{also published as The Boomerang Clue}
Ah, dear Agatha,
I loved loved loved this book! Frankie and Bobby reminded me a little bit of Tommy and Tuppence. I loved their friendship, their banter, the wise(r?) female half, their wit, their perseverance, their bravery, their smarts.
From the very first chapter, this book had me hooked. "Why didn't they ask Evans?" the dying man asked. Indeed, why not? And who the heck is Evans? And what difference does it make? Ah, so many questions from the get-go. AND... when the mystery begins to unravel, they have a chance to find out who Evans is, and the bad guy denies them the solution! HA!
Chapter 2 talked much of the relationship of Bobby and his father - pure brilliance. I loved every word.
Such suspense at the Grange in the evening of chapter 15! Honestly usually I'd say your stories are more cozy than suspenseful, but you really had me entirely drawn in with that chapter.
The only thing that really dates this novel is the use of terms such as "dope gang." It did make me chuckle, I have to admit.
{I don't however, understand the meaning of the American title, The Boomerang Clue...}
Thanks again for the wonderful fun!
b.
Tuesday, October 24
Monday, October 16
15. Peril at End House (1932)
Dear Agatha,
HOW DID I MISS THIS? Now my well-ordered Poirot-would-surely-approve system of chronologically reading all your works is completely messed up! I am so disappointed in myself.
And not only did I miss this book... it took me 5 other books to realize it. UGH.
This was a quick read for me. I am in the Agatha Zone, I suppose. I am kind of challenging myself to see how many more I can read before the end of the year, because at the rate I'm reading, it will take me like 6 or 7 years to finish them! At this stage of my life, I'm not guaranteed that long. HA.
Once again, I did not see the culprit coming. I commented to Josh and Ro yesterday, that out of the 20-something books I've read of yours, I've never figured out the murderer that I can recall. If this continues through the rest of the next 60-something books, it will either testify to your genius, or my idiocy.
Not that my idiocy is hard to imagine, Agatha. Robert and I worked on an escape room yesterday with some friends. We had an hour to spend solving puzzles in a couple of rooms in hopes of finding a pirate's hidden treasure map. Yeah, we failed. We weren't even close. And my contribution? I did put one thing together that worked out, surprising (I felt) the team. The rest of the time, I felt like an idiot. (To be fair, the greatest difficulty was in working under a time limit. I'm sure if we'd had half a day instead of one hour, we might have ... gotten farther along.)
Anyway, what I loved about this book: references to other past works (Blue Train, Roger Ackroyd), Poirot (how I love his character!), the ultimate culprit (gasp!), subtle humor and snark here and there... so much fun.
"Poirot," I said, "I have been thinking."
"An admirable exercise my friend. Continue it."
Methinks, Agatha, we would have been friends. Thanks for the fun.
b.
HOW DID I MISS THIS? Now my well-ordered Poirot-would-surely-approve system of chronologically reading all your works is completely messed up! I am so disappointed in myself.
And not only did I miss this book... it took me 5 other books to realize it. UGH.
This was a quick read for me. I am in the Agatha Zone, I suppose. I am kind of challenging myself to see how many more I can read before the end of the year, because at the rate I'm reading, it will take me like 6 or 7 years to finish them! At this stage of my life, I'm not guaranteed that long. HA.
Once again, I did not see the culprit coming. I commented to Josh and Ro yesterday, that out of the 20-something books I've read of yours, I've never figured out the murderer that I can recall. If this continues through the rest of the next 60-something books, it will either testify to your genius, or my idiocy.
Not that my idiocy is hard to imagine, Agatha. Robert and I worked on an escape room yesterday with some friends. We had an hour to spend solving puzzles in a couple of rooms in hopes of finding a pirate's hidden treasure map. Yeah, we failed. We weren't even close. And my contribution? I did put one thing together that worked out, surprising (I felt) the team. The rest of the time, I felt like an idiot. (To be fair, the greatest difficulty was in working under a time limit. I'm sure if we'd had half a day instead of one hour, we might have ... gotten farther along.)
Anyway, what I loved about this book: references to other past works (Blue Train, Roger Ackroyd), Poirot (how I love his character!), the ultimate culprit (gasp!), subtle humor and snark here and there... so much fun.
"Poirot," I said, "I have been thinking."
"An admirable exercise my friend. Continue it."
Methinks, Agatha, we would have been friends. Thanks for the fun.
b.
Friday, October 13
20. The Listerdale Mystery (1934)
Dear Agatha,
PPS: I learned about ostrich digestion because of this book!
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!
Wednesday, October 4
19. Murder on the Orient Express (1934)
{Also published under the title Murder in the Calais Coach}
Dear Agatha ~
This is the second time I've read Orient Express - the first, according to Goodreads, in 2013. I think this time I was able to keep track of all the characters better than the first time, and I enjoyed it more.
