Reviews

The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie

Only show reviews with written explanations

amber_bookworm's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A decent Christie novel with a sprinkling of Marple at the end. This is very firmly in the past with views on sexes and marriage so must be read with a pinch of salt!

deb985's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

lila2023's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious relaxing 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? Yes

4.5

jammythejamspreader's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

outcolder's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Suffering through several illnesses at once... bedridden... this old Agatha Christie was near. She was dark, man. Her understated British humor is just a thin veneer for a deep misanthropy. She’s also truly a master of manipulating the reader’s moods. I was certain I knew who was sending the letters and I was actually angry at the main character for missing what was right in front of his face. He finally considered my theory, just before the big shocking reveal, that was also completely plausible. Miss Marple is just a cameo here, and the book is filled with eccentric country people. There was one note of pointless, casual antisemitism and I am not sure I can get past that. I mean, this book was first published in 1943. Time to drop that English master race attitude. Not a good look. The happy end was great, with our hero reflecting on the murder victims that they weren’t particularly liked and everyone has to die sometime! Dark! This is I think the first Christie I have read as a grown up. I will probably give her another go sometime. It’s kind of awesome how I can’t remember anything from the movies and TV shows. Those are always an hour, maybe a bit longer, but the book was 300 pages, a slow burn. Miss Marple didn’t show up until half way through. I think the gender politics is always interesting with Christie. She doesn’t want to be taken for a feminist, but she’s always pushing the borders of what’s expected at that time. This book has an actual feminist rant, that our hero meets with approval.