The Killings at Badger's Drift
The Killings at Badger's Drift (1987) is a mystery novel by English writer Caroline Graham, the first in her Chief Inspector Barnaby series.[1] In 1997, it was adapted as the pilot of Midsomer Murders, a popular ITV television series based on Graham's books.
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Caroline Graham |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Series | Chief Inspector Barnaby series |
| Genre | Mystery |
| Publisher | Century |
Publication date | 1987 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover & Softcover) |
| Pages | 264 |
| ISBN | 978-0-917561-41-2 |
| OCLC | 15521305 |
| Followed by | Death of a Hollow Man (1989)' |
Plot summary
In the fictional village of "Badger's Drift", the elderly Miss Bellringer insists that her friend, Emily Simpson, did not die of a heart attack as her doctor claims, but was in fact murdered. An autopsy soon proves her right, as a mix of red wine and hemlock is found in the dead woman's system. While the village descends into panic, the murderer strikes again, claiming the life of Mrs. Rainbird. She is discovered by her son Denis, a local undertaker.
As Barnaby investigates, aided by Sgt. Gavin Troy, he uncovers a connection between an older crime and the current killings at Badger's Drift.
Television series
The book was adapted for British television as the first episode of Midsomer Murders, and its broadcast on 23 March 1997 was an enormous ratings success.[2] The episode made its debut in the United States on the A&E cable network with two showings on the night of 28 June 1998.[3]
Differences
On the screen, Emily Simpson's murder is made more violent. Instead of being poisoned, as she is in the novel, she is bludgeoned to death.[4]
Publication
- United Kingdom: 1987, Century (imprint of Random House), London, 1987, Hardback, 264 p., ISBN 0-7126-1744-2.
- United States: 1988, Adler & Adler, Bethesda, Maryland, 1988, Hardback, 264 p., ISBN 0-917561-41-4.
- Reprint: 2005, Felony & Mayhem Press, United States, 2005, trade paperback, xiv, 272 p., ISBN 978-1-933397-04-7
Awards
The Killings at Badger's Drift was well received by the mystery community. It was named by the Crime Writers' Association as one of "The Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time". It also won the 1989 Macavity Award for "Best First Novel" and was nominated for the same honour at the 1989 Anthony Awards and the 1988 Agatha Awards.[5][6][7]
References
- Eldridge, Cat. "Caroline Graham, The Killings at Badger's Drift". Greenmanreview.com. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
- Morgan, Clive (6 January 2016). "Midsomer Murders: 15 mysterious facts". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
- Miller, Ron (28 June 1998). "Mismatched British cops tackle 'Midsomer Murders' on A&E". Albuquerque Journal. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Knight Ridder News Service. p. D6. Archived from the original on 15 January 2019. Retrieved 14 January 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
- Lawson, Mark (24 March 1997). "Just plane stupid". The Guardian. London. p. 46. Archived from the original on 6 November 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Mystery Readers International's Macavity Awards". Mysteryreaders.org. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
- "Bouchercon World Mystery Convention : Anthony Awards Nominees". Bouchercon.info. 2 October 2003. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
- "Malice Domestic Convention - Bethesda, MD". Malicedomestic.org. 23 August 1988. Archived from the original on 12 April 2010. Retrieved 19 March 2012.