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| Shocking photo! |
I think I've kind of written her work off as all about the rich, the privileged, vicars, tea parties, country mansions, villages - Murder at Downton Abbey types and none of the above subjects hold much appeal for me.
I think I have about half a dozen of her books in my collection. I've picked up the odd one when I've crossed paths with it out and about, with the intention of tackling her work....... The Clocks, 4.50 from Paddington, And Then There Were None
I ought to cast aside my preconceptions and give her a proper go. She does seem to have her fans.
Thoughts on Miss Marple's Final Cases here.
Five Little Pigs (1942)
Beautiful Caroline Crale was convicted of poisoning her husband, yet there were five other suspects: Philip Blake (the stockbroker) who went to market; Meredith Blake (the amateur herbalist) who stayed at home; Elsa Greer (the three-time divorcee) who had roast beef; Cecilia Williams (the devoted governess) who had none; and Angela Warren (the disfigured sister) who cried ‘wee wee wee’ all the way home.
It is sixteen years later, but Hercule Poirot just can’t get that nursery rhyme out of his mind…
Crooked House (1949)
Described by the Queen of Mystery herself as one of her favorites of her published works, Crooked House is a classic Agatha Christie thriller revolving around a devastating family mysteryThe Leonides are one big happy family living in a sprawling, ramshackle mansion. That is until the head of the household, Aristide, is murdered with a fatal barbiturate injection.
Suspicion naturally falls on the old man's young widow, fifty years his junior. But the murderer has reckoned without the tenacity of Charles Hayward, fiancé of the late millionaire's granddaughter.
"Writing Crooked House was pure pleasure and I feel justified in my belief that it is one of my best." --Agatha Christie
Oh, I do hope you'll like these, Col. Admittedly, I'm biased - as you know, I'm a Christie fan. But even so, I hope you'll enjoy the books. In my opinion, Five Little Pigs is one of her really well-done books, so I'm glad you've got that one.
ReplyDeleteMargot, another one where our paths might cross - always assuming I get something of Christie's read.
DeleteAlthough I've never quite been snared by the Christiemania that's prevalent in GAD circles, she can be pretty entertaining. As I recall (and it's been a while) Crooked House is indeed pretty good. I can't remember if I've read the other.
ReplyDeleteI ought to give her a go in all honesty/ Crooked House seems the more interesting of the two at a glance.
DeleteIt is a matter of taste, obviously, but I think Five Little Pigs is generally considered among her 5 or 10 best by Christie enthusiasts (like Margot). It is quite memorable.
DeleteAt least the I have acquired seem to be well regarded, Christophe. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteOh my goodness! Agatha Christie in Col's Criminal Library! I suppose the day had to come. You have to try her - you may well not love her, I think. These are two of her best in fact.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to make sure she puts in a reappearance soon(ish)!
DeleteI have not read Five Little Pigs but I have heard it is good, Col. But I also think Crooked House might suit you better. You know I am a big Christie fan but the good thing about not being hooked on her is that she wrote tons of books that you can ignore.
ReplyDeleteHa, yeah I don't think I will be acquiring any more. I think I know my limits in respect of Christie.
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