Author:Dashiell Hammett,Stuart Milligan,Connie Booth,Tom Wilkinson,Jane Lapotaire,William Hootkins,Full Cast
The godfather of the hard-boiled detective novel, Dashiell Hammett is widely acknowledged as one of America's greatest mystery writers. This collection brings together the BBC radio adaptations of his works for the first time, including the iconic The Maltese Falcon featuring his most famous character: Sam Spade.
The Maltese Falcon
San Francisco, 1928. When his partner is murdered on an assignment, private detective Sam Spade is drawn into a dangerous case involving a treacherous femme fatale and the priceless black statuette of a falcon... Tom Wilkinson and Jane Lapotaire star in this thrilling dramatisation of Hammett's most famous novel.
Secret Agent X-9
New York, 1934, and Secret Agent X-9 is about to embark on his most deadly mission yet. Falsely accused of murder, he struggles to stay one step ahead of the law in his relentless pursuit of his arch enemy, 'The Top'. Dramatised from a comic strip co-created by Dashiell Hammett, this tale of mystery, murder and mayhem stars Stuart Milligan, Connie Booth and William Hootkins.
Nightmare Town
Arriving in the desert boom town of Izzard, Arizona, sharp-edged tough guy Steve Threefall meets the beautiful, terrified Nova Vallance - and encounters danger, intrigue and a dark mystery... Read by Stuart Milligan.
The Man Who Killed Dan Odams
An escaped killer fleeing cross-country stumbles upon an isolated farm in Montana, inhabited by a woman and her young son... This mysterious and brooding noir western is read by Stuart Milligan.
The Maltese Falcon
Sam Spade - Tom Wilkinson
Brigid O'Shaughnessy - Jane Lapotaire
Mr Gutman - Peter Vaughan
Joel Cairo - Nickolas Grace
Effie - Mia Soteriou
Miles Archer - William Hope
Iva - Liza Ross
Wilmer - Peter Acre
Tom Polhaus - Norman Jones
Lt Dundy - Harry Towb
DA Bryan - Don Fellows
Newspaperman - Robin Summers
Taxi driver - Keith Edwards
Man with key - Arnold Diamond
Dramatised by Michael Bakewell
Directed by Jane Morgan
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 December 1984
Secret Agent X-9
X-9 - Stuart Milligan
Grace Powers - Connie Booth
The Top - William Hootkins
Evelyn Powers - Rachel Power
Deacon/Alden Powers - Peter Marinker
Matthew/Steward/Luke - Michael John Paliotti
Captain Brady/Bartholomew - John Guerrasio
Jude - Bruce McGregor
Cop 1 - Clive Rowe
Harper-Carp - Kerry Shale
Waitress/Sister Agnes - Miranda Pleasance
Other parts played by the cast
Dramatised by Mark Brisenden from the comic strip created by Dashiell Hammett and Alex Raymond
Produced by Chris Wallis
First broadcast BBC Radio 5 Live, 1-22 January 1994
Nightmare Town
Read by Stuart Milligan
Abridged by Neville Teller
Produced by Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5-8 November 2001
The Man Who Killed Dan Odams
Read by Stuart Milligan
Abridged by Neville Teller
Produced by Elizabeth Allard
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 November 2001
A literary thriller, KEEPER is a compelling, tense and pacy read
—— The Observer, 10 Best Debut Novelists of 2020Reading Keeper is a visceral experience ... cleverly reminding us that for some women simply existing in a man's world is more dangerous than anything else
—— Araminta Hall, author of 'Our Kind of Cruelty'Intense and compassionate . . . it made me furious and sad, but it also made me feel seen
—— Hanna Jameson, author of 'The Last'Male violence in all its forms is at the heart of Jessica Moor's confident and skilful debut
—— The ObserverIt's great to be back in Reacher's company in a world where the bad guys get what's coming to them. A smooth transition for a much-loved character.
—— ObserverThe collaboration here produces vintage Reacher.
—— Financial TimesReacher is satisfyingly ice cold in combat and full of good human feelings when necessary. It works.
—— Literary ReviewLots of action . . . one of the most inventive action sequences in recent memory . . . [The Sentinel] continues the series without any sense that there's now a coauthor. In a year of drastic change, fans will welcome the consistency.
