The Father Paolo Baldi Mysteries: Prodigal Son & Keepers of the Flame

Father Baldi Mysteries Full-Cast Radio Drama #1

by Barry Devlin, Simon Brett, David Threlfall (Narrator)

Two BBC full-cast radio dramas starring David Threlfall:

Prodigal Son by Barry Devlin:
In the first of this murder mystery series set in Dublin, Paolo Baldi, Franciscan priest and philosophy lecturer, accidentaly becomes involved in solving a murder at an Italian chip shop.

Keepers of the Flame by Simon Brett:
Paolo Baldi, priest, philosophy lecturer, and accidental sleuth, is caught up in solving the murder of a leading academic and follows a trail leading into the path of one of Ireland's most cherished literary figures.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Crime, Detective

2 pages, Audio CD

First published January 10, 2000

Reviews

[Leila Anani · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the first story, centred around the parable of the Prodigal Son, Paolo is brought in as a translator when an Italian shop owner is murdered in what looks like a robbery gone wrong and one of his sons is in the frame.

The 2nd story has an English professor murdered at Paolo's university and it seems like someone didn't want his radical new lecture to be heard....

While these aren't as fun as the Charles Paris series, I thoroughly enjoyed this, particularly the 2nd story with the wonderfully eccentric gay poet. Production values are top notch and the cast are fully engaging. Being two shorter stories doesn't give the mind time to wander either.

[Rolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of this series, and felt it was very well-executed here. Father Baldi as a protagonist is well-fleshed out (an academic and aspiring priest with a background in semiotics) and fits the mystery well.

I can’t help wondering if Dan Brown listened to this series when he was workshopping Robert Langdon as a character. Personally, I prefer Father Baldi.

[Gundrada · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories introduce Baldi and begin to unfold his character. They're not necessarily the best of the mysteries, but the characterisation feels fresh and interesting at this point, as does the semiotics (which is incredibly laboured in some of later stories). A gentle, enjoyable listen.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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