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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
Dame Agatha never fails to entertain!
But it shows this book is one of her first books... There where two possibilities that could be the "bad" guy, but one so obvious that could only be the other. So I knew he was by the middle of the book. Even so, a good read!
But it shows this book is one of her first books... There where two possibilities that could be the "bad" guy, but one so obvious that could only be the other. So I knew he was by the middle of the book. Even so, a good read!
Having finished the 37 Hercule Poirot books, I decided to start on the much-shorter Tommy and Tuppence series, for which there are 5 novels. I know I read one or two when I was growing up and I remember liking them a lot, but I must not have read this first one because I didn't realize just how young Tommy and Tuppence were (I guess I assumed they were older, like Poirot and Marple) and that they weren't already together when the series started. In any case, here we are, and I've finally read this one. As with The Big Four, spy novels involving large international crime organizations are not Christie's forte. This was more action-packed than her many mysteries that rely strongly on deduction, with first one and then the other of the detectives being taken hostage, a lot of tailing people and being tailed, and even a getaway car with bullets flying. The most unfortunate thing, though, was that the identity of the eponymous "secret adversary" was obvious from halfway through the book, despite the brief red herring track we're led on. It was so obvious that I found myself yelling at the characters while listening to the audiobook because they were utterly oblivious and kept making stupid mistakes! Nonetheless, there were enough twists and turns to keep me listening, and the ending was satisfying in multiple ways. Let's hope the other Tommy and Tuppence books are as good as I remember!
This first book in Christie's Tommy & Tuppence series is a real romp! I hadn't heard of this duo before, but I really enjoyed their banter and resilience. Tuppence is the definition of "pluck," and Tommy somehow manages to keep a cool head in the wildest scenarios. I only have a few quibbles: first, that Christie and her characters repeatedly refer to Tommy as "slow" when it seems to me he's just as smart and quick-thinking as anyone and second, the indulgence of the villain. He gets a full on victory speech, Bond-villain style. And later, we read portions of his diary to show what a criminal mastermind he really was. Honestly, I skipped over this part, because who cares. Maybe it wasn't a trope when she wrote it, but it could not be more of a stereotype now. Even so, I enjoyed the book overall and would definitely recommend it.
3.5 stars. A bit far-fetched and predictable but entertaining nonetheless. Tuppence is a very charming character.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
so fun
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Oh so she got oneeee little book published and then she felt soooo rich she immediately had to write anti-socialist propaganda for her second book…it’s pretty good tho tbh
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Fun story. Strange to read Christie without Markle or Poirot.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
When friends Tommy and Tuppence are unemployed and short of money, they decide to set up a joint venture solving cases. They get involved in a hunt for very important papers that could bring about the end of England as we know it. The case proves a dangerous one, and Tommy and Tuppence have to use all their wits not only to solve the case, but to stay alive.
It was a fun first meeting with the detective duo for me, and I'll be looking forward to more adventures with them.
I almost solved the case. I mean, I had my suspicions early on, then put them aside, then changed my mind again, only to be fooled by the end anyway. It was cleverly constructed by Christie.
It was a fun first meeting with the detective duo for me, and I'll be looking forward to more adventures with them.
I almost solved the case. I mean, I had my suspicions early on, then put them aside, then changed my mind again, only to be fooled by the end anyway. It was cleverly constructed by Christie.