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Partners in Crime full cast audiobook

by Agatha Christie · Tommy and Tuppence, Book 2

Released · Updated · 6h 51m · 65 voices

The story (no spoilers)

Tommy Beresford, a Secret Service clerk gone sleek and comfortable, is handed a secret assignment: take over a failing London detective agency and run it under another man's name. His wife Tuppence, six years into married life and desperate for something to happen, is delighted to be his partner. Their chief, Mr. Carter, gives them careful instructions. Watch for blue letters bearing Russian stamps, copy them, and pass the originals along. Report at once if any client mentions the number 16. Beyond that, the pair may run the International Detective Agency however they please, for a six months' trial. With the help of Albert, their cinema-struck office boy, they set up shop in Haleham Street and wait for clients. Tommy and Tuppence decide to solve each case in the manner of a famous fictional detective, borrowing the methods of the great sleuths of the age. Between the odd cases that walk through the door, a larger question hangs over the agency: what was the last manager really involved in, and who else wants to know?

The cast

46 speaking roles are listed; walk-on parts are not. Each voice was designed, or chosen from our library of designed voices, to fit how the book describes the character, and it stays with them from the first chapter to the last. Portraits are illustrated impressions of each character.

  • Illustrated portrait of Tommy: about 30, sleek light brown, side-parted, tweed jacket in russet brown with navy tie

    Tommy

    Male, about thirty-two years old, an Englishman in London in 1925, a middle-class former intelligence man now running a detective agency. Educated, mild received pronunciation accent, with a light, dry tenor-baritone and a slim build. Drawls unhurriedly in wry, mock-formal phrases. Temperament dry, teasing, ironic and composed.

  • Illustrated portrait of Tuppence: about 27, jet-black, short bob with a straight fringe, emerald-green jacket with white blouse

    Tuppence

    Female, about thirty years old, an Englishwoman in London in 1925, a middle-class former hospital nurse and now partner in a detective agency. Educated light received pronunciation accent, a soft, warm, mid-pitched voice, quick and lively. Speaks in rapid, witty bursts that sparkle when excited. Temperament restless, candid, adventurous and playful.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. Carter: about 62, thin silver, combed back, charcoal frock coat with a dove-grey waistcoat

    Mr. Carter

    Male, about fifty-eight years old, an English senior government official in London in 1925, upper-middle-class. Cultured received pronunciation accent, a warm, low, soft baritone with a slightly husky edge. Speaks unhurriedly, murmuring in courteous, understated phrases. Temperament genial, shrewd, gently probing and quietly amused.

  • Illustrated portrait of Inspector Dymchurch: about 48, thick auburn hair, cropped short, brown tweed overcoat with a mustard scarf

    Inspector Dymchurch

    Male, about forty-five years old, an Englishman in London in 1925, a working-class-born police detective inspector, short and thick set. Plain London accent with a touch of Cockney, a gruff, mid-pitched baritone, slightly rough. Speaks briskly and colloquially, with a deferential 'sir'. Temperament shrewd, practical, friendly and good company.

  • Illustrated portrait of Inspector Marriot: about 52, grizzled grey-brown, thinning on top, navy serge suit with a sky-blue striped tie

    Inspector Marriot

    Male, about fifty-two years old, an Englishman in London in 1925, a middle-class Scotland Yard detective inspector, short and thick set. Crisp, standard educated English accent, a deep, steady, resonant bass-baritone. Speaks in measured, businesslike sentences with firm authority. Temperament brisk, approving of good work and plain-spoken.

  • Illustrated portrait of Albert: about 15, messy ginger, cowlicked, buttoned page-boy jacket in bottle-green

    Albert

    Male, about eighteen years old, Albert, a Cockney office assistant in London in 1925, working-class and thrilled by detective work. He speaks with a broad Cockney accent, dropping the aitches. His voice is a light, bright, clear tenor, slim and quick. He speaks quickly and eagerly, cheerful and theatrical, dropping to a confidential murmur.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. Ryder: about 45, straw-blond, wavy, under the hat, loud checked suit in bright tan with a canary-yellow tie

    Mr. Ryder

    Male, about fifty years old, a wealthy American gentleman visiting London in 1925, a rich businessman of simple tastes. General American accent with a Western drawl, a warm, hearty, rather loud baritone and sturdy build. Speaks slowly, gushing with folksy idioms. Temperament simple, admiring, naive and good-natured.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. Montgomery Jones: about 24, flaxen blond, brushed flat, pale blue blazer with a rowing-club striped tie

    Mr. Montgomery Jones

    Male, about twenty-five years old, an English gentleman in London in 1925, upper-class and well off. Languid upper-class drawl, a low, slow, slightly mumbling baritone. Speaks haltingly, with hesitations and slang like dashed and deuced. Temperament awkward, earnest, embarrassed and kind-hearted.

  • Illustrated portrait of Monica Deane: mousy brown, pinned in a bun, plum wool dress with a lace collar

    Monica Deane

    Female, about twenty-six years old, an English rector's daughter in Suffolk and London in 1925, middle-class and a former governess. Gentle educated received pronunciation accent, a slightly high, soft, clear soprano. Speaks in long, earnest, anxious runs with small hesitations. Temperament worried, earnest and determined to be believed.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. St. Vincent: about 26, dark wavy black, brilliantined, fawn lounge suit with a salmon-pink tie

    Mr. St. Vincent

    Male, about twenty-seven years old, an English gentleman in London in 1925, upper-class with a title in the family. Breezy upper-class accent with slangy phrases, a bright, higher tenor with a slightly nervous quality. Speaks quickly, blurting and chattering. Temperament flustered, chatty, friendly and unsure.

  • Illustrated portrait of Sir Arthur Merivale: balding, white fringe at the sides, black frock coat with a steel-blue tie

    Sir Arthur Merivale

    Male, about forty-five years old, an English baronet in London in 1925, upper-class and well bred. Refined upper-class received pronunciation, a rich, resonant, deep baritone. Speaks deliberately, firm and formal, with rising indignation. Temperament loyal, proud, indignant and finally sorrowful.

  • Illustrated portrait of Colonel Kingston Bruce: about 60, white, thinning, brushed over, heather-green tweed jacket with a buff waistcoat

    Colonel Kingston Bruce

    Male, about fifty-eight years old, a retired English army colonel in Wimbledon in 1925, upper-middle-class. Clipped military English accent, a gruff, nasal, mid-pitched baritone with a stout build. Speaks fussily and wordily, repeating himself in a brisk, pompous manner. Temperament pompous, fussy and distressed.

  • Illustrated portrait of Lois Hargreaves: about 30, glossy chestnut, waved bob, teal coat with a fox-fur collar

    Lois Hargreaves

    Female, about twenty-seven years old, an Englishwoman in a country house near London in 1925, upper-middle-class and a householder. Clear, cultured received pronunciation accent, a low, cool, measured contralto. Speaks slowly and carefully, hesitating when frank. Temperament direct, discreet, cautious and wary of publicity.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Honeycott: about 52, iron-grey, tight bun, black dress with a jet-grey brooch and navy cardigan

    Mrs. Honeycott

    Female, about forty-eight years old, an English householder in a London suburb in 1925, lower-middle-class and respectable. Suburban London accent, a sharp, thin, high-pitched voice. Speaks in clipped, moralising phrases, rather fast. Temperament sharp, censorious, firm and precise.

  • Illustrated portrait of Richards: about 42, glossy dark chestnut, parted dead centre, black jacket with a striped waistcoat in plum and grey

    Richards

    Male, about forty years old, an English gentleman's valet in London in 1925, a respectable servant of the working-to-middle class. Neat southern English servants' accent, a smooth, level, mid-pitched baritone. Speaks slowly and carefully, ending phrases with sir. Temperament respectful, careful and certain.

  • Illustrated portrait of Estcourt: about 33, fiery red, short and curly, checked sports jacket in cobalt-and-fawn tweed

    Estcourt

    Male, about thirty-four years old, an English gentleman and former officer in 1925, upper-middle-class and a hearty sporting type. Breezy public-school English accent, a booming, deep, bluff baritone and big frame. Speaks fast and loudly with frequent laughter. Temperament hearty, jovial, teasing and gallant.

  • Illustrated portrait of Bower: about 50, auburn-brown, long, swept behind the ears, greying at temples, black coat with a peacock-blue waistcoat

    Bower

    Male, about fifty-five years old, a Hampstead doctor in London in 1925, upper-middle-class. Polished, formal received pronunciation accent, a smooth, silky, medium-low baritone. Speaks slowly with exaggerated courtesy. Temperament polite, formal and smooth.

  • Illustrated portrait of Stavansson: about 35, tousled flaxen-blond, long to the collar, rough slate-grey reefer jacket with an open-necked collar

    Stavansson

    Male, about thirty-five years old, an explorer of Scandinavian descent living in England in 1925, middle-class and rugged. English with a faint Scandinavian lilt, a deep, rough, weathered bass. Speaks in blunt, short statements, impatient. Temperament direct, anxious and uneasy.

  • Illustrated portrait of Miss March: about 36, platinum-blond, marcel-waved, coral-pink suit with a white silk blouse

    Miss March

    Female, about twenty-eight years old, an Englishwoman running a beauty parlour in Bond Street, London in 1925, a middle-class businesswoman. Crisp London received pronunciation, a bright, clear mezzo-soprano. Speaks quickly and practically. Temperament poised, businesslike and persuasive.

  • Illustrated portrait of Miss Kingston Bruce: dark auburn, long, plaited and coiled at the nape, mustard-yellow jumper with a pearl string

    Miss Kingston Bruce

    Female, about eighteen years old, an English daughter of a well-to-do Wimbledon household in the 1920s, upper-middle-class, with a clipped upper-middle-class received pronunciation accent. Light, cool mezzo voice, slightly flat. Speaks in short, curt, offhand phrases at an even pace, brusque and unbothered.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. Wilmott: about 56, thinning ginger, combed flat, charcoal pinstripe suit with a wine-coloured tie

    Mr. Wilmott

    Male, about fifty-five years old, an English gentleman of business in London in 1925, upper-middle-class and pompous. Heavy, formal received pronunciation, a slow, plummy, deep baritone and portly build. Speaks very slowly and ponderously. Temperament slow, formal and self-important.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. Rennie: about 32, black, slicked, widow's peak, charcoal-grey suit with an open soft collar

    Mr. Rennie

    Male, about twenty-eight years old, an Englishman in London in the 1920s, a middle-class gentleman of modest means and a friend of a family, speaking with a plain educated London accent. Medium baritone, firm and slightly tight. Speaks in abrupt, blunt bursts at a brisk pace, direct, challenging and a little resentful.

  • Illustrated portrait of Miss Logan: about 78, white, thin, loose, lavender bed-jacket with lace edging

    Miss Logan

    Female, about seventy-eight years old, an English spinster in her country house in 1925, upper-middle-class, a doctor's daughter and frail. Old-fashioned refined English accent, a thin, weak, quavering soprano. Speaks slowly and faintly, tiring quickly. Temperament imperious yet kind, indignant and fragile.

  • Illustrated portrait of Prince Vladiroffsky: about 48, jet-black, wavy, worn long over the collar, astrakhan-collared coat in deep navy

    Prince Vladiroffsky

    Male, about forty-eight years old, a Russian nobleman living in London in 1925, aristocratic and wealthy. Perfect English with a light Russian accent, a smooth, deep, velvety baritone. Speaks slowly and precisely, polished and commanding. Temperament smooth, calculating and courteous.

  • Illustrated portrait of James Reilly: about 34, dark auburn, long, unkempt, falling over the eyes, rumpled green corduroy jacket with a loose cravat

    James Reilly

    Male, about thirty-eight years old, a red-haired poet living in London in 1925, a working-to-middle-class Irish-born writer. London-Irish accent, a loud, ringing, high baritone. Speaks fast and forcefully, with strong opinions. Temperament vehement, opinionated and passionate.

  • Illustrated portrait of Miss Glen: about 25, golden-blond, soft waves, sky-blue frock with a white collar

    Miss Glen

    Female, about twenty-four years old, an English actress in London in 1925, middle-class and charming. Soft, light received pronunciation accent, a high, breathy soprano. Speaks hesitantly, with breathless questions. Temperament naive, easily startled and charming.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. le Marchant: about 21, tawny chestnut, wavy and tousled, cream flannel blazer with a turquoise tie

    Mr. le Marchant

    Male, about twenty-four years old, an English man-about-town in London in 1925, upper-middle-class and breezy. Casual, drawling society accent, a mid-pitched, easy tenor. Speaks fast, chatty, with plenty of slang. Temperament breezy, gossipy and casual.

