Mystery at Geneva: An Improbable Tale of Singular Happenings


Read by Cate Barratt

(4.2 stars; 28 reviews)

Henry Beechtree, a newspaper correspondent for the British Bolshevist, is covering the latest otherwise sleepy session of the League of Nations in Geneva, when the newly elected President – a member of the Norwegian delegation – disappears mysteriously, adding some badly needed ‘spice’ to Henry's assignment. (Introduction by Cathy Barratt) (4 hr 15 min)

Chapters

Section 01 21:32 Read by Cate Barratt
Section 02 18:27 Read by Cate Barratt
Section 03 22:01 Read by Cate Barratt
Section 04 23:13 Read by Cate Barratt
Section 05 24:49 Read by Cate Barratt
Section 06 22:50 Read by Cate Barratt
Section 07 21:18 Read by Cate Barratt
Section 08 20:10 Read by Cate Barratt
Section 09 27:54 Read by Cate Barratt
Section 10 24:41 Read by Cate Barratt
Section 11 28:17 Read by Cate Barratt

Reviews

Strangely appropriate for 2016


(5 stars)

The first chapter of this book could easily have been describing our current Political climate, with it's brilliant brand of Foreign Policy satire and biting sarcasm. A suspenseful mystery emerges at the League of Nations, a precursor of our United Nations, that could alter the direction the Governing bodies take, pushing disarmament talks off of the agenda for years to come. Our LibriVox Volunteer, Cate Barratt, is excellent, as always.

Biting satire of politics, diplomats, internationalism, nationalism and other i…


(4 stars)

This book opens with a note saying it is neither satire nor irony, and it is a "straight-forward mystery." Which statement is complete untruth. The mystery, such as it is, is a side note. I found myself fairly uninterested in its denouement. Even the twist ending seemed only incidental. The meat of the book is the skewering of the League of Nations and its many members, great and small, with their feuds ancient and new, hostilities, idiocies, banalities, committees, subcommittees, committees to form committees, etc. I'm guessing the subtitle ("An Improbable Tale...") was an attempt by the publisher to forestall suits for libel from various foreign dignitaries who might not be amused by their portrayal herein. The reader's even delivery befits the dry humor of the piece. Very clear and easy to understand.

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS


(5 stars)

Wound around this story of one person is a marvellous portrait of the perceptions of nations of each other, a fascinating window into the views of the time, around 1919,and a sharp beautifully crafted insight into people's personal thoughts and emotions. Re-readable for that and for the similarities with the present. Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose..

Satirical Farce


(4 stars)

The mysterious disappearances of delegates to the League of Nations launch this no-holds-barred satire of international diplomacy, diplomats and the League itself. At least a passing knowledge of early 20th century history is needed to pickup on much of the topical humor. Good reader. However her rapid-fire style may not suit some listeners.

A short entertaining mystery


(4 stars)

Showing politics never changes, this could have been written this year. Interesting choosing a not too dedicated Bolshevik reporter as the hero. Well read and highly enjoyable.