The Hanover Court Murder by Basil Thomson

Sir Basil Thomson (1861-1939) was a British colonial administrator and prison governor, born in Oxford. He hailed from an esteemed background, with his father, William Thomson, serving as the provost of The Queen's College in Oxford before later becoming the Archbishop of York. Basil Thomson received his education at New College, Oxford, where he crossed paths with Montague John Druitt, a figure later implicated in the Jack the Ripper case. Despite starting his career in colonial service, Thomson's resignation was prompted by his wife's ailing health in 1893. This marked a significant turning point, leading him to transition into a new role as a writer, drawing inspiration from his experiences in the South Sea Islands.
In June 1913, Thomson assumed the pivotal role of Assistant Commissioner "C" (Crime) within London's Metropolitan Police, ascending to head the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at New Scotland Yard. With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Thomson's leadership became instrumental in apprehending spies and addressing the challenges posed by Indian and Irish nationalists. Despite his successes, Thomson's tenure was not without controversy, notably facing accusations of anti-Semitism due to his views associating Jews with Bolshevism. Additionally, his involvement in high-profile cases such as that of Mata Hari further solidified his reputation as a formidable figure in law enforcement.
Thomson's literary pursuits included the publication of "Mr Pepper, Investigator" in 1925, a collection of humorous detective stories. Among these tales, "The Vanishing of Mrs. Fraser" stands out as a celebrated work that left a lasting impact on mystery fiction. Thomson's storytelling prowess and wit shine through in these narratives, showcasing his ability to captivate readers with engaging plots and memorable characters. "Mr Pepper, Investigator" serves as a testament to Thomson's multifaceted talents, demonstrating his versatility both as a law enforcement professional and as a writer in the realm of detective fiction.

Пікірлер: 96

  • @comshawqueen2534
    @comshawqueen2534Ай бұрын

    Having been in nursing for over 30 years I can confirm that many, if not most, nurses develop a dry, dark and slightly twisted sense of humor. It helps us process some of the horrific things we see.

  • @JanetElson

    @JanetElson

    Ай бұрын

    Yes, it can be uncomfortable for others going out to lunch with a bunch of nurses :)

  • @imlistening1137

    @imlistening1137

    Ай бұрын

    Retired nurse- I agree!

  • @carolynlewis9008

    @carolynlewis9008

    Ай бұрын

    You would LOVE the nurse in “Space 1969” on Audible!

  • @carolynlewis9008

    @carolynlewis9008

    Ай бұрын

    I’m not a nurse but I know I would be a mad one

  • @imlistening1137

    @imlistening1137

    Ай бұрын

    @@carolynlewis9008 thanks for the recommendation!!

  • @gladysochoa4415
    @gladysochoa441529 күн бұрын

    Wonderful story, great narration! Thank you. Greetings from Guatemala, Central America

  • @lcarole3131
    @lcarole3131Ай бұрын

    Great story made better by a brilliant reading🤓

  • @angelaroberts2803
    @angelaroberts2803Ай бұрын

    Another writer I don't know.Good story Tony .

  • @franken-pattern
    @franken-patternАй бұрын

    I'm so happy for yet another great tale read by an even more wonderful reader! Thank you, Mr. Walker!!

  • @rosainecalmeyer4428
    @rosainecalmeyer4428Ай бұрын

    Wonderfully told story, but what I really enjoy is your chat about the author which puts so much in perspective. It makes the stories stand out. Thank you.

  • @veronicamaria2730
    @veronicamaria2730Ай бұрын

    An engaging and humorous tale. The lead in music always sets the mood. Love to hear it.

  • @markrossow6303
    @markrossow6303Ай бұрын

    nice save on the Tongan marriages ! we live in Seattle so lots of Pacific Islanders as to the author being the son of the Archbishop of York, tje current Dean of York Cathedral visited Seattle last autumn -- btwn 2 Sunday services, he gave a PowerPoint talk about the archeology there, succesive layouts of prior Cathedrals + additions leading the current York Minster

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    I like a bit of history

  • @MaggieatPlay
    @MaggieatPlayАй бұрын

    Yay! A new story...and I fell asleep half way through. Will listen again later. Thank you, Tony!

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Hope you enjoyed it!

  • @normaemanuel4975
    @normaemanuel4975Ай бұрын

    Hooray!

  • @lunablue745
    @lunablue745Ай бұрын

    This is hands down one of my favorite of your narrations! I love how you enlivened the landlady!