—— Publishers WeeklyFresh, perfectly plotted, and packed with action, The Sentinel is one of the year's best, must-read thrillers . . . and proves that this series is primed to continue on at the highest level for many years to come.
—— The Real Book SpyThe Sentinel is a butt-kicking, take-no-prisoners thriller that satisfies on every page.
—— The Providence JournalIf this novel is a harbinger of what's to come, then Jack is in good hands.
—— BooklistThe family firm is in decent hands
—— The TimesIt's been a long time since I've stayed up late to finish a book. When They Find Her is not only utterly gripping but also a sensitive and moving portrayal of parental love. Middleton's astute writing made me feel as though I was there was Naomi in her every moment of tension
—— Neema Shah, author of Kololo HillUtterly gripping . . . I could not put it down
—— Fíona Scarlett, author of Boys Don't CryNail-biting ... some truly fabulous unexpected turns make this an altogether gripping and provocative read
—— Rebecca Kelly, author of Monstrous SoulsClaustrophobic, intense, unsettling and drags you into the story ... Unbelievably exciting
—— Roxie Cooper, author of The Day We Met'Nightmarish, dark and twisty, I galloped to end. A domestic psychological drama with polish'
—— Sophie Draper, author of CuckooA really gripping read that will make you stay up late to finish it
—— HeatFull of suspense
—— Yours MagazineA historical episode artfully adapted in a tale that offers glimmers of hope for women discarded by society
—— KirkusWonderful, evocative, moving and suspenseful
—— Marika Cobbold , author of On Hampstead HeathA vivid, cleverly-crafted mystery that will keep the reader turning the pages
—— Erica James , bestselling author of Letters from the PastIt's a fantastically exciting story, and a wonderful novel. There is so much more going on, on the Rajah, in this unity of women, than a simple love story
—— Antonia HoneywellTransforms an actual 19th-century sea voyage of female convicts into a striking drama. The ship's young matron chooses a group to sew a presentation quilt, but near their destination, someone stabs one of the quilters. Evocative sketches of those on board reveal the realities of poor women's lives - readers will be rewarded
—— Publisher's WeeklyA murder mystery with a great twist at the end . . . Gripping
—— iDangerous Women is a successful blend of two genres: a historical novel, inspired by real events, and a murder mystery with a great twist at the end. By the time I was halfway through I was completely gripped, and couldn't put it down
—— Wendy CopeAn enthralling narrative . . . lays bare the painful lives of these women, far from their homes and loved ones, and feeling the brutal weight of the law
—— Northern Life MagazineThis atmospheric narrative excels in its depiction of the relationship between female prisoners - largely petty criminals - and the tragic backstories that have brought them together
—— Mail on SundayPacked with atmosphere . . . a terrific read
—— Choice Magazine 'Book of the Month'A very fine novel - and, like the quilt it celebrates, a work of love
—— Mick HerronUtterly compelling and as finely wrought as the patchwork quilt that inspired the story
—— Minette Walters , author of the bestselling The Last HoursFascinating. Gives women without one a voice - a storming read
—— Helena PielichatyA compelling, immersive book that deftly weaves its beauty and pathos. I'm still thinking about it
—— Hilary McKayAn enthralling story, inspired by true events
—— BestA secret murder on a convict ship transporting women to Australia in 1841 . . . this is an intriguing story, with its root embedded in facts
—— Andrew TaylorIntriguing . . . [Hope Adams] can stitch a great story
—— Jewish ChronicleIn vivid detail, Hope Adams illuminates life in convict quarters on a stinking, storm-soaked ship, and delves into the lives of individual women and the small tragedies that have condemned them to be sent far away, with little hope of return
—— Jewish ChronicleA well-paced page-turner illuminating a forgotten story that reminds us how far we have come
—— Jewish ChroniclePulls you into the heart of its story, while celebrating redemption, rehabilitation and the good in people. All set to the backdrop of a truly fascinating slice of history
—— Phase Eight Book ClubHistorical events and characters are cleverly blended into a thought-provoking tale
—— CandisAdams disguises a social-history lesson on women's rights as a gripping period drama
—— Cosmopolitan