REVIEW: Dead as a Doornail

 Dead As a Doornail
Author: Charlaine Harris

Dead as a Doornail is the 5th book in the Southern Vampire/Sookie Stackhouse series. 

Sookie finds herself pulled further into were/shifter concerns when someone starts shooting shifters. As the attacks multiply, Sookie works to uncover the identity of the sniper. 

This is another book in the series that really isn't my favorite. I'm glad the story lines expanded into more than just vampire culture/politics/events, but the shifter stories just aren't my favorites. I think that's mainly because I don't like how the weres/shifters treat Sookie. They continually seek out her help, and then treat her poorly when the outcome isn't exactly what they wanted. But I guess that makes sense....pack mentality and all that. 

I read my paperback copy of this book while listening to the audio book [Recorded Books, 2005, 9 hours 34 minutes, narrated by Johanna Parker] 

I first read this series as each book came out starting back in the early 2000s. I've had the full series on my bookshelf for years and have re-visited Bon Temps and Sookie multiple times over the years. I like the characters, the setting and story. The subplots keep things from getting stale. 

This time, I'm reading all the books again and the short stories too. First time I've read the short stories. Most of them were printed in fantasy/urban fantasy story anthologies along with tales by other authors. I found a reading order list online, and I'm stopping to read stories as they pop up in the order. So far, I've read Fairy Dust and Dracula Night. Both were enjoyable! 

I enjoyed re-reading this book, despite not really liking the more shifter-centric story lines. I'm glad I decided to re-read this series. It's like visiting old friends. :) 

I'm re-reading my physical copies of the series one last time and will donate the books when I'm finished. Shelf space is at a premium and I need to downsize over the next year before I move into a smaller apartment.  Next time I want to revisit these books, I will just get them from the library. :) 

Moving on to the next book!  

 

REVIEW: The Museum of Unusual Occurence

 The Museum of Unusual Occurrence
Author: Erica Wright

This is a book of unusual and bizarre occurrence.......and I loved every word! 

I was totally intrigued when I read the blurb for this story, and just had to read it. I'm always up for a suspenseful, spooky and weird tale! This story definitely hit the mark!

Aly is raising her teenage sister and running a business -- a museum where the exhibits are odd curiosities. Imagine her surprise when the museum suddenly has a new, unexpected exhibit -- a murdered woman's body. Aly is determined to discover who killed the young woman and find out why they put the body in her museum. 

I love it when I read a book by a new-to-me author who surprises me with a book that is spooky, bizarre and something totally unexpected and unique. And, the cover art is perfect. 

This is the first book in the Psychic City series. I can't wait to read more!! 

 

REVIEW: Only Spell Deep

 Only Spell Deep
Author: Ava Morgyn

Judeth Cole was born with abilities.....magical abilities. And it made her childhood dark and traumatic. Much as she tries, she can't escape her past, or her magic.....   Just as she's giving up on life, magic comes back to pull her onto a new path. 

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. But, the gothic spooky feel grabbed my attention from the start and I got sucked right into the story. The book blurb called this story a mix of The Craft and Rebecca....but I'm not sure that really fits. The story is definitely dark and magical, but I didn't get a vibe like The Craft from it. 

The first half of the book is a bit slow, but as soon as the second half hit, I understood that the mood, setting and characters needed that set up for the story to end the way that it did. Perfect! 

The plot and characters definitely kept my interest from start to finish. Very entertaining read!  

I'm definitely going to read more by this author. I enjoyed this story and from other reviews I have read she has written more with the same vibe.  

REVIEW: First Sign of Danger

 First Sign of Danger
Author: Kelley Armstrong

The Rockton series and its spinoff, Haven's Rock, are two of my favorite suspense/thriller book series! I've been reading each book since the Rockton series started, and enjoy each new adventure. 

Casey and Eric run Haven's Rock, a settlement hidden in the deep woods of Canada where people in trouble can disappear for awhile. A sanctuary in the middle of nowhere.  Right now, the two have much more than the daily troubles in town to worry about -- they are new parents. Their baby is just six months old. 

This time, a pair of hikers get too close to town for comfort. They don't want their secret sanctuary exposed. Unfortunately, one of the hikers is soon found dead and the situation escalates quickly. Who killed the hiker? And why were the two so close to town? 

Loved this newest story in the series! I was a bit concerned this book would be all baby, baby, baby, new parent problems, baby .... but it really wasn't. The story was just as suspenseful and exciting with just a little bit of new parent problems lamented.  :) 

I can't wait for the next book in this series!!  I recently recommended the Rockton series to a good friend. She has quickly become just as big a fan of the stories as I am! 

