Four full-cast stories of suspense from the creator of Dr Gideon Fell

The master of the ‘impossible crime’ novel, American author John Dickson Carr was renowned for his Golden Age detective stories featuring the eccentric genius Dr Gideon Fell. This collection brings together four of his captivating radio plays, including a time-slip murder mystery, a chilling supernatural tale, a menacing story of blackmail and retribution, and a life-or-death case for Dr Fell...

Fire, Burn! – On a foggy night in 1960s London, Superintendent John Cheviot boards a taxi to Scotland Yard. But when he alights at his destination, the taxi is now a horse-drawn cab and the year is 1829... Pulled out of his own time, Cheviot finds himself investigating a seemingly inexplicable Regency murder – but can he avoid being framed? Starring Michael Denison, Rachel Gurney, Marjorie Westbury and John Westbrook.

Blind Man’s Hood – Visiting their friends’ house on Christmas Eve, the Hunters are surprised to find the place deserted but for a mysterious young woman, who invites them in. As they sit by the fire, she proceeds to tell them the chilling tale of an unsolved Victorian murder, a sinister party game, and a spurned lover who wreaks a terrible revenge… Terrence Hardiman, Denys Hawthorne and Jill Bennett star in this eerie ghost story.

The Speaking Clock – When Judith Ray and Ronald Gilbert arrive in a dimly lit antiques shop to confront their blackmailer, Charles Markham, they face a double surprise – and soon, events take an unexpected and dramatic turn... First broadcast in 1944 as part of the vintage horror series Appointment with Fear, this macabre tale stars Esme Percy, Belle Chrystall and John Dodsworth.

The Clock Strikes Eight – A woman suffering from amnesia wakes in the middle of the night to find herself in an unfamiliar room, with no idea how she got there. To her horror, she is told that she is in a prison cell tor killing her lover – and that the hangman’s noose awaits her in the morning… Dr Fell is convinced of Helen Barton’s innocence – but can he uncover the truth in time to save her? Another classic 1944 episode from Appointment with Fear, starring Richard George and Grizelda Harvey.

NB: Due to the age of these recordings, the sound quality may vary

First published 1937 (Blind Man’s Hood), 1944 (‘The Speaking Clock’, ‘The Clock Strikes Eight’) 1957 (Fire, Burn!)

© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd