A Man Lay Dead and A Surfeit of Lampreys written by Ngaio Marsh performed by Jeremy Clyde, Donald Sinden, John Moffat and BBC Radio Full Cast Team on Cassette (Abridged)

Two detective stories featuring gentleman detective Roderick Alleyn, adapted for BBC Radio. In A Man Lay Dead, a game of murders at Sir Hubert Handesley’s country house party becomes far too realistic for anyone’s liking. First a guest arrives with a dangerously lethal dagger and then, when the gong sounds to announce the start of the game, the victim plays dead in a very convincing manner.

Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn believes the unusual dagger is a vital clue to the real-life murder, and soon he’s on the trail of a Russian secret society. In A Surfeit of Lampreys, the aristocratic Lampreys are charming but penniless – so a visit from the wealthy head of their family is greatly anticipated.

However, their Uncle Gabriel isn’t persuaded to part with his money and a row ensues. When a body is found in the lift leading to the Lampreys’ flat, Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn finds a family immersed in hidden secrets and intrigue.