Death Makes a Prophet

By: John Bude

Narrated by: Gordon Griffin

'Small hostilities were growing; vague jealousies were gaining strength; and far off, wasn't there a nebulous hint of approaching tragedy in the air?'

Welworth Garden City in the 1940s is a forward-thinking town where free spirits find a home - vegetarians, socialists, and an array of exotic religious groups.

Chief among these are the Children of Osiris, led by the eccentric High Prophet, Eustace K. Mildmann. The cult is a seething hotbed of petty resentment, jealousy and dark secrets - which eventually lead to murder. The stage is set for one of Inspector Meredith's most bizarre and exacting cases.

This witty crime novel by a writer on top form is a neglected classic of British crime fiction.

©2017 Estate of John Bude (P)2017 Soundings

Bude tells a good tale

Maybe not the best premise for a mystery, this proved a delightful listen. Long build up to the crime itself and very dense analysis of possible explanations. But Meredith did get to it at the end even if Bude ends tale before actual capture of murderer. We know who he is and why he did it. Even if exactly how he did it remains a little murky in all the analysis. Who cares? Great fun. Good time spent.

Clever and witty

Review of the audiobook narrated by

This is my first time to read John Bude, and I mostly enjoyed it. As the murder doesn’t occur until halfway in, I did get a little bored with the collection of strange characters in the Children of Osiris (COO) cult (which could easily pass for a modern day cult). Things get more interesting when Inspector Meredith arrives on the scene. Eventually, he lays out the solution quite neatly, but I was disappointed the story just stops there. It would have been interesting to see the culprit get his comeuppance and the COO’s reaction to have all of their illusions shattered.

complex plot in interesting settings

the reader, Gordon Griffen, is amazing and perfect for these old murder mysteries. no over the top voices or accents.

very good plot

in the tradition of the great British mysteries, this book has an intricate plot that keeps you guessing.

Fine story good writing

Lots to like about Budes novels. Never boring always nicely written with well constructed mysteries that unravel enjoyably.