Great timing, this next book on my chrono list. A movie is coming out in a few weeks of this, so my book club agreed to read it together. Two of the girls had never read you before; one had only read And Then There Were None. I'm not sure Rene enjoyed it, but Alex and Leslie seemed to. I recommended Roger Ackroyd to them if they want to read more.
Alex and I want to get together and watch the older movie version with Lauren Bacall. I'm looking forward to that and to the new one which has Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, and a bunch of others. I'll let you know what I think.
Josh is taking a detectives in lit class at UNC and they recently read Ackroyd. He loved it. He is going to read this one next and hopefully we'll go see the movie together.
It's early October. I was thinking I should get 4 more Christies read by the end of the year. I've read 8 novels and finished your autobiography in 2017. But even at reading one of your books each month, it would take like over 6 YEARS to read them all! I've got to step it up in 2018. Two a month. At least. Holy cow - you put out a lot of work, Agatha!
Saturday, July 1
18. The Hound of Death (1933)
Dear Agatha,
I have to admit, this wasn't my favorite. I almost feel disloyal saying that, but I guess I just am not into the paranormal stuff anymore.
The Hound of Death - nay
The Red Signal - okay
The Fourth Man - okay
The Gipsy - nay
The Lamp - nay
Wireless - yay
The Witness for the Prosecution - yay - and this redeems the whole work
The Mystery of the Blue Jar - yay
The Strange Case of Sir Arthur Carmichael - nay
The Call of Wings - definite nay
The Last Seance - nay
SOS - yay - this also makes the book worth reading
Yes, I think I am much more delighted in your traditional detective works. The supernatural - I don't know; once it appealed to me but not much anymore. I think because I myself have a closer walk with Jesus these days, it's just not as appealing as it used to be.
But the cover is beautiful. :)
Still worth the time, but looking forward to the next one, which is Murder on the Orient Express! We just spoke about reading it at our book club as a new movie has been done of it starring Johnny Depp. I'm looking forward to seeing how the adaptation turns out.
Friday, June 9
17. Lord Edgware Dies (1933)
(also published as Thirteen at Dinner)
Dear Agatha,
While I do love the idea of Thirteen at Dinner as a title because of that little discussion of superstition (which flew right over my head, by the way, until I finally looked it up on Google), how could this novel be called anything BUT Lord Edgware Dies after this hilarious comment by the nephew?
"And I went away without getting any (money). And that same evening - that very same evening - Lord Edgware dies. Good title, that, by the way. Lord Edgware Dies. Look well on a bookstall."
You're right, Gerald; it would. My word, Dame Agatha, that one made me laugh out loud. Like with this:
"Really, Poirot," I stammered. "I'm awfully glad. I suppose I've learnt a good deal from you one way or another --"
He shook his head.
"Mais non, ce ne'st pas ca. You have learnt nothing."
And this:
"Alas! not the cigarette ash - nor the footprint - nor a lady's glove - nor even a lingering perfume! Nothing that the detective of fiction so conveniently finds."
When a fictional character is referring to - and even criticizing - another fictional character, it blurs the lines of reality just a bit and always makes me chuckle.
But perhaps, among your good humor, you have sprinkled also a little wisdom from Monsieur Poirot:
"Do not antagonize your son! He is of an age to choose for himself. Because his choice is not your choice, do not assume that you must be right. If it is a misfortune, then accept misfortune. Be at hand to aid him when he needs aid. But do not turn him against you."
As always, Agatha, I loved this novel. I did not figure out the culprit until Poirot himself explained it. And I just flipped back to the first part of the story - it bears rereading after the novel is finished.
The memory of the public is short. Already the intense interest and excitement aroused by the murder of George Alfred St. Vincent Marsh, fourth Baron Edgware, is a thing of the past and forgotten... New sensations have taken its place.
My friend Hercule Poirot was never openly mentioned in connection with the case. This, I may say, was entirely in accordance with his own wishes. He did not choose to appear in it. The credit went elsewhere - and that is how he wished it to be. Moreover, from Poirot's own peculiar private point of view, the case was one of his failures. He always swears that it was the chance remark of a stranger in the street that put him on the right track.
However that may be, it was his genius that discovered the truth of the affair. but for Hercule Poirot I doubt if the crime would have been brought home to its perpetrator.
What a beautiful homage, Hastings. And Dame Agatha, thanks again for the fun.
b.
Dear Agatha,
While I do love the idea of Thirteen at Dinner as a title because of that little discussion of superstition (which flew right over my head, by the way, until I finally looked it up on Google), how could this novel be called anything BUT Lord Edgware Dies after this hilarious comment by the nephew?
