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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
The word dated comes to mind. Though the mystery is fun, the ending is kind of a downer, and most importantly, the undercurrent of xenophobic racism is a little too strong in the Miss Marple set. Perhaps because Poirot is written as a foreigner, Christie would reign it in a bit, but this really is a product of its times. This **is** however a 3 star book if read after the first, if only because of the many references to the Vicar from Marple's home village. It also suggests that Marple does not age, given that at the end of the first book, the Vicar's wife is expecting, and here the Vicar's daughter is married to a 35 year old man of the cloth. o.O
In other words, Marple is an undying old biscuit. ^_^ as discussed with @Amrita Goswami ^_^
In other words, Marple is an undying old biscuit. ^_^ as discussed with @Amrita Goswami ^_^
The mystery and the reveal were both astounding. I didn't see that plot twist. The set up was also good. But the rather long and slow rising action almost made me stop reading. I thought I had guessed the culprit and solved the secondary mystery of Pip and Emma, but I was so wrong and far from the truth lol.
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
my first agatha christie. i had a grand old time
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A friend told me about 5 years ago that if I was to ever read an Agatha Christie, this is the one to start with. Long after we lost touch, I've finally gotten around to reading one, and her praise was well allocated. It's brilliant.
I was absolutely determined to crack it, but I admit it defeated me. I suspected the culprit only briefly throughout the entirety of the book, despite my efforts, but it was definitely possible to work it out. Extremely tough, but possible. I kicked myself at the reveal - although there was one part of it that made me say 'no one could've worked that out!'
One thing I have to point out in particular is Agatha's perfect portrayal of gossipy village life. There are so many stereotypes here, and yet they're all so convincing at the same time! Despite trying to analyse each characters' lines with a fine tooth comb, I still found it a really fun read!
Up until now, I've always broken up my 'to be read' pile with a Shakespeare. Now, I suspect I'll occasionally break it up with an Agatha Christie, too! I can't wait to read another!
I was absolutely determined to crack it, but I admit it defeated me. I suspected the culprit only briefly throughout the entirety of the book, despite my efforts, but it was definitely possible to work it out. Extremely tough, but possible. I kicked myself at the reveal - although there was one part of it that made me say 'no one could've worked that out!'
One thing I have to point out in particular is Agatha's perfect portrayal of gossipy village life. There are so many stereotypes here, and yet they're all so convincing at the same time! Despite trying to analyse each characters' lines with a fine tooth comb, I still found it a really fun read!
Up until now, I've always broken up my 'to be read' pile with a Shakespeare. Now, I suspect I'll occasionally break it up with an Agatha Christie, too! I can't wait to read another!
mysterious
sad
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
I am going to hope that this is a case of reading too many Miss Marple books in a row. I could not connect with the story and found myself getting lost constantly. I did not feel that I had a good grasp of the plot after the first murder and all the characters confused me. I am going to take a break for a couple of months/weeks and then try again. I am hoping this is a case of me and not the book.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
very interesting ending
honestly it’s so good
easy read
underlying lesbians
tw: murder, violence
honestly it’s so good
easy read
underlying lesbians
tw: murder, violence