A review by mg_in_md_
The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie

3.0

I was unfamiliar with the Superintendent Battle series prior to seeing this title offered on the Book Club Girl Facebook group but decided to give it a try since you can't go wrong with an Agatha Christie mystery. Originally published in 1925, some of the characters use phrases and have notions that are less than politically correct. While it was jarring, I can appreciate the decision to stick to the author's original text. The mystery was quite complex, involving multiple murders, false identities, and international intrigue. It felt a bit campier than some of the other works I've read by Christie. For example, one of the characters seemed positively giddy over the fact that she was in the midst of a murder investigation (ooh! how delightful!). The opening chapters seemed a bit disjointed to me, so it took a little time to get into the story. However, this eventually smoothed out and I enjoyed seeing how everything came together in the end. All in all, an enjoyable romp and a welcome bit of escapism. I'm glad I got a chance to read one of Christie's earlier works since it gives me an even greater appreciation for how she evolved as a writer and masterful storyteller over her long, brilliant career.

This review is based on the NetGalley ebook I received courtesy of William Morrow. Many thanks to both William Morrow and Book Club Girl for making this a free Friday pick!