The game is afoot… - Price Prediction

MYSTERY

Sherlock Holmes Short Stories

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/5Oo6Mt2gAyC0dyL9Rwqnwo

Evelyn Waugh noted that the world created by P.G. Wodehouse remains timeless, as it was never part of reality to begin with. Similarly, the stories in Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective series, featuring Hugh Bonneville as the narrator, are ageless. Each story starts when a troubled person comes to Holmes’s residence at Baker Street. The root of their distress is uncovered through logical reasoning, pipe-smoking, violin playing, and occasionally, high-level drugs. This collection begins with “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” which has kept this author awake since Harold Macmillan was in office as prime minister. DAVID HEPWORTH

Evelyn Waugh pointed out that the universe crafted by P.G. Wodehouse will never become outdated because it was never real to begin with. In a similar vein, Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories, narrated here by Hugh Bonneville, are eternal. Each story initiates when someone in distress visits Holmes at his Baker Street dwelling. The cause of their distress is eventually discovered through logic, pipe-smoking, violin playing, and on rare occasions, Class A substances. This series kicks off with “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” which has kept me awake since Harold Macmillan was serving as prime minister. DAVID HEPWORTH

DRAMA

Lonely No More

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/4Y97jGJLaCeWM1eBF46Xqv

CONVERSATION

Down the Caff

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/7CT7Xm3FCLmHTq6s2ZUl15/video

A bustling café located in London’s East End, E Pellicci’s, has launched a lively podcast where its third-generation owners, Nev and Anna, engage in spirited conversations with celebrities over delicious meals. The eclectic roster of guests includes DJ Annie Mac, musician Kevin Rowland, and actor Allan Mustafa. Their chats are genuine, uncensored, and filled with colorful language. However, the humor makes it all worthwhile, particularly when Annie Mac shares a hilarious story about live pigs at one of her performances. JAMES MOTTRAM

NOTES & QUERIES

Hyperfixed

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/4iRBv1OTQT72SQCkNlSQZv

American podcast host Alex Goldman, formerly known for hosting the popular series “Reply All“, now takes on a new role in his show, aiming to tackle peculiar predicaments or, if unsuccessful, to expose the hidden factors that led to them. For instance: Casey possesses a badge promoting a fast-food establishment in Custer City, Oklahoma, that supposedly doesn’t exist. Goldman claims these are the tales he was meant to share. He excels at his work and invites you to submit your problem to hyperfixedpod.com. DAVID McGILLIVRAY

COMEDY

Parish Matters

On BBC Sounds

A quirky, locally produced comedy from Belfast was broadcast on Radio 4 last November. The story unfolds in a town hall close to the Irish border, where many of the parish council members are somewhat eccentric and given to dramatic displays. Writers Phil Taggart and Michael McCullagh, who both have experience in music (with Taggart being a DJ for Radio Ulster and McCullagh a songwriter), bring an unusual humor to this piece. Although its appeal may not be widespread, it could still find success among niche audiences. DAVID McGILLIVRAY

AGONY AUNT

Dear Jill

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/3k857d06YaFwpyc7oi8zLi

In a straightforward and conversational manner, British actress and former “Strictly” winner Jill Halfpenny hosts a podcast that serves as an open platform for listeners to discuss their problems, share thoughts, and brainstorm solutions. She acknowledges she doesn’t have all the answers but advocates for the benefits of voicing one’s concerns as a step in the right direction. From snoring partners to managing anxiety or coping with grief, Jill’s empathetic viewpoint offers valuable insights and encouragement. JEREMY ASPINALL

HISTORY

Conflict of Interest

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/2GASFh5EjvnKscObrNNKRi

Approximately three years have passed since the second season debuted of a podcast produced by the Imperial War Museum, which brought together specialists and renowned personalities to delve into Cold War battles, from the Korean War to the Vietnam War. Now, the museum’s curators are back with the third series, exploring how art, film, and photography can shed light on the essence of war and the human spirit. Drawing inspiration from IWM London’s fresh galleries, guests like Helen Lewis and Rachel Parris will ponder various themes such as propaganda, technology, and devastation. TOM GOULDING

TRUE CRIME

Operation Seal Bay

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/0JBBIuM6geQD50W5zrNvLF

Overcoming crime is never more captivating than when those working against it face significant challenges. This six-part tale, masterfully crafted by BBC Sounds, showcases just that, as villagers and local law enforcement in the Welsh fishing village of Newport challenge a drug-trafficking operation worth millions. The narrative unfolds in the summer of 1983, with many key figures still present to recount some incredible incidents – from exhilarating pursuits to hidden tunnels concealed beneath the shoreline.

SIMON O’HAGAN

DOCUMENTARY

The Man Who Calculated Death

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/2kpMPjiZhP05WAlgdSgxQz

American journalist Suzanne Rico and her sister Stephanie are tasked by their ailing mother, Gabriele, with finishing her incomplete memoir. This leads them on a journey from California to Europe, where they delve into the mystery surrounding a photograph of their grandfather Robert Lusser adorned with a Nazi medal. The revelation that Lusser was a scientist working on a weapon of mass destruction is merely the start of their extraordinary tale. FIONA HUGHES

2025-01-07 18:05