Father Gilbert Mysteries Collector's Edition (Radio Theatre)

I was surprised at how good these stories are, but they aren't great. I did expect good voicing, good sound effects, good music. Focus on the Family has a good track record on the technical side of audio dramas. And these aspects are good. The quality of each story AS A STORY varies, some better than others, but only one was really thought provoking to me (Gabriel). Evangelical teenagers who are very sheltered would likely find the set very engaging.Sadly, it is clear that the writing is American. And sometimes not very good. Best line for a laugh, Father Gilbert or the lead detective, (I forget which), announces that the investigation must immediately get on the trail, and a detective laments "But we have no clues!" This produced a loud laugh from me, though the line was not intended to be funny. A cop would discuss leads, or evidence, but not clues. However the acting is good overall. June Whitfield, as Mrs Mayhew, comes to the fore in some of the stories and really makes for some good comical dialogue. She carries every scene she is in.Also very clear is Gilbert's snobbishness towards people he considers sinners of a more scarlet hue. He is sympathetic to the plight of a runaway girl from a good family, but he speaks with open derision to an informant who has lived a checkered life. Also, references in several of the stories to young people "getting in with the wrong crowd" remind the listener that this is a product of American Evangelical self righteousness, which fails to see the sinfulness of everybody and the neediness of all young people for love and direction.This strikes me as an attempt to recast GK Chesterton's Father Brown detective series with a Protestant (Anglican) priest. I'm impressed that Focus on the Family gave it the greenlight. The stories are darker than you would expect, which Evangelical publishing DESPERATELY needs. But, again. sometimes the darkness is more than the writers can handle. The first story, in fact, gets more ridiculous as it goes on, and afterward I thought the ending cringeworthy, over written, and over played.I DON'T think this set is worth the price. Some of the CDs in the 10 CD set are only a little more than half populated. You get a very nice case and each CD has its own durable sleeve. But for the price I would have preferred 10 full CDs (800 minutes) and just an average CD container. I think $30 would be a more fair price for what you get.

I hear one episode on the radio and had to buy the set. I only wish there were more of them!! They are intense subjects so not for you get kiddos. They do give a warning with the ones more intense. But, also gives good topics to talk about.

I'll admit I am quite surprised that Focus on the Family produced these. Nearly every story has to do with death or demons or dark family secrets.Having said that, the stories really are quite good and are brave to incorporate difficult themes into the spiritual realm.My kids are 7 and 8 (and my 8 year old is a very strong reader and can handle pretty strong topics) and these stories are WAY beyond what a 7 and 8 year old need to listen to.I'd say some episodes are fine for 12 year olds and some would be best left to 14 year olds.But again, the story-line is good, the acting is strong, and the production is quite impressive.

I love this CD series! Went on a road trip and this was an awesome listen!!!

The back of the CD case includes the following statement in small print: "Due to themes and scenes of mature nature, these audio dramas are recommended for listeners age 15 and older." This recommendation is also announced at the beginning of the first CD. Hence, we chose to shelve Fr. Gilbert until our son is a little older. Paul McCusker is an excellent producer, though, so his other audio dramas such as Ode to St. Cecilia, Trials of St. Patrick, Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi, and The Legends of Robin Hood are worth pursuing for a wider family audience.

We listened to this 10-CD audio series while making a cross-country trip. The series kept our 10-year-old intrigued and engaged, but it is probably more appropriate for a preteen or teen. However, I enjoyed it as well. The stories are all very different from one another. The characters are well-developed and provided ample material for story after story. My only complaint is that I wish there were more of them. The stories are enjoyable on multiple levels. Some are suspenseful mysteries. Others provide more drama than suspense.We've listened to the stories more than once, and we are looking forward to the next time we get to listen to them again.

We LOVED these! We listened to them while traveling on vacation. Yes, there are a few that may not be suitable for younger listeners, but my kids 13 and 9, loved them. Great conversation starters. The Gray Lady scared my 9 year old at first, but now it's his favorite. Definitely a nail biter. :-) The first one about the young lady that was murdered? You may want to listen to first to determine which ones your kids can handle, but all in all? They made our traveling enjoyable.

Father Gilbert Mysteries is the best audio drama there is!! Some are VERY intense, yet others are more calm, but they always keep you guessing what will happen next!! I would reccomend these to ANYONE!! Like, I can not say enough about them. Father Gilbert uses commen sense along with Spiritual insite to solve the mysteries and crimes that he is presented with. They are WELL worth the money!!

The stories are very well written and acted out. Lots of suspense. Very entertaining.

Very good, listened to some of them im the Caravan. Havent listened to all of them yet just the first 4. Theyre all different.

Great