Fatal Fraud
Try a mystery built around a voice that can deceive.
Read episode guide ↗THE WHISTLER · CLASSIC RADIO MYSTERY
Retribution.
A hidden fortune. A haunted past.
A fugitive returns to a house to recover money tied to his past. What waits inside turns a homecoming into a mystery. Begin with the story documented as The Whistler’s 1942 premiere.
PRESS PLAY AND STEP INTO THE STORY
Listen to Retribution.
Load the official Heritage Radio Vault recording on Spreaker, then press Play. Audio stays paused until you choose to start it.
Listen on Spreaker ↗Loading the player connects to Spreaker, which may use cookies and serve advertising. Spreaker privacy.
THE STORY, WITHOUT THE ENDING
The past is waiting at home.
John Hendrix is out of prison and wants to recover a hidden fortune. Returning to the house means facing the aftermath of a violent crime. Before he can feel secure, unsettling events make the familiar rooms seem less predictable.
Listen to the way a simple objective, finding the money, becomes a test of confidence. The house matters as much as the journey back to it. This guide leaves the resolution for the recording.
Listening note: References to murder and domestic violence.
Editorial story guide based on the historical references below. [1]
The first Whistler broadcast.
UMKC identifies the 16 May 1942 CBS Pacific broadcast as the series premiere. Its production team was led by J. Donald Wilson, with Gale Gordon as the narrator.
That premiere is a historical reference for this guide. The modern Spreaker record has its own publication date and running time, shown separately below.
Historical references: [1]
For the wider programme history and more listening choices, visit The Whistler show guide.
Did you know?
The archive also records this story under another title inDecember 1943. [1]
Episode facts.
Dorothy Roberts is specifically credited for the whistling in the premiere record. [1]
ANOTHER MYSTERY IS WAITING
More from The Whistler.
Previous and next move between these featured guides, rather than consecutive original broadcasts.
Before you listen.
Was Retribution the first episode of The Whistler?
The UMKC archive identifies the 16 May 1942 broadcast as the series premiere. [1]
Who narrated the premiere?
Gale Gordon is credited as the Whistler in the premiere record. [1]
Does this story require an earlier episode?
No. It introduces a self-contained mystery and can be heard on its own.
Can I listen to Retribution for free?
Yes. Load the official player and press Play. Spreaker may include advertising; its direct link is also available above.
Explore another corner of the vault.
Mystery & Suspense brings together more programmes in this genre.
Rainy Night Mysteries - Explore longer detective compilations for the quieter hours.
Listener reviews.
Share your listening experience of Retribution.
Be the first listener to leave a review. Submissions are moderated before appearing.
Reviews are moderated before publication. No email address is collected.
A different mystery to follow.
The Old Ones Are Hard to Kill from CBS Radio Mystery Theater A room to let becomes a burden of knowledge. Explore this later hosted anthology.
Sources and recording notes.
Historical broadcast references
Modern recording information
The selected file was published on 18 April 2026 and runs 29:32. Publication dates describe the modern Spreaker edition.
Historical dates and credits below describe the cited broadcast record. The selected audio has not been independently matched to an original master.
Episode guide by Heritage Radio Vault. Sources checked 4 November 2026. Original scripts, recordings, performances and music may carry rights belonging to their respective owners. For corrections or rights enquiries: markwilliams@heritageradiovault.com.