Audio Book Agatha Christie's: Spiders Web read by Hugh Fraser

Alan Fordyce


Summary

The video revolves around a murder mystery at Ceston Court, unfolding during a wine-tasting experiment. Characters are drawn into a web of secrets, suspicions, and hidden motives involving unexpected twists and turns. As the investigation intensifies, relationships are tested, culminating in a dramatic revelation, arrest, and eventual resolution, providing closure and justice. The storyline weaves together elements of deception, loyalty, and supernatural elements, creating an engaging and suspenseful narrative with surprising outcomes.


Introduction to Setting

The story is set in Ceston Court, an elegant 18th-century country home in Kent, during a rainy March afternoon. Two men are in the drawing room conducting a blindfolded wine tasting experiment.

Blindfolded Tasting Experiment

Sir Roland and Hugo Birch conduct a wine tasting experiment with different glasses of wine. The characters express their opinions on the wines, showcasing their personalities.

Discussion About Clarissa

The characters discuss Clarissa and her imaginative nature. Jeremy questions Clarissa's stories, and Sir Roland warns against trusting Clarissa's tales.

Revelation and Resolution

Clarissa reveals the truth about the wine tasting experiment, leading to a humorous and light-hearted atmosphere. Jeremy expresses his love for Clarissa, sparking a playful and flirtatious conversation.

Clarissa's Private Hobby

Clarissa explains her 'supposing' game, where she imagines different scenarios, including dramatic situations and romantic entanglements. Jeremy is intrigued by Clarissa's imaginative game.

Household Dynamics

The dynamics within the household are revealed through interactions between the characters, including humorous moments with Pippa, the challenges with Miss Peak, and discussions about family relationships.

Reflections and Affection

Sir Roland expresses his concern for Clarissa's well-being and emphasizes their close relationship. Clarissa reassures him and reflects on her happy marriage with Henry.

Final Moments

The chapter concludes with a heartfelt moment between Sir Roland and Clarissa, highlighting their bond and mutual respect for each other.

Miss Peak's Unexpected Visit

Miss Peak surprises everyone with her abrupt entrance, carrying a head of broccoli and expressing her dissatisfaction with the kitchen staff.

Discussion on House Ownership

Clarissa and the others discuss the history of the house, its previous owner, and an incident where a man wanted to buy a desk from the house.

Discovering a Secret Drawer

Pippa demonstrates a desk with a secret drawer that contains Queen Victoria's autograph, sparking a light-hearted moment among the group.

Revelations and Family Dynamics

Pippa reveals a distressing encounter with Oliver, leading to emotional turmoil and discussions about custody and family dynamics.

Intriguing Secrets and Political Affairs

Henry shares confidential information about a secret meeting involving political figures, leading to a mix of excitement and secrecy in the household.

Castello's Discovery

Oliver Castello is discovered in the living room after a fierce blow to the head, leading to a series of actions and conversations among the characters.

Preparing to Leave

Henry prepares to leave the house, while Clarissa offers sandwiches and discusses arrangements with him before his departure.

Affectionate Moments

Henry and Clarissa share a tender moment of affection, expressing happiness and gratitude towards each other.

Confronting the Body

Marissa encounters Oliver Castello's body in the room, leading to a panic-stricken reaction and discussions on what to do next.

Comforting Pippa

Clarissa consoles Pippa, who is distressed at the situation, assures her it will be alright, and guides her through calming down and getting ready for bed.

Clarissa's Dilemma

Clarissa faces a dilemma of how to handle the situation with Oliver's body, leading to a plan to conceal the body and orchestrate events to avoid suspicion.

Planning the Deception

Clarissa arranges a plan involving bridge playing, moving the body, and instructs the men on how to handle the situation discreetly.

Confronting the Police

The police arrive at the house, suspecting a murder, leading to a tense interaction between the characters and the authorities.

Revelation of Mr. Selin's Past

The inspector discusses Mr. Selin's mysterious past, potential theft, and hidden valuable item, raising suspicions and creating intrigue among the characters.

Unfolding Suspicion

The inspector delves deeper into Mr. Selin's history, shop break-ins, and the possibility of hidden valuables, adding layers to the unfolding mystery.

Introduction and Desk Inspection

Jeremy and Larissa discuss a man who wanted to buy items, including a desk, offering more than its worth. Inspector examines the desk for a secret drawer but finds old autographs.

Autographs and Registration Book

Inspector learns about old autographs and the registration book found in Costello's car by Constable Jones. Clarissa admits Costello's visit and relationship with the first Mrs. Ham Brown.

Discussion about Costello

Inspector questions about Oliver Costello's visit and relationship with Clarissa and Mrs. Ham Brown. Costello returns items, including a silver cigarette box, and leaves quickly.

Speculations and Investigation

Inspector suspects foul play, the mystery deepens as discussions about Costello's visit and potential motives occur. Constable Jones examines the house for clues.

Search for Castello

Inspector questions Miss Peak about Costello's visit, his belongings, and potential involvement in a murder. Miss Peak speculates about Costello's activities and suspicions.

Discovery of Costello's Body

Miss Peak shows the panel where Costello's body is hidden. The inspector discovers the body, shocking everyone present and leading to further investigation.

Investigation Continues

The inspector questions Miss Peak and explores potential motives and events leading to the discovery of Costello's body. Suspicion grows among the occupants of the house.

Suspicion and Inquiries

Inspector interrogates Clarissa and other occupants about their knowledge and involvement. The investigation intensifies, raising doubts and speculation.

