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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
This was kind of all over the place and over the top, and pretty unbelievable a lot of the time, but there are a lot of twists and the Hugh Fraser audiobook was certainly entertaining.
Agatha Christie, the unparalleled queen of mystery, spins yet another web of intrigue in her lesser-known but equally captivating novel, "The Secret of Chimneys." Set against the backdrop of the titular grand estate, Chimneys, this story masterfully combines political intrigue with a classic whodunit.
At the heart of this tale is Anthony Cade, a character whose charm and wit are as evident as the mystery he unwittingly finds himself entangled in. Christie's genius lies in her ability to craft characters who are not just players in her plot, but people who seem to leap off the page with their vibrancy.
The plot, intricate and winding as one expects from Christie, involves secret treaties, political upheaval, and a long-lost heirloom. True to her style, Christie weaves these threads with a deft hand, ensuring that readers are kept guessing until the final reveal. The setting of Chimneys, a house with its own secrets and history, almost becomes a character in its own right, adding an atmospheric depth to the story.
One of the most delightful aspects of "The Secret of Chimneys" is its humor. Unlike some of Christie's more solemn works, this novel is laced with a lightness and wit that makes it an especially enjoyable read. The dialogue sparkles with humor, and the situational comedy, especially surrounding the bumbling but endearing Superintendent Battle, adds a layer of enjoyment beyond the mystery itself.
However, it's worth noting that some readers might find the political aspects of the plot a bit dated. The story is very much a product of its time, reflecting the political and social attitudes of the early 20th century. This historical context, while interesting, may not resonate as deeply with contemporary readers.
In conclusion, "The Secret of Chimneys" stands out as a testament to Christie's ability to craft a story that is as entertaining as it is cunning. It's a must-read for those who love a good mystery with a side of British charm and wit. This novel may not be as famous as some of her other works, but it certainly deserves its place in the pantheon of classic Christie mysteries.
At the heart of this tale is Anthony Cade, a character whose charm and wit are as evident as the mystery he unwittingly finds himself entangled in. Christie's genius lies in her ability to craft characters who are not just players in her plot, but people who seem to leap off the page with their vibrancy.
The plot, intricate and winding as one expects from Christie, involves secret treaties, political upheaval, and a long-lost heirloom. True to her style, Christie weaves these threads with a deft hand, ensuring that readers are kept guessing until the final reveal. The setting of Chimneys, a house with its own secrets and history, almost becomes a character in its own right, adding an atmospheric depth to the story.
One of the most delightful aspects of "The Secret of Chimneys" is its humor. Unlike some of Christie's more solemn works, this novel is laced with a lightness and wit that makes it an especially enjoyable read. The dialogue sparkles with humor, and the situational comedy, especially surrounding the bumbling but endearing Superintendent Battle, adds a layer of enjoyment beyond the mystery itself.
However, it's worth noting that some readers might find the political aspects of the plot a bit dated. The story is very much a product of its time, reflecting the political and social attitudes of the early 20th century. This historical context, while interesting, may not resonate as deeply with contemporary readers.
In conclusion, "The Secret of Chimneys" stands out as a testament to Christie's ability to craft a story that is as entertaining as it is cunning. It's a must-read for those who love a good mystery with a side of British charm and wit. This novel may not be as famous as some of her other works, but it certainly deserves its place in the pantheon of classic Christie mysteries.
Até o momento, eu li 62 livros da Agatha Christie. Esse foi o pior deles. O Battle supostamente seria a estrela da investigação, mas ele não fez nada. O mistério em si tem uma solução meio tosca. A reviravolta da trama não foi o que eu esperava, mas não me surpreendeu, porque ela é mal aplicada. Mas tudo bem, mesmo os melhores escritores têm seus dias ruins.
You can never go wrong with Agatha Christie. Yet another awesome "whodunit" story that will keep you guessing 'till the end.
I must have started with this book so often, because I immediately recognised the first few chapters. This time I finally finished and it was ok.
I did have a suspicion and it turned out correct.
I did have a suspicion and it turned out correct.
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5 stars- have only previously seen the TV adaptation, which is quite different. Battle is an interesting character, less flashy than Poirot but possibly more observant; however, several elements of the mystery are quite predictable and the caricature of / bigotry towards foreign characters doesn't age well.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This early Agatha Christie spy novel is interesting mainly as a stop along the way to better things. She has populated it with a huge cast of mostly underdeveloped characters who move around the globe in ways that ultimately contribute to global politics. It is eight years after the end of WWI, Eastern Europe is still seething with intrigue and unrest, and Anthony Cade is recruited by a friend to take a mysterious manuscript, written by a Herzoslovakian count Styltpitch, by hand from South Africa to London for publication. By the time Case makes it to England he discover that on this manuscript turn numerous geopolitical developments: oil contracts sought after by England and the U.S.; the shape of the Herzoslovakian government, whether royalist or democratic; and the theft of the Kohinoor diamond which could finance which ever government emerges supreme. “King Victor,” an Arsene Lupin-like jewel thief is featured, as well as detectives from the American Pinkertons, the French Surete, and Scotland Yard of course. And there are several intrepid women who have their own problems, too. It’s a complicated romp, with the usual retrograde British colonialisms (“dagos” abound), and most interestingly Christie seems to come down on the side of liberated women *and* monarchy. When all the murders and thefts are resolved, the two protagonists (no spoilers here) rejoice at their future in Herzoslovakia: “We’ll have a lot of fun...teaching the brigands not to be brigands, and the assassins not to assassinate, and generally improving the moral tone of the country” (310).