  • @lesleykaygosson315
    @lesleykaygosson315Ай бұрын

    Fantastic Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect Narration By Tony Walker ❤ He brings the story to life. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you thank you

  • @flapjackfae
    @flapjackfaeАй бұрын

    Wonderful! Wonderful story, wonderfully read!

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @flapjackfae

    @flapjackfae

    Ай бұрын

    @@classicdetective Also, I love the "footnotes" at the end, even if (or possibly especially because) they get rambly.

  • @debra333
    @debra333Ай бұрын

    Hi, dear Tony! Yet another great choice, and fantastic job of narration. Thank you!❤

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you kindly!

  • @thurayya8905
    @thurayya8905Ай бұрын

    Funny! I'm still laughing over the landlady's, "It looks like nothing I've ever seen!".

  • @soundsilence2604
    @soundsilence2604Ай бұрын

    Chef's kiss to your interpretation of Stokes. As entertaining as the story itself.

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    ❤️

  • @laurabaker8832
    @laurabaker8832Ай бұрын

    OMG this popped up unexpectedly. Reminded me of my days in the anatomy lab. LOL Terrific story!

  • @mariameere5807
    @mariameere5807Ай бұрын

    Thank you so much Tony! I have still to catch up with your latest story on your other spectacular channel! Blessings in abundance 🌺

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Take your time . 🕰️

  • @daftirishmarej1827
    @daftirishmarej1827Ай бұрын

    Thank you. Love the very tongue in cheek about how Eton won't get you places 😅 Thanks for the extra info too. Dark humour is often how peeps get through a rough job... or life...

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks for commenting:)

  • @carolynlewis9008
    @carolynlewis9008Ай бұрын

    Such a voice! It’s very calmly AND uplifting…amazing funny and creepy story…yes..dark sense of humor story! Sound quality is unbelievable Tony!!

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Oh thank you 🙏

  • @martiwilliams4592
    @martiwilliams4592Ай бұрын

    Very entertaining dark tale and amusing narration- had fits of the giggles here--story,narration and commentary wise several times throughout.. Much appreciated and looking forward to the next tale,wherever it is you may take us. Commentary is interesting and important, in my case at least, for better understanding this bizarre journey--where it comes from. Thank you, Tony!

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    me too

  • @joanieann6179
    @joanieann6179Ай бұрын

    Enjoyed that one, Tony! 😊❤

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @THEDISAFFECTED
    @THEDISAFFECTEDАй бұрын

    Dude you're doing a great job curating these stories. You're a great reader, and your commentary and sometimes ranging talks afterward are as enjoyable as the books, which has gotta be the rarest thing on KZread. Gotta say, I'm not tremendously enthusiastic about your aim to hand off some of the narrating, but maybe you'll do that as nicely as everything else here. Kudos.

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    I am really grateful for your comments. I have a couple coming up with guest narrators. I hope you like them; they're pretty talentedf, I think

  • @ajcbng8289

    @ajcbng8289

    Ай бұрын

    Hear! hear! 👏👏

  • @martiwilliams4592
    @martiwilliams4592Ай бұрын

    Another much needed and appreciated fit of giggles, just much this time around --found these fantastic detective stories again- and comments. :0)

  • @peterkordziel7047
    @peterkordziel7047Ай бұрын

    HEY! You can't call them "Dead" anymore, they are "Living impaired"! 😂 Great channel,by the way. I listen to everything you do on both channels. That bit about the dead - I wasn't serious.

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    I guessed that you weren’t serious:)

  • @mariameere5807
    @mariameere5807Ай бұрын

    Would love to hear more of these!! ❤❤❤

  • @alisonaustin7299
    @alisonaustin7299Ай бұрын

    “did ‘e not notice she had 3 ‘ands?” Nearly spit my cocoa out!!

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    I had to keep stopping because i was laughing too

  • @juliadia007
    @juliadia007Ай бұрын

    Hi Tony, thank you for the story. I was disappointed that you didn’t regale us with some interesting vernacular accents in the voices of the landlady and the bones keeper. I really adore those. FYI, I read, and I’m sure you will be delighted to know, that the Scottish police plan on reducing 130,000 man/woman hours of actual crime police work and will use that time to address hate crimes. I can’t remember where I read it though. I was left my whole life but I am so done-it’s like they think they invented mind and speech control to make a bright new society. Apparently it’s never been tried before! I’m sick to my stomach about it all the time.

  • @evelanpatton

    @evelanpatton

    Ай бұрын

    Why is the idea of a “hate crime” “left”? Confused. I thought the right-wing was politically blooming in politics? This neo-Nazi left is = Nazi right. It’s ALL COOcoo!

