Books published by BBC Audio, A Division Of Random House

Tom Baker reads Charles Dickens' timeless seasonal story. The listener joins Scrooge on Christmas Eve, witnesses the visitation of Marley's ghost, and is given a glimpse of the many homes and lives which Scrooge has touched in his wretched life to date.

David Collings reads this original novel adventure for the First Doctor and his companions, set in the 17th Century during the Salem Witch Trials. With the Doctor wanting to repair the TARDIS in peace, his companions Barbara, Ian and Susan decide to get some experience of living in the nearby village of Salem. But the Doctor knows about the horrors destined to engulf the village and determines that they should leave. Susan has her own ideas, and is desperate to return to Salem, whatever the cost. Yet her actions will lead them all into terrible danger, and cause the tragedy that is already unfolding to escalate out of control. Featuring the First Doctor, as played on TV by William Hartnell. Duration: 8 hours approx.

An unabridged reading of a classic novelisation of the 1987 TV adventure featuring the Seventh Doctor and Ace. The TARDIS brings the Doctor and Ace to 1943, and a British Naval camp in North Yorkshire. Dr Judson is using the ULTIMA code-breaking machine to decipher the runic inscriptions at the nearby church; meanwhile Commander Millington is obsessed with his research into toxic bombs to hasten the end of World War Two. Nearby, an ancient evil stirs beneath the waters at Maidens Point. What connects all of these to a thousand year old curse?

June Whitfield stars as Miss Marple in eight thrilling full-cast BBC Radio 4 dramatisations. 4.50 from Paddington After witnessing a murder on a train, Mrs McGillicuddy calls on Miss Marple. Murder at the Vicarage Everyone in St Mary Mead detested Colonel Protheroe - but who killed him?

John Leeson reads this exciting novelisation of a classic Fourth Doctor adventure, set on Gallifrey and featuring the Sontarans. ]"e;BBC Audio's team gives these releases a hallmark of quality."e; Doctor Who Magazine A traitor to the Time Lords? Can the Doctor really be in league with the evil Vardans, spearheading a treacherous invasion of his home planet, Gallifrey? Or is he playing a deadly double game, saving the Time Lords by appearing to betray them? Not even his closest friends can tell. Whilst the Doctor's companion Leela is cast into the wilderness of Outer Gallifrey, the Vardans themselves are mere pawns in a deadly tactical game. Soon the Doctor will face an old and deadly enemy as he battles to foil the invasion of Time. John Leeson, the Voice of K9 in Doctor Who reads Terrance Dicks's novelisation of the original TV serial by David Agnew, first published by Target Books in 1979. Duration: 4 hours approx

Eve Myles, Gareth David-Lloyd, Kai Owen and others read ten stories based on the hit BBC TV series. Written specially for audio, with additional sound design, the stories feature the original Torchwood line-up including Captain Jack, Gwen, Ianto, Owen and Toshiko, plus Rhys and PC Andy. The titles are Hidden by Steven Savile; Everyone Says Hello by Dan Abnett; In the Shadows by Joseph Lidster; The Sin Eaters by Brian Minchin; Department X and Ghost Train by James Goss; Army of One by Ian Edginton; Fallout by David Llewellyn; Red Skies by Joseph Lidster; and Mr Invincible by Mark Morris. The readers are Naoko Mori, Burn Gorman, Eve Myles, Gareth David-Lloyd, Kai Owen, Tom Price and John Telfer. Duration: 18 hours approx

The complete collection of landmark BBC Radio dramas of Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe mysteries. Philip Marlowe is the archetypal noir detective: wisecracking and world-weary, hardboiled yet honourable. This volume includes all eight dramatisations of Raymond Chandler's groundbreaking crime novels featuring his iconic hero. The Big Sleep Marlowe is consulted by a wealthy family man with two big problems: his children. Farewell My Lovely Marlowe's search for an ex-con's ex-girlfriend leads him into danger. The High Window When rare gold coin is stolen from her collection, Mrs Murdoch hires Philip Marlowe to find it. The Lady in the Lake Businessman Derace Kingsley hires Marlowe to find his estranged wife Crystal. The Little Sister Commissioned to find Orfamay Quest's missing brother, Marlowe is drawn into the glamorous film world of Hollywood. The Long Goodbye Marlowe befriends a drunk named Terry Lennox, but comes to regret doing him a favour. Playback Hired to follow the mysterious Betty Mayfield, Marlowe soon finds that he is being tailed too... Poodle Springs Newly-married Marlowe puts his bride aside to look for a gambler on the run. Starring Toby Stephens as Philip Marlowe, these stylish, suspenseful dramatisations - full of witty, ironic dialogue and colourful characters - bring the beautiful, corrupt world of California in the '40s and '50s to luminous life. Duration: 11 hours approx.

Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn and Ian Lavender star in a collection of rediscovered Dad's Army gems. Published for the first time, these four instalments of Dad's Army have been brought together from a variety of archive sources, and in each case represent something unique. 'A Stripe for Frazer' is the surviving TV soundtrack from an episode whose film recording has long been missing in action; 'Santa on Patrol' and 'The Cornish Floral Dance' are two mini-episodes produced in 1968 and 1970 for BBC TV's Christmas Night With the Stars; finally, 'The Boy Who Saved England' is a mini-episode written by Jimmy Perry and starring Ian Lavender, recorded as part of BBC Radio 2's Last Night at the Paris programme in 1995. With a supporting cast including Arnold Ridley, John Laurie, James Beck, Bill Pertwee and Frank Williams, this is a fine quartet of episodes you're not likely to have seen or heard before. Don't panic! Duration: 1 hour approx.

David Schofield reads this exciting original adventure featuring the 12th Doctor and Clara, as played by Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman in the BBC TV seriesThe Doctor and Clara are called to a mysterious, isolated house on a moonlet in the Asurmian Reach. There they meet the inscrutable Justin Winter and his two assistants, Joey and Carenza. Winter has called for the Doctor's help: he and his friends are trapped in the house, all exits having long ago been sealed. When even the TARDIS proves unable to dematerialise, the Doctor and Clara quickly realises they are as much prisoners as their new acquaintances. Strange blood moths fly around their heads, and there's a strange whispering and rustling from the shadows of the house's interior. As tensions rise, the Doctor struggles to engineer a way out - and a staggering series of revelations are about to be made. David Schofield, who plays Odin in the Doctor Who Series 9 episodes The Girl Who Died and The Woman Who Lived, reads this thrilling original adventure by George Mann, part of the Tales of Winter quartet of stories. Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes. Reading produced by Neil Gardner. Sound design by David Darlington. Project Manager: John Ainsworth. Executive Producer: Michael Stevens

Peter Purves reads John Lucarotti's novelisation of his classic First Doctor TV adventure. The TARDIS lands in Paris on 19 August 1572. Driven by scientific curiosity, the Doctor goes to meet and exchange views with the apothecary, Charles Preslin. Before he disappears, he warns Steven to stay 'out of mischief, religion and politics'. But in 16th Century Paris it is impossible to remain a mere observer, and Steven soon finds himself involved with a group of Huguenots. The Protestant minority of France is being threatened by the Catholic hierarchy, and danger stalks the Paris streets. As Steven tries to find his way back to the TARDIS he discovers that one of the main persecutors of the Huguenots appears to be...the Doctor! Peter Purves, who played Steven in the original BBC TV series, reads this novelisation of a fondly remembered classic story, the original episodes of which are lost from the BBC archives.

Clive Merrison and Andrew Sachs star in seven original BBC Radio 4 full-cast adventures for Holmes and Watson. In these original adventures Bert Coules, the chief dramatist of BBC Radio 4's celebrated Sherlock Holmes canon, has imaginatively fleshed out seven such unrecorded cases.

Amanda Hale and Tom Burke star in a brand new BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Charlotte Bronte's most beloved novel, adapted by Rachel Joyce. Orphan Jane learns at an early age that self-control is the surest means of retaining self-respect in adversity. It is a lesson that serves her well in the years ahead as she endures the misery of life with her cruel, uncaring aunt, followed by the harsh regime at Lowood Institution, a charity school for poor children. After taking the post of governess at Thornfield Hall, she meets the master of the house, the brooding, enigmatic Edward Rochester, and finds herself falling in love with him. It seems as if happiness may finally be within her grasp - but a series of strange events leads her to believe that Rochester is concealing a dark secret. When the truth is revealed, the heartbroken Jane will need all her inner strength and resilience to face up to it... Dramatised for radio by bestselling novelist Rachel Joyce (The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry), this iconic love story stars Amanda Hale as Jane and Tom Burke as Rochester. Suffused with romance, passion, mystery and danger, it is a spellbinding tale that is as real and relevant today as when it was first published in 1847. Duration: 2 hours 30 mins approx.

Jemma Redgrave reads this brand new, original adventure for the 12th Doctor and Clara. In 15th Century France the time travellers encounter a band of soldiers protecting a mysterious young woman. Joan of Arc is troubled by voices, telling her things she should not know about: things concerning the Doctor's own people, the Time Lords. Compelled to discover where she is getting the information from, the Doctor and Clara are drawn into danger. Written by George Mann (author of The Engines of War and The House of Winter), the story is read by Jemma Redgrave, who plays Kate Lethbridge-Stewart in the TV series. Duration: 1 hour 10 mins approx.

An unabridged reading of this novelisation of a classic 1965 TV serial featuring the First Doctor, as played on TV by William Hartnell. The TARDIS materialises on what, at first sight, appears to be a dry and lifeless planet serving only as a graveyard for spaceships. The Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Vicki discover a magnificent museum housing relics from every corner of the galaxy. These have been assembled by the Moroks, a race of cruel conquerors who have invaded the planet Xeros and enslaved its inhabitants. Upon further exploration the TARDIS crew seem to stumble upon the impossible: for suddenly, facing them in an exhibit case, they find...themselves! Duration: 5 hours approx.

An unabridged reading of Paul Cornell's novelisation based on his animated drama of the same name. When the Doctor lands his TARDIS in the Lancashire town of Lannet, in the present day, he finds that something is terribly wrong. The people are scared. They don't like going out onto the streets at night, they don't like making too much noise, and they certainly don't like strangers asking too many questions. What alien force has invaded the town? Why is it watching barmaid Alison Cheney? And what plans does it have for the future of the planet Earth? The Doctor is helped (and hindered) by his new military liaison Major Kennet and his Royal Green Jacket troop. His old enemy the Master also plays a small part. During the course of this adventure he encounters a brand new race of ferocious alien monsters, and strikes up a friendship with his latest companion, Alison. While starting with a small community under threat, this old-fashioned, very traditional but very up to date Doctor Who adventure takes in the entire world, from New Zealand to India, Siberia to the USA, and cosmic expanses beyond. Duration: 6 hours 45 mins.

An unabridged reading of this classic novelisation of an adventure featuring the Third Doctor, as played on TV by Jon Pertwee. 'Axos calling Earth, Axos calling Earth...' The creatures stood before them, offering friendship and their priceless Axonite, in return for - what?Only the Doctor remains suspicious. What is the real reason for the Axon's sudden arrival on Earth? And why is the evil Master a passenger on their spaceship? He very soon finds out... Duration: 3 hours 40 mins.

Three classic radio productions from the BBC archives starring Nigel Hawthorne, Miriam Margolyes, Geraldine McEwan and a host of celebrated acting talent. These three legendary plays, performed by some of the best-known theatrical actors of the 20th Century, are the perfect way to commemorate England's greatestdramatist. The Taming of the Shrew: The controversial comedy about the battle of the sexes and a very unconventional marriage, starring Fenella Fielding as Katherine, with Miriam Margolyes as Bianca and Paul Daneman as Petruchio. A Midsummer Night's Dream: One of Shakespeare'sbest-loved plays, this tale of warring fairies, eloping lovers and the magic and madness of love has bewitched audiences since its very first performance. Starring Nigel Hawthorne as Oberon with Maureen O'Brien as Titania. Twelfth Night: Mistaken identity and a tangled love triangle lead to confusion and, ultimately, happiness in this comic masterpiece. Starring Dorothy Tutin as Viola, with Geraldine McEwan as Olivia and Stephen Murray as Malvolio. Recorded at BBC Broadcasting House and featuring the BBC Drama Repertory company, with specially composed music including a score from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, this is classic radio drama at its finest.Duration: 7 hours approx.

Celia Imrie and Toby Jones star in this BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of Gerald Durrell's much-loved comic gem. My Family and Other Animals is the classic tale of naturalist Gerald Durrell's magical 1930s childhood on pre-war Corfu. His descriptions of his eccentric family and his encounters with the local creatures are full of humour and charm, and the book has delighted readers of all ages for sixty years. Ten-year-old Gerry is the youngest member of the Durrell family, which also consists of Mother, pompous eldest son Larry, gun-mad second son Leslie, acne-ridden sister Margo, and Roger the dog. When they arrive in Corfu, Gerry is thrilled to find a paradise of exotic wildlife to be explored. Soon he is embarking on natural history expeditions, swimming in the clearblue sea and befriending the island's inhabitants.Gerry's relatives are less impressed with his exploits, especially when his burgeoning animal collection sparks chaos at the family's Christmas party... With a specially created soundtrack, this vivid adaptation takes the story out of the studio and into the Greek wilderness that enthralled Durrell the young naturalist. Duration: 2 hours approx.

An unabridged reading of the brand new novelisation of a classic Fourth Doctor TV story by Douglas AdamsThe Doctor takes Romana for a holiday in Paris - a city which, like a fine wine, has a bouquet all its own. But the TARDIS arrives in 1979, a table-wine year, whose vintage is soured by cracks in the very fabric of time itself. Soon the Time Lords are embroiled in an audacious alien scheme which encompasses home-made time machines, the theft of the Mona Lisa, the resurrection of the much-feared Jagaroth race, and the beginning (and quite possibly the end) of all life on Earth. Aided by British private detective Duggan, the Doctor and Romana must thwart the machinations of the suave, mysterious Count Scarlioni - all twelve of him - if the human race has any chance of survival.

An unabridged reading of this original novel featuring the Third Doctor, as played on TV by Jon Pertwee, and his companion Sarah Jane Smith. When gangster Tommy Ramsey is released from prison, he is determined to retake control of his 1950s East End territory. But new arrivals threaten his grip on illegal activity in the area. An evangelical minister is persuading people to seek redemption from their sins. A new gang is claiming the streets. And a watchmaker called Smith is leading a revolt against the Ramsey Mob's protection racket. When Tommy strikes back at his enemies, a far more terrifying threat is revealed. Within hours the city's air turns into nerve gas and thousands succumb to the choking fumes. London is dying... Duration: 8 hours approx.

An unabridged reading of an exciting classic novelisation, based on a TV adventure featuring the Second Doctor, as played by Patrick Troughton. Materialising in Outer Space, the TARDIS is attacked by a missile fired from the dark side of the moon. Back on Earth, the newly-formed United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT), led by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, is disturbed by a series of UFO sightings over Southern England. Meanwhile, a large consigment of mysterious crates is delivered to the headquarters of International Electromatix, the largest computer and electronics firm in the world. These three seemingly unconnected events are in fact the preparations for a massive Cyberman invasion of Earth, with one aim: the total annihilation of the human race. Duration: 5 hours approx.

Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden and Hugh Paddick star in 15 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy. Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. Over the course of sixteen weekly episodes it carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo. At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick and Bill Pertwee. Among the parade of regular characters were Julian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything, Rambling Syd Rumbo the musical cordwangler, Fiona and Charles the passionate duo, and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock the world's dirtiest man. Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix. Round the Horne earned its place in the annals of comedy history, and is fondly remembered today as a groundbreaking series that influenced many more to come. Here the entire second series can be enjoyed once again, plus the 1966 Christmas episode, 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and a special Transcription Services episode 'The Man With The Golden Thunderball'. along with a PDF booklet featuring cast biographies and a full series history.

Benedict Cumberbatch reads these four new Sherlock Holmes stories by John Taylor'An Inscrutable Masquerade'/ 'The Conundrum of Coach 13'/ 'The Trinity Vicarage Larceny'/ 'The 10.59 Assassin'Inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes stories, John Taylor has written four more mysteries featuring the world's greatest detective. Read by acclaimed actor Benedict Cumberbatch, these new adventures share all the suspense of the original tales. In a drawer in his bureau, Dr Watson keeps a locked cedarwood chest - a 'box of secrets'. It contains an archive of notes referring to some of Holmes' cases that, for one reason or another, never saw the light of day. Now, for the first time, Watson has decided to reveal the truth to the world... In these four thrilling stories, Holmes experiments with the science of ballistics, locates some missing gold bullion, investigates the theft of a large amount of money and solves the baffling mystery of the Stovey murder.

Kevin McNally stars in five brand new recordings of original Hancock's Half Hour scripts by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. Whilst Hancock's Half Hour was an enormously popular radio sitcom in the 1950s, many of the episodes were not retained in the BBC Sound Archive and are believed to be lost. Now, five of them have been recreated by BBC Radio 4, with Kevin McNally taking the role made famous by Tony Hancock. Among the supporting cast are Simon Grenall, Kevin Eldon and Robin Sebastian.