Unraveling the Mystery

The inspector explores various theories and possibilities surrounding the murder, questioning the occupants and gathering clues. Tensions rise as suspicions deepen.

Search for Evidence

Inspector inspects the house, questions the occupants, and gathers information to solve the mystery. Discussions and interactions reveal hidden motives and secrets.

Interrogation and Revelations

Inspector interviews Miss Peak and others, uncovering new clues and potential leads. Tensions escalate as the investigation progresses.

Suspense and Conclusions

The investigation reaches a climax as the inspector delves deeper into the case, uncovering surprises and confronting the suspects. The fate of the characters hangs in the balance.

Questioning Hugo

The inspector questions Hugo about the victim, the situation, and the possible motives for returning to the house.

Clarissa's Account

Clarissa explains her version of events, including finding the body, feeling scared, and her actions afterward.

Jeremy's Testimony

Jeremy discusses his activities before and after the incident, his whereabouts, and interactions with the victim.

Sir Roland's Involvement

Sir Roland details his knowledge of the people involved, the events leading up to the discovery of the body, and offers his insights on the situation.

Clarissa's Revelation

Clarissa reveals to the inspector and others the details of the rent agreement for the house, showing it was only 4 guineas a week. The inspector is surprised by this and apologizes for doubting her. The discussion leads to the mysterious phone call that initially reported the murder, raising suspicions about various characters.

Inspector's Questions

The inspector questions Clarissa about the rental agreement, the phone call reporting the murder, and who might have informed the police. The conversation delves into the motives of the characters and the possible reasons behind the concealment of the body.

Miss Peak's Confession

Miss Peak confesses to moving the body to protect Clarissa from suspicion. She explains her actions and the reasoning behind them, involving burying the body in the garden. The revelation shocks everyone in the room.

Pippa's Dream

Pippa recalls a disturbing dream involving a wax figure and an eerie premonition. Her dream hints at the true events surrounding Castello's murder, adding a supernatural element to the unraveling mystery.

Revelation of the Autographs

The discovery of potentially fake autographs raises suspicions about the documents found in the house. Sir Roland speculates on the use of invisible ink and secret messages, hinting at a possible motive for the murder.

A Wonderful Idea

Jeremy returns from the library with a small electric radiator, and Clarissa helps him plug it in and set it up. They gather around the radiator with high hopes and excitement to see if it will reveal hidden messages.

The Secret Place

The group discovers hidden writing appearing on a paper near the radiator, revealing names and addresses related to the drug racket. Oliver Castello's name emerges, leading to a rush to inform the police and unravel the mystery.

Revelations

The group realizes the significance of the hidden messages and the implications they have on the ongoing investigation. Jeremy discloses his knowledge about a valuable stamp related to the case and the events that transpired.

Suspicion and Accusations

Clarissa confronts Jeremy about his involvement in the crimes, leading to a tense exchange where Jeremy admits to his actions. The situation escalates as a confrontation ensues, and the truth is revealed.

Confrontation and Arrest

Jeremy's true intentions come to light, leading to a dramatic revelation of his motives and actions. The police intervene, and Jeremy is arrested, showing the consequences of his deceit and criminal acts.

Resolution and Clarity

The inspector arrives to handle the situation, and Clarissa's role in exposing the truth is acknowledged. The events of the night are unraveled, leading to a sense of closure and justice being served.

Reflecting on Events

Sir Roland and Hugo reflect on the evening's events and the revelations that have come to light. They discuss the implications of the actions taken and the consequences faced by those involved.

Final Moments

As the night comes to an end, the aftermath of the unraveling mystery settles in. Henry's arrival and the resolution of the situation bring a sense of closure and relief after a tumultuous evening.


FAQ

Q: Where is the story set?

A: The story is set in Ceston Court, an elegant 18th-century country home in Kent.

Q: What is the main event happening in the drawing room during the story?

A: Two men are conducting a blindfolded wine tasting experiment with different glasses of wine.

Q: What are some key elements of the characters' interactions and discussions?

A: The characters express opinions on wines, discuss Clarissa's imaginative nature, question her stories, express love, and reflect on family relationships.

Q: What leads to a humorous and light-hearted atmosphere in the story?

A: Clarissa revealing the truth about the wine tasting experiment and engaging in playful and flirtatious conversations.

Q: What game does Clarissa play that intrigues Jeremy?

A: Clarissa plays a 'supposing' game where she imagines different scenarios, including dramatic situations and romantic entanglements.

Q: What are some of the dramatic turns in the story involving Oliver Castello?

A: Oliver Castello is discovered with a head injury, leading to a series of actions and conversations. There are discussions about his visit, relationship with Clarissa and Mrs. Ham Brown, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his presence.

Q: What revelation shocks everyone in the room involving Miss Peak?

A: Miss Peak confesses to moving Oliver Castello's body to protect Clarissa from suspicion, burying the body in the garden.

Q: What supernatural element is introduced through Pippa's disturbing dream?

A: Pippa's dream hints at the true events surrounding Castello's murder, adding a supernatural element to the unraveling mystery.

Q: How is the mystery further unraveled involving hidden messages?

A: A small electric radiator reveals hidden writing near it, connecting names and addresses to a drug racket. This discovery leads to a rush to inform the police and solve the case.

Q: What dramatic revelation occurs towards the end of the story involving Jeremy?

A: Jeremy's true intentions and involvement in criminal acts are revealed, leading to his arrest and the police intervention in exposing the truth.

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