And Then There Were None

Ten strangers are invited to an island by the mysterious U.N. Owen. All are accused of murder and slowly, inexorably, the nursery rhyme comes to fruition, and they begin to die, until there are none. Here's Agatha Christie at her best with her classic drawing room murder mystery, with extra tension to boot. David Horovitch acts out all the parts, quietly communicating the hints and nuances of Christie's well-known tale. As each character claims innocence, Horovitch adds a touch of cynicism to voice and story. Yet the mysterious murderer remains unknown until the very last syllable is uttered. M.B.K. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

This classic suspense is made grander still by Dan Stevens's ability to inhabit each character's full range of emotions. An unsuspecting group of 10 strangers is invited to a remote island. Each has a cleverly disguised secret, or so he or she thinks. One by one, the members are murdered in ways that match a gruesome nursery rhyme. Stevens's masterful performance is particularly notable in the guttural, authoritative tone he gives Judge Wargrave as he immediately takes charge. The quivering, fearful Mrs. Rogers, the prim and sanctimonious Emily Brent, the gloomy General, and the defensive Dr. Armstrong are all equally wonderful. As the guests' numbers dwindle, Stevens ratchets up the mutual suspicion and ensuing panic beautifully. This is the perfect companion for a dark and stormy night. M.F.T. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

This spiffy little story was first penned in 1923 and published as TEN LITTLE INDIANS. It is not surprising that it has been adapted to film three times, and you'll recognize right away how many times others have purloined it. Ten people are trapped on a private island, and one by one they begin to die. Who's the culprit? Hugh Fraser will be known to aficionados of PBS's "Mystery" as Poirot's sidekick, Captain Hastings. A talented narrator with a cultured, smooth voice, Fraser here employs a whispery, atmospheric delivery. This coloring gives a feeling of tightening nerves and tremulous anxiety. Just when you think you've spotted the bounder responsible, he up and drops dead, and you're left scratching your head. A choice morsel for some dark and stormy night. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine