Scan barcode
csc1999's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Fun little mystery
theladydoor's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
ailynobaire's review against another edition
I wonder what other subjects Agatha Christie would’ve explored if she hadn’t confined herself to the Perot/Maple series. Victoria is such an exciting protagonist — an everyday woman caught between three worlds. With Perot or Maple in her stead, the novel would inevitably be a failure, as Victoria’s anonymity itself plays a crucial role in the tale, unfolding the mystery naturally as it were a real thing, rather than chiseling away at clues in typical detective fashion.
Feminist overtones, anti-colonialist undertones (vague as they are). Surprised to see a great deal of communist sympathy. When describing the operating procedure of the western powers, Christie depicts bank and government as one as the same.
Feminist overtones, anti-colonialist undertones (vague as they are). Surprised to see a great deal of communist sympathy. When describing the operating procedure of the western powers, Christie depicts bank and government as one as the same.
the_jovonator's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
imperfectcj's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm giving this a pick in spite of some silly aspects (like how hung up characters are about hair color) because it's just fun to read. I had to listen to the last couple of chapters three times and check out the ebook to figure out what exactly had happened, but aside from that, the twists and turns were fun. The characters in this one are especially interesting. I would like to read a whole novel about Anna Scheele.
hj0504's review against another edition
4.0
4 ⭐️
Even though this had an absurd amount of characters to keep track of (specifically indistinguishable old white men) the book was so fun! I’ve never read an Agatha Christie before but it was so rewarding to see how everything wound together and how the plot unfolded. I loved that the mystery was set in Baghdad and was a kind of accidental spy novel. I will definitely be reading more by Agatha Christie in the future!
Even though this had an absurd amount of characters to keep track of (specifically indistinguishable old white men) the book was so fun! I’ve never read an Agatha Christie before but it was so rewarding to see how everything wound together and how the plot unfolded. I loved that the mystery was set in Baghdad and was a kind of accidental spy novel. I will definitely be reading more by Agatha Christie in the future!
_shilpa__'s review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
zare_i's review against another edition
4.0
Victoria Jones is a somewhat impulsive but sharp minded (although reckless is, I think, more accurate description) young woman. After meeting mysterious young man she decides to follow him to his new work-place, distant Baghdad. At the same time, world leaders are planning a secret meeting in Baghdad and a shady world organization is planning to stop the meeting and sow discord among polarized states (after all we are talking 1950 s here). Of course, Victoria Jones ends up in the middle of this cloak-and-dagger war.[return][return]To be honest, I never expected Agatha Christie to write a spy novel, let alone James Bond-like novel but with this one she proved that she can write whatever she likes.[return][return]Story drags a little bit from time to time, but again I take this as a mark of the time novel was written. Nevertheless book has a very interesting story and heroine.[return][return]Give it a shot, you will not be disappointed.[return][return]Recommended.
liketheday's review against another edition
3.0
This was definitely not what I've come to expect from Agatha Christie, but in a relatively good way. I liked the absurdity and the twists and turns, and I kind of want to meet but never be friends with Victoria Jones.
louloureadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I like the stand alone stories. I enjoyed this but I found it a bit slow in parts, I know there were a lot of elements in play.