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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
Despite being one of the best Marples I have thus read, I just have to admit that I simply do not like Marple as much as Poirot, thus the subjective three stars. Plot was excellent, characterization cozy and believable, pacing on pointe for a Marple (which means just a tad slow for me). In the end, the whodunit reveal was satisfying. Reads like a later Marple, showing that our characters have aged and making explicit details of earlier Marples - only read if you have already tackled at least the first two in the series: 'Murder at the Vicarage' and 'The Body in the Library'. Also, more "adult" thematic elements are heavily relied upon, mainly surrounding adultery, multiple marriages, divorce, sex appeal, and child loss.
mysterious
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
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An enjoyable mystery, but kind of depressing regarding the kids.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
~~~~~~~~~~~~
no stars, just a review
~~~~~~~~~~
I think I caught a note that said this might be in theaters before long. Not sure how that will work as the current selection of Agatha Christie mysteries are Hercule Poirot and this is definitely Mrs. Marple.
In my mind, Agatha Christie invented murder mysteries. In reality, not likely in 1962, but she was the first author that I read who mastered the mystery. And Mrs. Christie didn't both with straight forward wife-kills-mean-husband, man-kills-rival-for-affection, Cain-killed-Abel type of tale, she puts the twists and hidden motive and red herrings right in the middle of the mystery.
It was a great read, despite the ancient style of writing. Hard to remember the culture of the time and what was their reality. But worth working past that.
no stars, just a review
~~~~~~~~~~
I think I caught a note that said this might be in theaters before long. Not sure how that will work as the current selection of Agatha Christie mysteries are Hercule Poirot and this is definitely Mrs. Marple.
In my mind, Agatha Christie invented murder mysteries. In reality, not likely in 1962, but she was the first author that I read who mastered the mystery. And Mrs. Christie didn't both with straight forward wife-kills-mean-husband, man-kills-rival-for-affection, Cain-killed-Abel type of tale, she puts the twists and hidden motive and red herrings right in the middle of the mystery.
It was a great read, despite the ancient style of writing. Hard to remember the culture of the time and what was their reality. But worth working past that.
Started this thinking it wasn't as good as I remembered, ended it thinking it was actually better. I'm a sucker for sad, romantic endings.
I'm pretty sure (& rather embarrassed to say) that this is my first time reading Agatha Christie.
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No