Ngaio Marsh

A Man Lay Dead & a Surfeit of Lampreys Ngaio Marsh

Jeremy Clyde stars as Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn in these BBC Radio dramatizations of two of Ngaio Marsh s much-loved mysteries.

In "A Man Lay Dead," a game of murders at Sir Hubert Handesley s country-house party becomes far too realistic for anyone s liking. First a guest arrives with a dangerously lethal dagger, and then when the gong sounds to announce the start of the game, the victim plays dead in a very convincing manner. Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn believes the unusual dagger is a vital clue to the real-life murder, and soon he s on the trail of a Russian secret society.

In "A Surfeit of Lampreys," the Lampreys are charming but penniless, like all good aristocrats so a visit from the wealthy head of their family is greatly anticipated. However, their Uncle Gabriel isn t persuaded to part with his money, and a row ensues. When a body is found in the lift leading to the Lampreys flat, Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn finds a family immersed in hidden secrets and intrigue."