The Seven Secrets
William Le Queux
Read by Tom Weiss
A true “whodunit” with as many twists and turns as an English country road. Old man Courtenay is found murdered in his bed. Dr. Ralph Boyd is summoned to Courtenay Manor to examine the slain man and discovers a clue that might solve the case. But, he decides to keep the clue private for personal reasons. In the meantime, Scotland Yard has no clues as the culprits or the motive. Dr. Boyd, because of his new found clue, is sure he knows who is the murderer. Or, is it a murderess? His intimate acquaintance, Ambler Jevons, is also investigating the crime but Dr. Boyd does not share his discoveries with him. Sure of his findings, a bizarre midnight encounter turns all Boyd's judgments upside down and the case becomes more peculiar than when it started. What are the seven secrets needed to decode this murder, or is it a conspiracy? One needs to listen to the end to discover the truth. (Summary by Tom Weiss) (7 hr 45 min)
Chapters
Reviews
Disgustingly chauvinistic, even for that time period.
This is hands down one of the most chauvinistic pieces of literature I have ever come across. For modern day individuals this will be a frustrating text to listen to. The reader is excellent and the story fascinating, but the writing is enraging. Even by the standards of the late 19th century, the chauvinistic attitude of the writer is extreme. I enjoyed the "story" portion, when he wasn't busy finding different ways to run down women or paint them in a most terrible light. The story ends rather quickly; the last 2/3 of the last chapter sums everything up abruptly, so if you can no longer stand the verbiage you can skip to this portion and the story will be explained. Again though, loved the reading, just not the attitude of the writer.
I like this author
mikezane
William LeQueux is becoming a new favorite of mine. A man is murdered, and the police are baffled. But when the good Doctor discovers a clue that someone close to him might be the killer, he decides that to save that person, he must find out who the real killer is while throwing Scotland Yard off the scent. Trouble is, his good friend Ambler is also on the case, and Ambler is not so easily fooled. There is a bit of far-fetchedness to this tale, but its still fun listening. Tom W does his usual fine job. Enjoy!
Bravo from Borneo
Lord Jim
As an avid fan of WLQ, I enjoyed this murder mystery of his. The cast of characters is perhaps not as wide as in other novels, but they are nevertheless well developed and engaging. The plot line twists and turns and there are several surprises to throw the 'listener' off the scent; I was left guessing until the final chapter's reveal. Chapeau to Tom Weiss, who narrates the story with his accustomed skill and ability, which truly brought the characters to life. Now, on to the next book.
Very mysterious, but with a ridiculous denouement
kerriganm
Boy, was I burning with curiosity to find what solutions could possibly resolve all the "seven secrets." I suspect the author also was up until he wrote that end of the book. From implausible to goofy, the solutions were unsatisfying to me. Darn! Fair writing until then. Very nicely read.
The Seven Secrets
DR Smith
Well read, an absorbing whodunnit with a glimpse to an earlier time when horses and trains were the means of transport. With a glimpse of upper and lower society in and around London. Much focus on dialogue, conjecture without any obvious clues until the very end... Recommended
good story, okay audio
DSanchez
The story definitely keeps you guessing and was a complete surprise to me when the mystery was revealed. The audio left something to be desired. once you get into the story you kind forget that it sounds so robotic though. Still worth the listen.
Brett Miller
a detective with a strange name who helps out Scotland yard. A doctor as a narrator. Detective is a woman hater and Dr is in love. Baker street is referenced. Nope. No idea who they are trying to emulate
good story
interesting story that keeps you hanging! I do have to admit the explanation at the end was a little lacking in explanation, but very interesting nonetheless.