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.

[@comshawqueen2534]

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]

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

[@imlistening1137]

Retired nurse- I agree!

[@carolynlewis9008]

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

[@carolynlewis9008]

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

[@imlistening1137]

@@carolynlewis9008 thanks for the recommendation!!

[@gladysochoa4415]

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

[@franken-pattern]

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

[@lcarole3131]

Great story made better by a brilliant reading🤓

[@angelaroberts2803]

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

[@veronicamaria2730]

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

[@lunablue745]

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

[@MaggieatPlay]

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

[@classicdetective]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@rosainecalmeyer4428]

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.

[@martiwilliams4592]

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

[@martiwilliams4592]

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]

me too

[@debra333]

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

[@classicdetective]

Thank you kindly!

[@carolynlewis9008]

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]

Oh thank you 🙏

[@lesleykaygosson315]

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

[@classicdetective]

Thank you thank you

[@flapjackfae]

Wonderful! Wonderful story, wonderfully read!

[@classicdetective]

Thank you so much!

[@flapjackfae]

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

[@thurayya8905]

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

[@THEDISAFFECTED]

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 KZbin. 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]

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]

Hear! hear! 👏👏

[@mariameere5807]

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

[@classicdetective]

Take your time . 🕰️

[@laurabaker8832]

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

[@along5925]

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.

[@mariameere5807]

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

[@markrossow6303]

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]

I like a bit of history

[@joanieann6179]

Enjoyed that one, Tony! 😊❤

[@classicdetective]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@soundsilence2604]

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

[@classicdetective]

❤️

[@franken-pattern]

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

[@classicdetective]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@daftirishmarej1827]

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]

Thanks for commenting:)

[@juliadia007]

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]

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]

I resonate

[@Wendyj55]

​@@classicdetectiveMe too

[@alisonaustin7299]

Probably the Daily Mail…

[@juliadia007]

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

[@normaemanuel4975]

Hooray!

[@peterkordziel7047]

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]

I guessed that you weren’t serious:)

[@Wendyj55]

Enjoyed the story and especially the chat afterwards. Cheers!

[@classicdetective]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@helenjob]

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]

Thank you :)

[@alisonaustin7299]

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

[@classicdetective]

I had to keep stopping because i was laughing too

[@patriciaramsey5294]

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]

Welcome aboard!

[@cuthbert2546]

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

[@janetrocha3584]

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

[@classicdetective]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrsJanLong]

One of my favourites, so funny !

[@lindas.martin2806]

Excellent narrator.

[@classicdetective]

Thank you kindly!

[@chimknee]

Thanks.

[@classicdetective]

You're welcome

[@SunnySmile-fr5yg]

Interesting and entertaining 😃😄😀

[@classicdetective]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SindyLowery]

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]

Which one ?

[@paulinefriar6916]

❤

[@SMichaelDeHart]

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!!

[@ymynymasa]

👍💪✌️☀️👏🕺🏆💥

[@adriennewalker1715]

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

[@classicdetective]

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

[@mariancahill9448]

Roger Casement?

[@classicdetective]

quite possibly

[@MsMounen]

Three hands 😂

[@MsMounen]

Somebody stole your Catholic converter?

[@classicdetective]

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

[@cristinadallesantro9332]

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

[@classicdetective]

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

[@nakedpnkmolerat]

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