  • Illustrated portrait of Doctor Horriston: about 50, black, receding, slicked, black frock coat with a bottle-green tie

    Doctor Horriston

    Male, about fifty years old, an English doctor running a nursing home in the country in 1925, a middle-class professional. Clipped received pronunciation accent, a dry, rasping, medium-low voice. Speaks curtly, often between his teeth. Temperament irritable, secretive and harried.

  • Illustrated portrait of Dr. Burton: about 45, light brown, short, neat, tweed jacket in olive-green with a white collar

    Dr. Burton

    Male, about fifty years old, a Scottish country doctor in England in 1925, a middle-class professional. Soft educated Scottish accent, a calm, grave, slow baritone. Speaks plainly with clinical precision. Temperament professional, grave and clinical.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mr. Marvell: bald crown, sandy-grey sides, snuff-brown coat with a rust tie

    Mr. Marvell

    Male, about forty-five years old, an English solicitor in London in 1925, middle-class and legalistic. Dry received pronunciation accent, a reedy, nasal, rather high tenor. Speaks quickly and flatly, in plain lawyerly sentences. Temperament dismissive, rational and sceptical.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Van Snyder: about 55, dyed auburn, tightly curled, magenta silk dress with a rope of pearls

    Mrs. Van Snyder

    Female, about fifty years old, a wealthy American tourist staying at a London hotel in 1925, upper-class. Midwestern General American accent, a high, nasal, penetrating soprano. Speaks quickly and excitably with American idioms. Temperament excitable, indignant and frantic.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mary Chilcott: about 40, russet-auburn, pinned back, wispy, dove-grey cardigan with a violet scarf

    Mary Chilcott

    Female, about thirty-five years old, an English companion in a country house in 1925, middle-class and educated. Polite received pronunciation accent, a soft, tight, mid-pitched voice. Speaks carefully with a strained edge. Temperament anxious, cooperative and nearly distraught.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Kingston Bruce: about 56, faded blond going grey, fussy curls, shell-pink tea-gown with a lace fichu

    Mrs. Kingston Bruce

    Female, about fifty-five years old, a retired colonel's wife in Wimbledon in 1925, upper-middle-class. Genteel, fluttery English accent, a thin, high, tremulous voice. Speaks plaintively and rather slowly. Temperament plaintive, prejudiced and worried about servants.

  • Illustrated portrait of Elise: about 29, dark brown, tidy bun, black maid's dress with a crisp white apron and a tangerine ribbon

    Elise

    Female, about thirty years old, a French lady's maid working in England in 1925, working-class. Strong French accent, a light, high, quick soprano. Speaks rapidly and respectfully, startled easily. Temperament deferential, nervous and helpful.

  • Illustrated portrait of Ellen: about 45, mouse-brown, scraped back, lilac print dress with a grey shawl

    Ellen

    Female, about forty years old, an Irish domestic servant in a London suburb in 1925, working-class. Irish brogue, a warm, round, mid-low voice. Speaks fast and excitedly, full of gossip. Temperament gossipy, excitable and good-hearted.

  • Illustrated portrait of Hannah: about 50, jet-black streaked white, severely parted, drab olive-brown dress with a white fichu

    Hannah

    Female, about fifty-two years old, a devout English maid in a country household in 1925, working-class and gaunt. Northern English accent, a hard, hollow, low contralto. Speaks in slow, declamatory Biblical cadences. Temperament fervent, solemn and intense.

  • Illustrated portrait of Miss Leicester: about 32, ash-blond, loose bob, peach cardigan with a beaded necklace

    Miss Leicester

    Female, about twenty-six years old, an English flat-sharing office worker in London in 1925, middle-class. Slightly nasal suburban English accent, a thin, mid-high voice. Speaks slowly with a whine. Temperament plaintive and puzzled.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Betts: about 50, brassy yellow, frizzy, royal-blue coat with a fur stole

    Mrs. Betts

    Female, about forty-five years old, a large American woman visiting England in 1925, upper-middle-class. New England American accent, a full, hearty, low contralto. Speaks briskly and chattily with American idioms. Temperament brisk, chatty and good-humoured.

  • Illustrated portrait of Marguerite Laidlaw: about 28, copper-red, glossy waves, gold lamé evening dress with a cream wrap

    Marguerite Laidlaw

    Female, about thirty-two years old, a glamorous Frenchwoman living in London in 1925, upper-class and charming. Heavy Parisian French accent, a warm, low, husky mezzo. Speaks slowly and playfully, stretching vowels. Temperament charming, flirtatious and coaxing.

