The Murder of the Maharajah & The Governess

BBC Radio adaptations of two historical crime novels by H. R. F. Keating, plus bonus extract from Bookshelf British detective writer H. R. F. Keating was best known as the creator of Inspector Ghote of the Mumbai CID. He won two Crime Writers’ Association Gold Daggers, and in 1996 was awarded the Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement. Included here are dramatisations of two of his most popular murder mysteries, set in 1930s India and Victorian London, plus a short clip from Radio 4’s Bookshelf featuring the award-winning author. The Murder of the Maharajah – His Highness the Maharajah of Bhopore delights in playing April Fool’s Day tricks on his guests – but the joke turns sour when one of his pranks inadvertently leads to his own murder. Five people apparently had the means and motive to kill him, but as District Superintendent of Police Howard investigates, he realises that the circle of suspects is wider than it seems. Zia Mohyeddin, Renu Setna and Sam Dastor star in this entertaining, Christie-esque drama, adapted from H. R. F. Keating’s Gold Dagger Award-winning novel. The Governess – When Harriet Unwin is hired as a governess in a wealthy London household, it seems that luck is on her side. That is, until the master of the house, William Thackerton, is found stabbed to death – and all the evidence points to her. Desperate to prove her innocence, she turns detective, uncovering the dark secrets hidden behind the family’s respectable Victorian facade.... Based on H. R. F. Keating’s novel written under the pseudonym Evelyn Hervey, this atmospheric adaptation stars Angela Pleasance and James Bolam. Bookshelf – Talking to fellow thriller writer Susan Hill, H. R. F. Keating holds up a magnifying glass to the art of crime fiction as he discusses his work and ideas. Please note: this collection contains language that reflects the attitudes of the era The Murder of the Maharajah text copyright © H. R. F. Keating 1980 The Governess text copyright © Evelyn Hervey 1983 Production credits Written by H. R. F. Keating The Murder of the Maharajah Maharajah – Zia Mohyeddin Dewan – Renu Setna Porgy – Lyndam Gregory D S P Howard – Sam Dastor Ram Singh – Amerjit Deu Sir Arthur – Philip Anthony Michael – Luke Beeson Schoolmaster – Bhasker Dolly – Rachel Atkins Judy – Oona Beeson Elaine – Sheila Mitchell Frere – Dominic Letts Joe – Steve Hodson Morton – Barry Gordon The Governess Harriet Unwin – Angela Pleasance Sergeant Drewd – James Bolam Pelham – James Holland Mrs Arthur Thackerton – Susan Jameson William Thackerton – Jack May Arthur Thackerton – Tony Mathews Joseph – Steve Hodson Vilkins – Emily Richard Grandmother Thackerton – Joan Matheson Hopkinson – David Sinclair Hannah – Victoria Carling Mrs Breakspear – Eva Stuart Newspaper voice – John Rye Miss Bond – Marian Diamond John – Stephen Tompkinson PC Wilson – Anthony Jackson Surgeon – Alan Dudley Mr Brattle – Kim Wall PC Smithers – Michael Troughton Superintendent – Stephen Thorne © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd