A review by bookwards
The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is the last Agatha I read when I was poorly and it is such a romp. It has it all lords, ladies, princes, policemen, spies, blackmail, adventurers, government officials, communists. There is a lot of love for the gentry which can be a bit hard to swallow and the frequent and nasty xenophobia when describing any 'foreigner' is pretty horrendous to say the least, but the main characters are clearly drawn and compelling and the convoluted plot is a real page-turner. I especially enjoyed the reluctant host who kept bring interrupted before breakfast to his deep chagrin by the pompous politician George as well as the ever charming Virginia Revel. Don't look at the plot too closely and just enjoy being swept along for the ride. 
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