  • Illustrated portrait of Coggins: about 40, shaven-bald scalp with a blue-black shadow, rough brown coat with a red neckerchief

    Coggins

    Male, about forty-two years old, a London rough working man in the 1920s, a hired hand of the working class, with a broad Cockney accent. Tall, heavy build, hoarse, gravelly low baritone from rough living. Speaks in short gruff phrases at a clipped pace, blunt and rough-mannered.

  • Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Oglander: about 54, brown streaked grey, waved, set tight, burgundy tweed costume with a cream blouse

    Mrs. Oglander

    Female, about fifty years old, an English mother of daughters in London in 1925, upper-middle-class. Courteous, cultured received pronunciation, a mild, mid-pitched, rounded voice. Speaks slowly and vaguely. Temperament polite, vague and measured.

  • Illustrated portrait of Crockett: about 66, white-grey, parted flat under cap, black dress with a pewter-grey collar

    Crockett

    Female, about sixty-two years old, an elderly English servant in a Suffolk house in 1925, working-class and respectable. Suffolk rural accent, a dry, flat, low voice. Speaks slowly and guardedly, with little expression. Temperament respectable, guarded and a little self-important.

  • Illustrated portrait of Evans: about 37, iron-grey, short back and sides, navy uniform jacket with brass buttons

    Evans

    Male, about thirty-three years old, a Welsh hotel investigator's assistant in London in 1925, working-to-middle-class. Soft Welsh accent, a light, clear tenor. Speaks respectfully and precisely with sir. Temperament efficient, obedient and certain.

  • Illustrated portrait of Janet: about 35, black, crisp short curls under the cap, striped blue-and-white nurse's dress

    Janet

    Female, about forty years old, a former hospital patient in England in 1925, working-class. Warm northern English accent, a round, friendly mid-pitched voice. Speaks chattily and kindly. Temperament kind, grateful and chatty.

  • Illustrated portrait of Captain Harker: about 38, chestnut, close-cropped with a sharp parting, khaki-brown overcoat with a regimental tie in maroon

    Captain Harker

    Male, about thirty-eight years old, an English army captain in London in 1925, upper-middle-class. Brisk military received pronunciation, a clear, firm tenor-baritone. Speaks briefly and crisply. Temperament courteous, brisk and polite.

  • Illustrated portrait of Gregory: about 28, mousy brown, cropped, slate-blue jacket with a mustard muffler

    Gregory

    Male, about thirty years old, an English assistant in London in 1925, working-class. Plain London accent, a flat, quiet, low voice. Speaks tersely, reporting facts. Temperament efficient and calm.

Chapters

23 chapter markers; each link opens the video on YouTube at that point.

  1. Chapter 1: A Fairy in the Flat
  2. Chapter 2: A Pot of Tea
  3. Chapter 3: The Affair of the Pink Pearl
  4. Chapter 4: The Affair of the Pink Pearl (continued)
  5. Chapter 5: The Adventure of the Sinister Stranger
  6. Chapter 6: The Adventure of the Sinister Stranger (continued)
  7. Chapter 7: Finessing the King
  8. Chapter 8: The Gentleman Dressed in Newspaper
  9. Chapter 9: The Case of the Missing Lady
  10. Chapter 10: Blindman's Buff
  11. Chapter 11: The Man in the Mist
  12. Chapter 12: The Man in the Mist (continued)
  13. Chapter 13: The Crackler
  14. Chapter 14
  15. Chapter 15: The Sunningdale Mystery
  16. Chapter 16: The Sunningdale Mystery (continued)
  17. Chapter 17: The House of Lurking Death
  18. Chapter 18: The House of Lurking Death (continued)
  19. Chapter 19: The Unbreakable Alibi
  20. Chapter 20: The Clergyman's Daughter
  21. Chapter 21: The Red House
  22. Chapter 22: The Ambassador's Boots
  23. Chapter 23: The Man Who Was No. 16

Series

Book 2 in Tommy and Tuppence. 2 released so far.

About this recording

Narrator
Hugh Ellery, our house narrator voice
Runtime
6h 51m (complete and unabridged)
Voices
65
Channel
Full Cast Audiobooks on YouTube
Released
Updated
Author
Agatha Christie
First published
1929
Kind
novel
Source edition
Project Gutenberg eBook #78342
Public domain (US)
Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie is in the public domain in the United States; text from Project Gutenberg.