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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The first five stories in this book were not really mysteries, and while they did all have a kind of a twist at the end, I found the twist incredibly obvious in a way that made the whole story dull.
Of the remaining nine stories however, seven were true mystery stories of one type or another, ranging from reasonably entertaining to quite fun. The other two were of the non-mystery type at the beginning of the book, but with character arcs that made them fun to read anyway.
I would definitely re-read this book, but in future I will skip the first five stories.
Of the remaining nine stories however, seven were true mystery stories of one type or another, ranging from reasonably entertaining to quite fun. The other two were of the non-mystery type at the beginning of the book, but with character arcs that made them fun to read anyway.
I would definitely re-read this book, but in future I will skip the first five stories.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Kidnapping
Minor: Alcoholism, Racial slurs, Racism
“Are you happy? If not, consult Mr Parker Pyne” - quite possible the world’s most unconventional private investigator, he uses his knowledge of human nature to solve clients’ problems.
A fun idea - Parker Pyne uses psychology and statistics to suggest the most likely solution to people’s problems…but the solutions (and the problems) very much reflect the social norms and expectations of the time (and a certain class). Particularly the presented view of a “healthy” marriage. Which is mildly interesting from an anthropological perspective, but I wasn’t especially invested in any of the stories.
A collection that solves problems of a more domestic nature, rendered slightly dull by changed social norms.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I’m not going to give this one a star review because this book is super duper dated. Like, racism, xenophobia, sexism, you name it. I love Agatha Christie and I love the character Mr. Parker Pyne, so I still enjoyed this book, but it’s definitely not aged well, even more than others of her work.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Terminé ma lecture du mois de février dans le cadre du Read Christie 2021 : A story featuring love. J’ai bien aimé, différent de ce qu’on est habitué avec Agatha Christie.
The title of the collection is misleading -- most of the stories aren't really investigations. Didn't age very well. Skip this one.