Reading Agatha Christie feels like settling down with an old friend to listen to her stories, or to binge on a good box set. This book is a collection of short stories featuring all of our favourite characters, like Poirot, Hastings, Japp, Miss Marple, and Tommy & Tuppence. It was wonderful to spend some time with all of these characters again.

My main issue is that, because they are short stories, they are wrapped up really quickly. And, when we learn the conclusions and the identities of the murderers and thieves, we learn them from secondhand recollection. Usually, of stories that were already secondhand. It makes the narrative a little passive sometimes. It would have been nicer to have been in the middle of the plot, watching it as it reveals itself.

Not to say I didn’t enjoy this book. I did. It is humorous and entertaining. A pleasant way to spend the afternoon. A word of caution, though: these stories were written almost 100 years ago. Some of the language is dated and would be unacceptable in today’s market. I wouldn’t read this if you are easily offended.

I have to add that, it seems to me, a lot of the time when Agatha Christie describes women as being ‘feeble-minded’ and weak, she is actually mocking male sensibilities and opinions. She’s kind of saying that women are much cleverer than men could ever know. I like that.

People who love classic mysteries. Agatha Christie fans.

The plots. I liked the conclusions of how the crimes were committed.

The passive voice. Also, some of the outdated descriptions, particularly those of women.

Watch a Poirot on TV.

Intrigued. Amused. Entertained.

Agatha Christie. The Queen of Murder Mysteries.

It has a good variety of characters and stories.

The updated language could offend some people.

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Created Feb 10, 2025 at 5:44am • Submit your own review...