A review by thebookboy
Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie

4.0

Another amusing mystery from the Queen of Crime. What I particularly liked about this mystery is that Agatha really lets some of her comic genius into the story - especially in scenes where Poirot is forced to stay in a lacklustre guest house (his reactions to green beans, draughts and other inconveniences are priceless). Ariadne Oliver also makes a rather fantastic if not brief appearance in this one and is used as a rather clever vehicle for Agatha to express her own dislike of certain parts of being an author and how Poirot was fast becoming a character she didn't enjoy writing anymore.

Now for the actual mystery. This one is full of twists and turns - a murdered charwoman, multiple photographs of past criminals, perfume scents, cups of coffee - it's all very typical Agatha, and the solution was absolutely not what I expected, especially as I was so certain I'd worked parts of it out!

I will say there is a lack of sparkle here, though. None of the characters are particularly exciting (save perhaps the lady who runs the guest house where Poirot stays) and it's a shame there isn't a stronger cast with someone to really love which is what I think elevates her best mysteries (Death on the Nile, Peril at End house etc.)

Still, a solid Christie crime and one that I'm glad I read.