Two detective stories featuring gentleman detective Roderick Alleyn, adapted for BBC Radio. In A GUY Lay Dead, a game of murders at Sir Hubert Handesley’s country house party turns into far too practical for anyone’s preference. First a guest arrives using a dangerously lethal dagger and then, when the gong sounds to announce the beginning of the overall game, the victim plays dead in a very convincing manner. Main Detective Inspector Alleyn thinks the unusual dagger is an essential clue towards the real-life murder, and soon he’s within the trail of a Russian secret society. In A Surfeit of Lampreys, the aristocratic Lampreys are wonderful but penniless – therefore a visit from your wealthy head of their family is greatly anticipated. Nevertheless, their Uncle Gabriel isn’t persuaded to part with his money and a row ensues. When a body is found in the lift resulting in the Lampreys’ smooth, Main Detective Inspector Alleyn finds a family group immersed in hidden secrets and intrigue.