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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
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
Full review on my blog: www.thepunktheory.wordpress.com
First of all, I love how Miss Marple is depicted in this book. She already a bit older but far from becoming more quiet. Many of the people around her treat her like she's so fragile and can't take care of anything any more. Agatha Christie did a great job highlighting the troubles of getting old: still feeling motivated and being sharp but the body is not always cooperative, but most importantly how others treat elderly people. It's a nice reminder to think about your own interactions with elders!
Many of the scenes dealing with these subjects are absolutely hilarious due to Miss Marple's witty comments.
The crime itself is carefully constructed. I'm not sure whether absolutely everything made sense in the end but the story was extremely clever. For my taste there were a few coincidents too many but in general it was an interesting read.
Not only the crime itself was well-written, I also enjoyed how Christie chronicles the changes in the village, surely capturing feelings many people must have had during that time.
First of all, I love how Miss Marple is depicted in this book. She already a bit older but far from becoming more quiet. Many of the people around her treat her like she's so fragile and can't take care of anything any more. Agatha Christie did a great job highlighting the troubles of getting old: still feeling motivated and being sharp but the body is not always cooperative, but most importantly how others treat elderly people. It's a nice reminder to think about your own interactions with elders!
Many of the scenes dealing with these subjects are absolutely hilarious due to Miss Marple's witty comments.
The crime itself is carefully constructed. I'm not sure whether absolutely everything made sense in the end but the story was extremely clever. For my taste there were a few coincidents too many but in general it was an interesting read.
Not only the crime itself was well-written, I also enjoyed how Christie chronicles the changes in the village, surely capturing feelings many people must have had during that time.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
This was not one of my favorites of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple series, but I still really enjoyed it. What a wonderful mind.
I am a huge diehard Poirot fan and I adore Agatha Christie’s books - this one was my first Miss Marple! I thought I’d finally take the plunge to read one of her stories and this was a great little introduction to her character and the style of these stories.
It always take me a while to warm to a new detective series and figures and this one had a great plot, a curious whodunnit and was told in the typical amazing Agatha Christie fashion. The ending - wow. It was great and not at all as I expected.
It did take a while to get going I thought and occasionally got lost within the plot and who was who. Miss Marple was in it fleetingly I thought and I’m still getting to know her character but I loved what I read of her. I listened to the audiobook (read by Emilia Fox) and she was beyond fantastic as a narrator. It really brought the book alive and I really enjoyed listening to it!
It always take me a while to warm to a new detective series and figures and this one had a great plot, a curious whodunnit and was told in the typical amazing Agatha Christie fashion. The ending - wow. It was great and not at all as I expected.
It did take a while to get going I thought and occasionally got lost within the plot and who was who. Miss Marple was in it fleetingly I thought and I’m still getting to know her character but I loved what I read of her. I listened to the audiobook (read by Emilia Fox) and she was beyond fantastic as a narrator. It really brought the book alive and I really enjoyed listening to it!