Killer Pitch

Cherringham. A Cosy Crime Series - Mystery Shorts, Episode 49

By: Matthew Costello, Neil Richards

Narrated by: Neil Dudgeon

When a major network offers a TV deal to a group of new writers, the stakes couldn't be higher. They'll have a workshop in Cherringham to shape their show ideas - and win the prized contract. But when the writers get ominous threats, it seems their lives are in danger. Can Jack and Sarah find the culprit in time ... before there's a real 'killer pitch'?

Set in the sleepy English village of Cherringham, the detective series brings together an unlikely sleuthing duo: English web designer Sarah and American ex-cop Jack. Thrilling and deadly - but with a spot of tea - it's like Rosamunde Pilcher meets Inspector Barnaby.

Co-authors Neil Richards (based in the UK) and Matthew Costello (based in the US), have been writing together since the mid-90s, creating innovative content and working on major projects for the BBC, Disney Channel, Sony, ABC, Eidos, and Nintendo to name but a few. Their transatlantic collaboration has underpinned scores of TV drama scripts, computer games, radio shows, and the best-selling mystery series Cherringham. Their latest series project is called Mydworth Mysteries.

The narrator of the audiobook, Neil Dudgeon, has been in many British television programmes including the roles of 'DCI John Barnaby' in Midsomer Murders and 'Jim Riley' in The Life of Riley. He is also known for his film roles in The Nativity, Sorted and Son of Rambow. In 2012 Dudgeon starred as 'Norman Birkett' on BBC Radio 4's Afternoon Play series written by Caroline and David Stafford.

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Interesting Choices by Dudgeon

I’ve downloaded all 49 installments of Cherringham series and really love the characters. Neil Dudgeon usually hits homeruns but he’s been off the last couple of books. From making the Jen and Joan (the toll booth twins) sound like a failed hormone replacement where they were injected with far too much testosterone to the new character Emma sounding like the local police chief playing a stepsister in the community panto, these vocal choices were strike outs for me. Hoping this isn’t a trend.

Another good listen!

I’ve listened to all 49 and just started over from book 1 again. Great characters. Strong narration too. Thank you Neil Dudgeon for bringing these characters to life.

Good story, bad narrating

I normally love these books, but there was a main female character named Emma whose narrated voice was awful! It's like nails on a chalkboard which was disappointing.

Best cozy mystery series

The only drawback to listening to this series is that you have to wait for the next story to be written and recorded. The writers and narrator are the best of the best.

Different than expected

Normally I wait patiently for the Cherringham audiobooks and listen in one sitting. While most of the character voices are good the female voice of Emily was really irritating. There is a lot more tech stuff in this particular book and I struggled with staying tuned into the story. I fear some of the story and plot may not hit home with older listeners who may not be as tech savvy. Also seems that the story formula has been changed up a little. I do hope the writers will return to a more traditional formula. I love Jack and Sarah and look forward to the next episode.