"And I went away without getting any (money). And that same evening - that very same evening - Lord Edgware dies. Good title, that, by the way. Lord Edgware Dies. Look well on a bookstall."
You're right, Gerald; it would. My word, Dame Agatha, that one made me laugh out loud. Like with this:
"Really, Poirot," I stammered. "I'm awfully glad. I suppose I've learnt a good deal from you one way or another --"
He shook his head.
"Mais non, ce ne'st pas ca. You have learnt nothing."
And this:
"Alas! not the cigarette ash - nor the footprint - nor a lady's glove - nor even a lingering perfume! Nothing that the detective of fiction so conveniently finds."
When a fictional character is referring to - and even criticizing - another fictional character, it blurs the lines of reality just a bit and always makes me chuckle.
But perhaps, among your good humor, you have sprinkled also a little wisdom from Monsieur Poirot:
"Do not antagonize your son! He is of an age to choose for himself. Because his choice is not your choice, do not assume that you must be right. If it is a misfortune, then accept misfortune. Be at hand to aid him when he needs aid. But do not turn him against you."
As always, Agatha, I loved this novel. I did not figure out the culprit until Poirot himself explained it. And I just flipped back to the first part of the story - it bears rereading after the novel is finished.
The memory of the public is short. Already the intense interest and excitement aroused by the murder of George Alfred St. Vincent Marsh, fourth Baron Edgware, is a thing of the past and forgotten... New sensations have taken its place.
My friend Hercule Poirot was never openly mentioned in connection with the case. This, I may say, was entirely in accordance with his own wishes. He did not choose to appear in it. The credit went elsewhere - and that is how he wished it to be. Moreover, from Poirot's own peculiar private point of view, the case was one of his failures. He always swears that it was the chance remark of a stranger in the street that put him on the right track.
However that may be, it was his genius that discovered the truth of the affair. but for Hercule Poirot I doubt if the crime would have been brought home to its perpetrator.
What a beautiful homage, Hastings. And Dame Agatha, thanks again for the fun.
b.
Tuesday, May 9
16. The Tuesday Club Murders (1932)
(also published as The Thirteen Problems)
Dear Agatha,
Such an interesting book. I don't know why you wrote it the way you did - 6 people share 6 dilemmas to be solved; at a later date a different set of 6 (some of the first set included) share 6 new dilemmas; and finally, Miss Marple solves one more crime. It's odd to me, the structure.
But I liked it anyway.
(I'll admit I was hoping that someone in the club would be murdered whilst they discussed their unsolved mysteries - leaving the culprit to be one of the remaining 5.)
"...little Tommy Symonds, a naughty little boy, I am afraid, but sometimes very amusing... He said, 'Teacher, do you say yolk of eggs is white or yolk of eggs are white?'... and naughty Tommy said: 'Well, I should say yolk of egg is yellow!'"
Got me, and my daughter, too.
Of the beautiful actress Miss Helier:
"It was borne in upon her audience that the outside of Jane's charming head was distinctly superior to the inside."
Oh, dear Agatha, you make me chuckle. One more, waxing philosophical:
"Perhaps it was better for her to die while life was still happy than it would have been for her to live on, unhappy and disillusioned, in a world that would have seemed suddenly horrible."
Just skimming the stories again, Dame Agatha - you are incredibly creative. Some of your stories seem so far-fetched on the surface, but when explained they make perfect sense.
As always, thanks for the fun.
Beth
Dear Agatha,
Such an interesting book. I don't know why you wrote it the way you did - 6 people share 6 dilemmas to be solved; at a later date a different set of 6 (some of the first set included) share 6 new dilemmas; and finally, Miss Marple solves one more crime. It's odd to me, the structure.
But I liked it anyway.
(I'll admit I was hoping that someone in the club would be murdered whilst they discussed their unsolved mysteries - leaving the culprit to be one of the remaining 5.)
"...little Tommy Symonds, a naughty little boy, I am afraid, but sometimes very amusing... He said, 'Teacher, do you say yolk of eggs is white or yolk of eggs are white?'... and naughty Tommy said: 'Well, I should say yolk of egg is yellow!'"
Got me, and my daughter, too.
Of the beautiful actress Miss Helier:
"It was borne in upon her audience that the outside of Jane's charming head was distinctly superior to the inside."
Oh, dear Agatha, you make me chuckle. One more, waxing philosophical:
"Perhaps it was better for her to die while life was still happy than it would have been for her to live on, unhappy and disillusioned, in a world that would have seemed suddenly horrible."
Just skimming the stories again, Dame Agatha - you are incredibly creative. Some of your stories seem so far-fetched on the surface, but when explained they make perfect sense.
As always, thanks for the fun.
Beth
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