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reesepective 's review for:
Problem at Pollensa Bay and Other Stories
by Agatha Christie
Ah, Problem at Pollensa Bay and Other Stories—the last book in the Hercule Poirot series (and really, the whole darn collection)! I have to say, the way this book wraps everything up is, well, odd—like a buffet of Agatha Christie characters thrown together for one last ride.
So here’s the deal: There are two Hercule Poirot stories, two Parker Pyne tales, and two Mr. Satterthwaite/Harley Quin adventures. Then, just to mix things up, there are two romances that... feel pretty out of place. Like, imagine you came for the usual clever sleuthing, and then, surprise! You’re in Romanceville. Total plot whiplash.
To me, the whole book felt rushed. Not every story, but most of them. The plots seemed to wrap up quickly, and the development—well, it wasn’t as tight as it usually is with Agatha Christie. A lot of the stories lost that signature style, and it made the book drag a bit. Honestly, I think it’s the assortment of short stories that left me a little cold. I get it—some people love a mixed bag, but for me, it was a bit meh.
As for the romances? One story about a dog was surprisingly sweet, so points for that. The other one, though... ugh. It was the classic “love at first sight” nonsense, where everyone falls head-over-heels far too quickly. It was dramatic, overblown, and left me checking my watch. Peak meh moment right there.
Verdict? I can’t recommend it, even for die-hard Agatha Christie fans. As someone who’s read a lot of her works, this one just didn’t hit the same high notes. So, if you’re looking for that classic Agatha Christie magic, maybe skip this one. Or, you know, if you want to complete the collection... brace yourself for a random rollercoaster of tales.
So here’s the deal: There are two Hercule Poirot stories, two Parker Pyne tales, and two Mr. Satterthwaite/Harley Quin adventures. Then, just to mix things up, there are two romances that... feel pretty out of place. Like, imagine you came for the usual clever sleuthing, and then, surprise! You’re in Romanceville. Total plot whiplash.
To me, the whole book felt rushed. Not every story, but most of them. The plots seemed to wrap up quickly, and the development—well, it wasn’t as tight as it usually is with Agatha Christie. A lot of the stories lost that signature style, and it made the book drag a bit. Honestly, I think it’s the assortment of short stories that left me a little cold. I get it—some people love a mixed bag, but for me, it was a bit meh.
As for the romances? One story about a dog was surprisingly sweet, so points for that. The other one, though... ugh. It was the classic “love at first sight” nonsense, where everyone falls head-over-heels far too quickly. It was dramatic, overblown, and left me checking my watch. Peak meh moment right there.
Verdict? I can’t recommend it, even for die-hard Agatha Christie fans. As someone who’s read a lot of her works, this one just didn’t hit the same high notes. So, if you’re looking for that classic Agatha Christie magic, maybe skip this one. Or, you know, if you want to complete the collection... brace yourself for a random rollercoaster of tales.