A Death in the Dales

Narrator Elaine Claxton faultlessly re-creates 1926 rural England and charming private investigator Kate Shackleton. Ten years earlier, when elderly Freda Simonson gazed out her window, she saw a disturbing scene at a neighboring pub, but her later testimony failed to keep an innocent man from hanging. Claxton deftly captures Kate's niece and reluctant villagers as Shackleton decides to investigate. The picturesque countryside, difficult farm life, and secretive, superstitious locals are well portrayed, and the production sounds much like an appealing old-fashioned radio play. Claxton's best creations are housekeeper Mrs. Sugden, who attempts to aid Shackleton's inquiry, and courtly Mr. Wigglesworth. Both add a wonderful counterbalance to this satisfying mystery. S.G.B. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine