That Mainwaring Affair


Read by J. M. Smallheer

(4.6 stars; 227 reviews)

As wealthy financier, Hugh Mainwaring dictates his last will and testament to his private secretary, it would be impossible for him to imagine the shocking chain of events that he is about to set into motion. This best-selling mystery novel was first published in 1901 and remains an entertaining mix of detective work, courtroom drama and family intrigue. (Summary by J. M. Smallheer) (9 hr 24 min)

Chapters

The Mainwarings 10:55 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Fair Oaks 10:58 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Last Will and Testament of Hugh Mainwaring 14:15 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Terrible Awakening 18:28 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Important Discoveries 11:16 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Inquest 16:55 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Little Royal 21:34 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Weaving of the Web 17:17 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Tangled Threads 29:50 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Behind the Scenes 20:35 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Skirmishing 24:53 Read by J. M. Smallheer
X-Rays 26:09 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Theories, Wise and Otherwise 21:19 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Exit of Scott, the Secretary 15:15 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Mutual Surprises 16:01 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Mutual Explanations 19:47 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Love Finds A Way 13:51 Read by J. M. Smallheer
An Unforeseen Foe 23:08 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Mutual Recognitions 11:32 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Opening Fire 27:40 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Last Throw 24:50 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Secession in the Ranks 16:46 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Flotsam and Jetsam 18:28 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Between the Acts 29:58 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Run to Cover 32:48 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Mainwaring vs. Mainwaring 29:55 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Silent Witness 40:19 Read by J. M. Smallheer

Reviews

wow☺


(5 stars)

I really loved this book. it's absolutely one of my favorite books on Librivox. with twists and turns, love and betrayal and an ending that I absolutely did not expect! I highly recommend this book. I am looking forward to reading more of her writings. the narrator is wonderful. A professional reader. Thank you.

Randall


(5 stars)

excellent story. the reader of the story was very good. The intricacies of the story were so numerous that I at times became mildly confused. The story was, therefore, complex. The attributes created for me one of the more interesting mysteries I have ever heard or read.

legal thriller ...


(5 stars)

... well understood and enjoyable because of the skill of the narration; written by an author, Anna Maynard Barbour, who is well steeped in the morals and mores of her time (the only standard acceptable by which any author can be judged; she did not write in 2023; layering self-aggrandizing arrogant judgements from our time on to hers can only be understood as ignorance); this novel is a precursor to the legal thrillers now popular during our lifetimes therefore necessarily a complicated, complex work with numerous players; for the thinking person aware of the mold of protagonists and antagonists galore, there's no need to be concerned with the challenge to your short-term memory; all of the enjoyment minus the confusion is easily comprehended because of the skill of presentation by one of the stand-alone masters of narration, J.M. Smallheer.

Bad story but great reading


(3 stars)

Uninteresting and somewhat poor novel. I think that at the beginning of the XX century the able writers of detective fiction were very scarce (That's why Sherlok Holmes became so famous and well known all over the World). But J. M. Smallheer’s reading is excellent , a professional level, I would say. Her accents and pronunciations are very effective.

Compelling Intrigue


(5 stars)

Completely engaging storyline with characters I immediately cared about wound into an elaborate murder mystery within a case of fraud & a disputed Will! The LibriVox volunteer is excellent! 5 Stars!

Awesome!!


(5 stars)

Oh my word! I give lots of books 5 stars because I love books but this one I wish I could give 10!!!!

I have listened to this book 2x


(5 stars)

and enjoyed it both times. Mainwaring is planning to name his cousin's son as his heir. The will is signed, and all is settled. Then, Mainwaring is murdered. There are lots of suspects to choose from: a sneaky secretary, an angry 'housekeeper', and a dishonest lawyer. Who is behind the murder, and what is the secret of the Mainwaring affair? The reader is excellent and so is the quality of the recordings. Enjoy!

Keeps your interest


(5 stars)

I enjoyed listening to this story. The reader is exceptional and does great at giving characters different voices. The mystery keeps growing as the story progresses, so you don't lose interest. I was fond of the two younger Mainwaring gents. I think this is a good listen.