Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
This remains one of my favourite Agatha Christie stories.
Wrote briefly about this, and a few others, in my old column at The New Indian Express
Wrote briefly about this, and a few others, in my old column at The New Indian Express
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Crazy plot twist
This one didn't feel up to Christie's usual standard. I guessed the who but not necessarily the why. It seemed like there were no great suspects, which means it had to be the only person not suspected of the crime.
My first time reading an Agatha Christie, though I have watched the televised editions of most of her works. This particular story always stuck with me, for its tragedy and heart, so I was wanting to one day read it. I can’t say whether it’s predictable as I already knew the ending, but it still pained me as much the second time. A very haunting, and again, tragic story, and one that I can’t seem to forget.
~ I read this for Orilium Magical Readathon The Novice Path ~
~ I read this for Orilium Magical Readathon The Novice Path ~
This one is so good, the characters, the murder, the how to, 1000/10
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
When aging movie star, Marina Gregg, moves to St Mary Mead, the locals can hardly contain themselves. There is lots of talk about the transformation of Gossington Hall, former home of Dolly Bantry who has retired to the East Lodge, particularly when it comes to marble bathrooms - and the chance for a glimpse of the make-over comes with the annual fete at the grounds of the Hall in aid of St John Ambulance.
Marina Gregg and her husband, film director Jason Rudd, open their doors to chosen members of the St Mary Mead community during the fete, including local do-gooder Heather Badcock, a life-long fan of the star. Everyone is shocked when a few minutes after boring her her idol with a long tale of a former meeting, Heather Badcock collapses and dies - a victim of a poisoning.
Who could have wanted to kill annoying, but apparently harmless Heather? Was the poison intended for another? Miss Marple has a few ideas...
Written in 1962, this book begins with Miss Marple reflecting on the the big changes that have happened in St Mary Mead, particularly when it comes to the 'development' which has attracted a whole new crowd of residents to the village. She is also very much regretting the meddlesome presence of nurse-companion Miss Knight, foisted on her with good intentions by her nephew Raymond, who insists on treating the wily old sleuth as a fragile creature in her dotage.
The fun begins when a murder happens at the newly transformed Gossington Hall, where Hollywood royalty, Marina Gregg, has set up home. Tongues which were already wagging are sent into over-drive speculating at the unlikely murder of one of the residents of the 'development'. Scotland Yard, under the auspices of my very favourite Marple detective, Chief Inspector Dermot Craddock, have a tough time working out exactly what has gone on here, but fortunately he is able to rely on the razor-sharp instincts of his 'aunt' Jane.
Christie has a ball in this story by delving into clashes between old and new, beginning within St Mary Mead itself and then broadening the plot to encompass the madness of the Hollywood film scene. As she always does well, social change and the passing years are examined with remarkable insight, but, ultimately, this mystery hinges on the timeless emotions that motivate us all, which Miss Marple understands - particularly when it comes to revenge.
There are some lovely interactions in this story. Miss Marple's quiet battle with Miss Knight is full of comic moments, and her conversations with Dermot are wonderful, with much twinkling on her side and admiration on his. Dolly is as marvellous as always, and proves key to unravelling the whole business with her observations about Tennyson's lyrical ballad The Lady of Shallot, which gives the novel its title. Many of the other characters are unlikeable for one reason or another, but this all adds to the delicious pot for Christie to exploit with her twisty imagination, and there is intriguing poignancy in the motive that drives the murderer to go on their killing spree - this is really one where you find yourself questioning what you would do under the circumstances too (or maybe that is just me?).
I had not read this one before, although was aware of the story from the excellent Joan Hickson adaptation (my favourite Miss Marple). Inevitably, there is much more to be enjoyed in Christie's original text, which was a joy.
Marina Gregg and her husband, film director Jason Rudd, open their doors to chosen members of the St Mary Mead community during the fete, including local do-gooder Heather Badcock, a life-long fan of the star. Everyone is shocked when a few minutes after boring her her idol with a long tale of a former meeting, Heather Badcock collapses and dies - a victim of a poisoning.
Who could have wanted to kill annoying, but apparently harmless Heather? Was the poison intended for another? Miss Marple has a few ideas...
Written in 1962, this book begins with Miss Marple reflecting on the the big changes that have happened in St Mary Mead, particularly when it comes to the 'development' which has attracted a whole new crowd of residents to the village. She is also very much regretting the meddlesome presence of nurse-companion Miss Knight, foisted on her with good intentions by her nephew Raymond, who insists on treating the wily old sleuth as a fragile creature in her dotage.
The fun begins when a murder happens at the newly transformed Gossington Hall, where Hollywood royalty, Marina Gregg, has set up home. Tongues which were already wagging are sent into over-drive speculating at the unlikely murder of one of the residents of the 'development'. Scotland Yard, under the auspices of my very favourite Marple detective, Chief Inspector Dermot Craddock, have a tough time working out exactly what has gone on here, but fortunately he is able to rely on the razor-sharp instincts of his 'aunt' Jane.
Christie has a ball in this story by delving into clashes between old and new, beginning within St Mary Mead itself and then broadening the plot to encompass the madness of the Hollywood film scene. As she always does well, social change and the passing years are examined with remarkable insight, but, ultimately, this mystery hinges on the timeless emotions that motivate us all, which Miss Marple understands - particularly when it comes to revenge.
There are some lovely interactions in this story. Miss Marple's quiet battle with Miss Knight is full of comic moments, and her conversations with Dermot are wonderful, with much twinkling on her side and admiration on his. Dolly is as marvellous as always, and proves key to unravelling the whole business with her observations about Tennyson's lyrical ballad The Lady of Shallot, which gives the novel its title. Many of the other characters are unlikeable for one reason or another, but this all adds to the delicious pot for Christie to exploit with her twisty imagination, and there is intriguing poignancy in the motive that drives the murderer to go on their killing spree - this is really one where you find yourself questioning what you would do under the circumstances too (or maybe that is just me?).
I had not read this one before, although was aware of the story from the excellent Joan Hickson adaptation (my favourite Miss Marple). Inevitably, there is much more to be enjoyed in Christie's original text, which was a joy.
I called this one too, but only because I happened to be paying attention at the right moment. One of my favorites.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes