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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
it did actually keep me guessing until the very end
emily is a queen, and violet
use them, abuse them, lose them
tw: racism, murder, violence, incest implications
emily is a queen, and violet
use them, abuse them, lose them
tw: racism, murder, violence, incest implications
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not one of Christie's best - I found the ending a tad rushed and a handful of the red herrings were lackluster/forced - but a solid mystery none the less.
adventurous
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
It's easy to kill if no one suspects you, and in the situation Luke Fitzwilliam has wandered into, that seems to be the case. A series of deaths has mostly gone unnoticed-- unfortunate accidents, they seemed, ut not to everyone. Lavinia Fullerton has suspicions and premonitions, but she is run down on her way to alert the authorities. After hearing Lavinia's story retired police office Luke Fitzwilliam decides to do a bit of investigating of his own. He finds a small town with a variety of eccentricities. In some ways, this novel follows the typical Christie pattern: murder, a variety of suspects, and an unsuspected conclusion. This particular Christie has more of an element of danger, however, which adds excitement. We actually get to see some action, not just the detective revealing his or her conclusions at the end. Christie has also been successful in underlining the fact that apparantly, it is remarkably easy to kill (or at least it was in the days before DNA evidence and whatnot.)
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Agatha Christie’s “The Sittaford Mystery” is a classic "whodunit" that delivers all the elements fans of the Queen of Crime have come to expect: a remote setting, an intriguing mystery, and an array of potential suspects each hiding their own secrets. First published in 1931, the novel is set in the small, isolated village of Sittaford, buried under snow during the winter season, making for the perfect claustrophobic backdrop for a chilling murder.
The plot kicks off when a group of locals gathers for a séance in the home of Mrs. Willett, a mysterious woman who has recently rented the house of Captain Trevelyan. During the séance, a message is received claiming Trevelyan has been murdered. When Trevelyan’s body is found shortly after, suspicion falls on nearly everyone involved. The task of solving the crime falls not to Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple, but to Emily Trefusis, a sharp-witted and resourceful young woman who is determined to clear her fiancé's name, who is one of the prime suspects.
Emily is a refreshing departure from Christie’s usual detectives. She exhibits cleverness, determination, and a keen sense of observation, all while navigating the twists and turns of the case. Christie’s portrayal of Emily is a highlight of the novel, and she stands out as one of the author’s more engaging characters.
The setting plays a crucial role in the novel's atmosphere. The snowbound village of Sittaford creates a feeling of isolation and suspense, as the characters are cut off from the outside world. This gives the story a traditional "locked-room" mystery feel, even though the crime itself does not occur in such a setting.
While “The Sittaford Mystery” may not be as well-known as Christie’s other works, it remains an entertaining read. The red herrings are well-placed, and Christie maintains the tension and intrigue throughout. However, the solution to the mystery, though clever, may feel slightly less satisfying to some readers compared to her more famous novels. The final reveal is unexpected, but perhaps not as intricately woven as the solutions in her Poirot or Marple stories.
Overall, “The Sittaford Mystery” is a solid entry in Christie’s extensive catalog, offering a standalone mystery with an engaging heroine and an atmospheric setting. While it may not reach the heights of “Murder on the Orient Express” or “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read for any Christie fan or mystery lover looking for a lesser-known gem.
The plot kicks off when a group of locals gathers for a séance in the home of Mrs. Willett, a mysterious woman who has recently rented the house of Captain Trevelyan. During the séance, a message is received claiming Trevelyan has been murdered. When Trevelyan’s body is found shortly after, suspicion falls on nearly everyone involved. The task of solving the crime falls not to Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple, but to Emily Trefusis, a sharp-witted and resourceful young woman who is determined to clear her fiancé's name, who is one of the prime suspects.
Emily is a refreshing departure from Christie’s usual detectives. She exhibits cleverness, determination, and a keen sense of observation, all while navigating the twists and turns of the case. Christie’s portrayal of Emily is a highlight of the novel, and she stands out as one of the author’s more engaging characters.
The setting plays a crucial role in the novel's atmosphere. The snowbound village of Sittaford creates a feeling of isolation and suspense, as the characters are cut off from the outside world. This gives the story a traditional "locked-room" mystery feel, even though the crime itself does not occur in such a setting.
While “The Sittaford Mystery” may not be as well-known as Christie’s other works, it remains an entertaining read. The red herrings are well-placed, and Christie maintains the tension and intrigue throughout. However, the solution to the mystery, though clever, may feel slightly less satisfying to some readers compared to her more famous novels. The final reveal is unexpected, but perhaps not as intricately woven as the solutions in her Poirot or Marple stories.
Overall, “The Sittaford Mystery” is a solid entry in Christie’s extensive catalog, offering a standalone mystery with an engaging heroine and an atmospheric setting. While it may not reach the heights of “Murder on the Orient Express” or “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read for any Christie fan or mystery lover looking for a lesser-known gem.
mysterious
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
A non-Poirot / non-Marple mystery from Dame Agatha. Fairly light and a bit scattered as far as POV, but still displays her wit and skill.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cozy, snowy, delightful.