I honestly didn't expect too much out of this collection after reading Hound of Death. I had just chalked it up to preference for your novels over your short stories - but I LOVED this book!
Of the 12 stories, all were decent, but of course some better than others.
"The Listerdale Mystery" was unsurprising. Although, I am surprised it became the title for the collection. "Philomel Cottage" was great - I loved the heroine, her intelligence, and the twist. It seemed like it was a 1934 version of Forensic Files. "The Girl in the Train" was silly - not my fave. I liked "Sing a Song of Sixpence," though I never would have figured out that mystery. (But then again, what mystery do I ever figure out?*)
My favorite in the collection, though, was probably "The Manhood of Edward Robinson." It had a little bit of Walter Mitty (written later) feel to it, and it wasn't even a mystery, but I loved it and thought it was fun. So fun, that if I were teaching a freshman English lit class, I would love to include it for analysis.
I also loved "Accident"! Great, unexpected ending.
The story of "Jane in Search of a Job" didn't do very much for me, but I still greatly enjoyed your writing, especially this little gem:
"In moderation Jane did not object to crime. The papers had been full lately of the exploits of various girl bandits. Jane had seriously thought of becoming one if all else failed."
In moderation! HA!
"A Fruitful Sunday" was just all right. "Mr Eastwood's Adventure" was odd. Really? A cucumber? "The Golden Ball" equally odd. But then comes "The Rajah's Emerald." This was wonderful! I loved the conundrum that poor James was in upon finding the stolen emerald. Indeed, what would I do? (Another teaching idea for a future class writing prompt?) And justice in the end with his snobby girlfriend. Great read.
And then, dear Agatha, you closed out with "Swan Song." This story was so perfectly written that it might indeed vie for my favorite slot after all. I looked up the opera La Tosca - one doesn't need to know it to follow the plot, but the background information did make the plot that much more rich. It was really wonderful.
One complaint: starting at about the last three stories, typo errors abound! In one of them, the wrong name is even used! This really drives me batty. Books are not cheap - and that's what editors are for. Sheesh! <end rant>
*This Sunday Robert and I are going with the Hoovers to an escape room! I've never done one before and I am completely intimidated by the fact that I can't solve any of your mysteries and I'm only an average logic puzzle solver at best. I will do my best to employ my little grey cells, but Agatha, I feel like I'm going to be the dumbest of the bunch!
Also, the other day I was reviewing the list of your works to see what is coming up next and I was HORRIFIED to realize that I'd missed one! I'm glad I did not find the error when I was like on book 75, but still. I will have to go back and renumber my posts. I began reading it last night - Peril at End House. Now they will be out of order. :( Sad, sad day.
That is all, Agatha. Hungry for more ~
b.
PS: The cover of my edition is beautiful, and I loved that I was headed to Las Vegas with it in hand. That said, none of the stories were about dice, or gambling, or... I guess there were 12 stories, but, uh... Ah well. It looks cool.
PPS: I learned about ostrich digestion because of this book!
No comments:
Post a Comment