Victor L. Whitechurch (1868 - 1933) was a clergyman and author. He wrote many novels on different themes, though he is probably best known for his detective stories featuring Thorpe Hazell, a vegetarian railway detective whom the author intended to be as far from Sherlock Holmes as possible. He also wrote religious books, novels set in the church, and his autobiography.

Benedict Cumberbatch reads five stories featuring the famous vegetarian railway detective, Thorpe Hazell, as heard on BBC Radio 4. This is a must-listen for mystery fans! (and for fans of Benedict Cumberbatch!)

In ''The Affair of the German Dispatch-Box,'' Hazell hatches a daring plan to retrieve a highly sensitive government document before it reaches the German Ambassador.

In ''Sir Gilbert Murrell's Picture,'' an entire wagon containing valuable paintings disappears from a goods train, and Hazell's skill is needed.

In ''The Affair of the Corridor Express,'' a multimillionaire's son disappears from a moving train. Hazell must find the kidnappers before the boy is lost forever.

In ''The Stolen Necklace,'' a lady begs Hazell to help when the diamond necklace that she borrowed is stolen from her suitcase.

In ''The Affair of the Birmingham Bank,'' customers keep drawing money from a Midlands bank, so gold reserves are sent by train. Hazell must guard against train robbery.