February 2024, in which we are reading The Division Bell Mystery by Ellen Wilkinson. There are no major spoilers in this primer, but if you'd rather read the book with no knowledge of its plot or structure at all, I'd recommend listening only once you've finished reading. I’ll see you in the She…

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. My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is published in April. To find out more and regi…

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. My new book, A Body Made of Glass: A History of Hypochondria, is published in April. To find out …