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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
First Impressions | Initially disappointed that there was no Poirot, as he had completely charmed me in Styles. It felt completely different than Styles in general, including the introduction of Tommy and Tuppence. I wasn’t sure what to expect and honestly wasn’t sure I would enjoy it as much as Styles.
Final Impressions | Perhaps even more on the edge of my seat than Styles! About three-quarters of the way finished I thought I had it figured out only to have thrown a completely unexpected wrench thrown in and then at the very end – bam! – it changed again. I wanted to know more about Tommy and Tuppence (and am glad there’s more to come!)
Favorite Quotes |
“‘Outwardly, he’s an ordinary cleanlimbed, rather block-headed young Englishman. Slow in his mental processes. On the other hand, it’s quite impossible to lead him astray through his imagination. He hasn’t got any – so he’s difficult to deceive. he worries things out slowly, and once he’s got hold of anything he doesn’t let go. The little lady’s quite different. More intuition and less common sense. They made a pretty pair working together. Pace and stamina.”
Re-readability | More re-readable than Styles, for whatever reason. I think there might actually be more clues to follow in this story because Tommy and Tuppence are far more transparent than Poirot is, so I think I could re-read and have more fun following along for the clues.
Final Impressions | Perhaps even more on the edge of my seat than Styles! About three-quarters of the way finished I thought I had it figured out only to have thrown a completely unexpected wrench thrown in and then at the very end – bam! – it changed again. I wanted to know more about Tommy and Tuppence (and am glad there’s more to come!)
Favorite Quotes |
“‘Outwardly, he’s an ordinary cleanlimbed, rather block-headed young Englishman. Slow in his mental processes. On the other hand, it’s quite impossible to lead him astray through his imagination. He hasn’t got any – so he’s difficult to deceive. he worries things out slowly, and once he’s got hold of anything he doesn’t let go. The little lady’s quite different. More intuition and less common sense. They made a pretty pair working together. Pace and stamina.”
Re-readability | More re-readable than Styles, for whatever reason. I think there might actually be more clues to follow in this story because Tommy and Tuppence are far more transparent than Poirot is, so I think I could re-read and have more fun following along for the clues.
What a fun story. I loved Tommy and Tuppence and look forward to more of their adventures. Albert was one of my favorite characters. Great banter and quick pace. Perfect summer read.
This novel features Tommy and Tuppence, two youths a bit down on their luck in London, 1920. They stumble upon a crime that could make or break the British government and manage to solve it, save the government, and realize they're in love with each other (Tuppence is a young lady). At one point I figured out one of two characters was in fact the leader of the crime ring trying to take down the government, and I was pretty sure I knew which of the two (I was briefly persuaded otherwise, admittedly). Because I knew it had to be one of two characters, and was right about which of the two, it wasn't quite as enjoyable as some other mysteries I've read. It's a fun read, but not necessarily a great mystery. Tommy and Tuppence start out fun and charming, but for me they lost their appeal part way thought (I'm not sure how or why, they just weren't as much fun by the end).
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
As ever, Christie writes a twisty turny plot aimed at confusing and bamboozling the reader. But what so appeals to me in country house farce murder mysteries falls a little flat when there is international intrigue at the core of the story. Christie's 'Young Adventurers' are a little tedious and uninspiring, and the villains a little too pat. Enjoyable, but not gripping.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
You don't get to read many interwar period spy thrillers anymore. Shame.