Detective

The Complete BBC Radio 4 Crime Drama

By: Robert Barr

Narrated by: full cast, Ray Brooks

All four radio series of Robert Barr’s gripping London-based police drama.

Originally broadcast as Detective: Stories of Crime and Detection in London, this BBC radio drama ran for four series between 1980 and 1985. Written by the award-winning creator of Z Cars and Softly Softly, Robert Barr, it comprised 39 thrilling stories set in London’s criminal underworld, all of which are collected here for the first time.

DS Dave Brook is a long-serving, ducking-and-diving police officer who takes armed robberies and violent crime in his stride. But then he is teamed up with young 'grammar school boy' DC Blair Maxton from sleepy Epsom. How will Max cope with the mean streets of his new patch?

Among the thrilling cases in these four series, the detectives tackle an armed gang, confront a notorious crime family, search for a missing wife, investigate a gruesome ax murder and the death of a reclusive young woman, and assist ‘The Sweeney’ flying squad. It’s all in a day’s work for Brook and his team....

Ray Brooks stars as DS Brook, with Christopher Blake as DC Maxton, David Daker as Chief Inspector Roach, Peter Cleall as DC Harrison, Jacqueline Tong as Judy and Stephen Garlick as DC Tully.

Written by Robert Barr

Produced and directed by Martin Fisher

First broadcast 3 January-27 March 1980, BBC Radio 4 (Series 1), 16 March-18 May 1982, BBC Radio 4, (Series 2), 27 June-15 August 1984, BBC Radio 2 (Series 3), 24 June-12 August 1985, BBC Radio 2 (Series 4)

©2019 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2019 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Detective: radio

I was very pleased with both the storyline and the performance of the series. The actors did a great job and their voice inflections and background sounds. Lots of interesting twist and quirks. The entire broadcast was a good lesson.

Excellent radio drama

A lovely taste of the 80’s in London.
Good story lines and characters classics police drama

Wonderfully Unwoke

Read a reviewer who was bleating about sexism, racism, etc, in the story. Poppycock I say! This production is very entertaining and well acted. And unlike modern Police Procedurals these stories are from a time not burdened with public service announcements every five minutes trying to please all the woke Karens and Kens.

Also read a reviewer who didn't like the music but since I'm from the 70's and 80's I love this music. It reminds me of better times. Keep 'em coming!

Nothing but Love

How can i express the entertainment this is for me. I will be looking for more of Barr's Detective books. Very much enjoyed it.

It was ok I guess.

I could do without the music and the “police radio” between each episode. I thought it was rather annoying. Some episodes were only a few short minutes long.