The ABC Murders: A Salesman, a Scheme, and the Alphabet of Death

Originally Aired: May 18, 1943

In Suspense #42, “The ABC Murders,” a timid hosiery salesman named Alexander Bonaparte Cust believes he may be going mad—or worse, that he’s responsible for a string of killings. Each murder follows the alphabet: Andover, Bexhill, Churston. But the real twist lies in the typewritten notes sent to the police and the railway guide left at each scene. As the case unfolds, suspicion falls squarely on Cust—until one small inconsistency unravels the entire plot. Based on the Agatha Christie novel and featuring Charles Laughton as Hercule Poirot’s radio stand-in, this tale of misdirection and madness is a standout in Suspense’s early canon.

Cast:
Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester

Tags:
Suspense, thriller, AgathaChristie, CharlesLaughton, ElsaLanchester, alphabetkiller, mistakenidentity, psychological, noir, oldtimeradio, 1940sradio, classicdrama, suspensepodcast, misdirection, railwayguide, typewriterclue