The Cask


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(4.4 stars; 19 reviews)

Though he went on to write dozens of other novels over an almost 40-year career, his debut work--this 1920 detective mystery--is considered by many to be Crofts’ masterpiece. A cask supposedly containing statuary is accidentally damaged when it’s being unloaded in London. Its contents are a surprise, and a mystery! Will Inspector Burnley be able to solve it? (Summary by Verla Viera) (11 hr 40 min)

Chapters

Chapter I: A Strange Consignment 42:10 Read by Kirsten Wever
Chapter II: Inspector Burnley on the Track 25:27 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter III: The Watcher on the Wall 17:00 Read by Vinny Lerin
Chapter IV: A Midnight Interview 16:07 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter V: Felix Tells a Story 22:55 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter VI: The Art of Detection 26:51 Read by Tim Rowe
Chapter VII: The Cask at Last 23:12 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter VIII: The Opening of the Cask 14:42 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter IX: M. Le Chef de la Sûreté 21:06 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter X: Who Wrote the Letter? 22:36 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter XI: MM. Dupierre et Cie 13:29 Read by Tim Rowe
Chapter XII: At the Gare St. Lazare 22:40 Read by Kimberley Stephenson
Chapter XIII: The Owner of the Dress 14:59 Read by Yoganandh T
Chapter XIV: M. Boirac Makes a Statement 13:51 Read by Shannon Sullivan
Chapter XV: The Avenue de L'Alma 18:43 Read by Tim Rowe
Chapter XVI: Inspector Burnley Up Against It 26:28 Read by Tim Rowe
Chapter XVII: A Council of War 26:01 Read by A.C. Benson
Chapter XVIII: Lefarge Hunts Alone 25:02 Read by A.C. Benson
Chapter XIX: The Testing of an Alibi 30:49 Read by A.C. Benson
Chapter XX: Some Damning Evidence 26:57 Read by A.C. Benson
Chapter XXI: A New Point of View 18:39 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter XXII: Felix Tells a Second Story 36:35 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter XXIII: Clifford Gets to Work 18:41 Read by Tim Rowe
Chapter XXIV: Mr. Georges La Touche 18:29 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter XXV: Disappointment 16:29 Read by ToddHW
Chapter XXVI: A Clue at Last 33:15 Read by Rashim Saleh
Chapter XXVII: La Touche's Dilemma 31:29 Read by ToddHW
Chapter XXVIII: The Unravelling of the Web 25:06 Read by C. B. Seyfarth
Chapter XXIX: A Dramatic Dénouement 45:14 Read by Nancy Gorgen
Chapter XXX: Conclusion 5:47 Read by Nancy Gorgen

Reviews

great story


(5 stars)

An early Golden Age detective story. Just when it looked like the case was solved a whole new line of enquiry developed.

fabulous!


(5 stars)

Well crafted plot and generally good readers, although I’ve never heard a worse pronunciation of “mademoiselle” than in chapter XXVI.


(3 stars)

Not Agatha Christie, and various readers, but still good