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    I resonate

  • @Wendyj55

    @Wendyj55

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@classicdetectiveMe too

  • @alisonaustin7299

    @alisonaustin7299

    Ай бұрын

    Probably the Daily Mail…

  • @juliadia007

    @juliadia007

    Ай бұрын

    @@alisonaustin7299 probably. Seems kind of an absurd number.

  • @along5925
    @along5925Ай бұрын

    I really loved this, and fabulously read too! The macabre humor made me laugh out loud also. The chat afterwards was great; I was not familiar with this author and would enjoy hearing more. Tony, thanks so much for offering this.

  • @franken-pattern
    @franken-patternАй бұрын

    What an interesting mystery! I enjoyed it very much 😊 Thank you, Mr. Walker!

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @helenjob
    @helenjobАй бұрын

    I listen to stories at night to get me to sleep. Loved this one but woke at the end (I'd listened to it at 5.30am because I woke too early) in time to catch your hilarious and informative ramble and laughed my way into the day. Thank you so much! I'll now subscribe 😊

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you :)

  • @MrsJanLong
    @MrsJanLong13 күн бұрын

    One of my favourites, so funny !

  • @Wendyj55
    @Wendyj55Ай бұрын

    Enjoyed the story and especially the chat afterwards. Cheers!

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @cuthbert2546
    @cuthbert254623 күн бұрын

    I do enjoy the biographical details you give at the end of the stories.

  • @janetrocha3584
    @janetrocha3584Ай бұрын

    Thank you for your good narration.I Ioved the dry humour of the author.

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @patriciaramsey5294
    @patriciaramsey5294Ай бұрын

    I just found your channel and you read very well. I liked your background of the author and though you were chasing down the rabbit hole I thought it added to your entire broadcast today. 💯🏆💕

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Welcome aboard!

  • @lindas.martin2806
    @lindas.martin2806Ай бұрын

    Excellent narrator.

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Thank you kindly!

  • @chimknee
    @chimkneeАй бұрын

    Thanks.

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    You're welcome

  • @SindyLowery
    @SindyLoweryАй бұрын

    Interesting story excellent though reminds me a lot of another story where the killer could possibly have some Royal blood definitely higher up in the echelons!

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    Which one ?

  • @paulinefriar6916
    @paulinefriar6916Ай бұрын

  • @SMichaelDeHart
    @SMichaelDeHartАй бұрын

    Tony, at 46:54 when you're discussing the dark sense of humor that personal of the military, first responder, medical and additional types of services may have. You're SPOT ON and describe it exactly!! After 30yrs service as a Firefighter/ EMS Medical First Responder I can attest to the accuracy of your thoughts. Civilians cannot completely understand that's its a coping mechanism for all the horrible things we see and hear over a lifetime of public service. It might hurt their "butterfly" feelings, but until they've walked a mile in our boots, in the worst that people kind inflict, then their opinions mean very little to me!! I agree totally that this story is hilarious. I too, was howling with laughter throughout. Another fantastic reading and excellent story!! Enjoyed highly!! The woke jokes in Scotland are a combination of N@zi's & C○mmunist with their hurt feelings!! Get over it!!

  • @SunnySmile-fr5yg
    @SunnySmile-fr5yg13 күн бұрын

    Interesting and entertaining 😃😄😀

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    12 күн бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @ymynymasa
    @ymynymasaАй бұрын

    👍💪✌️☀️👏🕺🏆💥

  • @adriennewalker1715
    @adriennewalker1715Ай бұрын

    Fabulous story …. But, what happened to the poor cat?

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    That cats are always okay in every story where it isn’t specifically mentioned.

  • @mariancahill9448
    @mariancahill9448Ай бұрын

    Roger Casement?

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    quite possibly

  • @MsMounen
    @MsMounenАй бұрын

    Three hands 😂

  • @MsMounen
    @MsMounenАй бұрын

    Somebody stole your Catholic converter?

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    That's right. That's how come I'm still Protestant.

  • @cristinadallesantro9332
    @cristinadallesantro9332Ай бұрын

    Wonderful narration but the story was dumb. Sorry but that is my opinion

  • @classicdetective

    @classicdetective

    Ай бұрын

    you are entitled to your opinion! no one likes every story, not even me

  • @nakedpnkmolerat
    @nakedpnkmoleratАй бұрын

    Liked the story, the reading of it and especially the biographical information.