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aggressive_nostalgia's review against another edition
2.0
Implausible characters, borderline ridiculous plot, confusing action. I usually enjoy Christie's mysteries, but this foray into international intrigue was not a good track for her (and it reads as uncomfortably dated {the characters don't skimp on classist and racist remarks} instead of as a cozy period piece). Back to Miss Marple and M. Poirot for me.
moiram's review against another edition
4.0
Another ripping yarn in the style of The Prisoner of Zenda, rather than a classical mystery.
darkereader44's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
naomisbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mayucita's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
aishanur's review against another edition
3.0
In The Secret of Chimneys, Agatha Christie diverts from whodunnits to enter the world of politics, blackmail, and royalty.
On the whole, the main characters were likable, and the plot was intriguing. I had some issues with how hard it was to keep up with everything that was going on. This was the first Superintendent Battle book, and I liked his character, but unfortunately he was not as prominent as Poirot or Miss Marple were in their own books. One thing that stuck out to me were the racist elements present throughout the story (more than average compared to other Agatha Christie mysteries) that would only end up making the dialogue unlikeable.
On the whole, the main characters were likable, and the plot was intriguing. I had some issues with how hard it was to keep up with everything that was going on. This was the first Superintendent Battle book, and I liked his character, but unfortunately he was not as prominent as Poirot or Miss Marple were in their own books. One thing that stuck out to me were the racist elements present throughout the story (more than average compared to other Agatha Christie mysteries) that would only end up making the dialogue unlikeable.
gailalison's review against another edition
3.0
I’ve read a few Agatha Christie novels and I have to admit, this is my least favorite. Even though it’s pretty short, it’s mostly kind of tough to get through. It has moments throughout that are interesting, and the end is fun- but if the book was any longer I probably would have decided to DNF it towards the beginning. I’m still glad I read it and will definitely read more by her.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0