 

REVIEW: Operation Bounce House

 Operation Bounce House
Author: Matt Dinniman

I am a huge, huge fan of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman. I've read my way through that series several times as I just enjoy it so much! 

When this new book came out -- a standalone book -- of course I snapped it up! Had to be done! 

Oliver is a rancher on New Sonora. He just wants to live his life - run the ranch, play some music, repair his agriculture bots, and just have peace. But......   [there's always a but, isn't there!]

The government from Earth decides to break a treaty and evict settlers from New Sonora. Since profits are their main motivation, they find a way to wage the war cheaply -- they make it into a game: Operation Bounce House.  Soon Oliver and others find themselves fighting against war machines designed by gamers from Earth who are attacking them remotely -- probably while sipping soda and eating cheetos. 

What a fun book!!! I enjoyed every word! My hardback copy sits on my shelf with my 7 Dungeon Crawler Carl books. And I just picked up the audio book. I'm going to read this again. It will tide me over until the 8th DCC book comes out in May!! 

 

REVIEW: Night Terror

 Night Terror
Author: Vincent Ralph

Night Terror is the second book in the Bleak Haven series. I enjoyed the first book in this spooky YA series, Dead Fake, so much that I jumped right into the second book. 

This story goes back in time a bit to the late 1980s. Noah works at the bookstore in the mall. One night a gang of masked robbers comes into the bookshop. They demand a book -- a cursed book that has a bit of a legend behind it in Bleak Haven. Then they use the book to unleash something horrific.....

This book was great spooky fun and I have to say I enjoyed it even more than the first book in this series. This one brought back some nostalgic memories as I was in high school in the late 80s, and I remember bookshops in the mall! 

This series has a Goosebumps / Are You Afraid of the Dark vibe, but just more scary and gory. Like Goosebumps grew up... ha ha And the cover art is amazing! 

 Love this series! I am definitely going to read more by this author!   

REVIEW: Dead Fake

 Dead Fake
Author: Vincent Ralph

I'm a sucker for a good, entertaining spooky story. This YA book series definitely fits the bill! 

Dead Fake is the first book in the Bleak Haven series.

I sat and binge read this book one evening after work curled up on my couch with my dog, and had to get up and turn more lights on......creeped me out!  I only meant to read a chapter or two, but several hours later I realized I had read most of the book. Then I couldn't stop because I wanted to know how it ended! 

A new craze hits the local high school -- an app produces AI generated gory death scenes for students. Everyone is having fun.....until students actually begin dying. 

Fans of old school slasher movies will love this book! This book reminded me of a more grown up and gory Goosebumps story -- definitely had that YA vibe, but it was incredibly entertaining!  And, the cover art is awesome! 

REVIEW: At Death's Dough

 At Death's Dough
Author: Mindy Quigley

At Death's Dough is the 5th book in this series. This has rapidly become one of my favorite cozy series. I like the setting, the characters, the background plot (pizza -- yum!) and the books are entertaining. 

This time the little town of Geneva Bay, WI is gearing up for Valentine's Day. Delilah owns the deep dish pizzeria in town and is excited about her first Valentine's Day with her boyfriend. Suddenly an old crime tied to famous gangster Al Capone is unearthed. Suddenly Delilah has a lot more exciting things happening in her life than her first Valentine's Day with her new love.....  

I enjoyed this story, and it was fun to visit Geneva Bay again. Butterball the cat is still my favorite character, of course. If Geneva Bay and Delilah's pizzeria were real -- I would definitely make a visit there! 

I absolutely love the cover art for this series -- always so cute!  

Fun series to read and I look forward to the next book!!  

REVIEW: Dead to the World

 Dead to the World
Author: Charlaine Harris

Sookie Stackhouse's world is just getting weirder and weirder. Now it's not just vampires and the occasional shapeshifter. It's vampires, shapeshifters, weres, fairies and......witches.  And, it seems Vampire sheriff Eric Northman has been a victim of a very strong spell. He has amnesia.....and Sookie has been roped into protecting him, while the witch and were problems get sorted.....    

This isn't my favorite book of the series, but I did enjoy the story.  I've read this entire series multiple times, and it's always odd to read this particular book as Eric changes personalities pretty fundamentally for almost the entire book. Definitely a lot of action in this book! Lots of lying, sneaking and fighting. And...what happens in this book is a segue into what happens through the rest of the series. Glad I read this book again!

 I read my paperback copy of this book while listening to the audio book [Recorded Books, 2011, 9 hrs 57 minutes, narrated by Johanna Parker]. I have this entire series on my bookshelves. Reading my books one more time, and then will donate them to a local thriftshop or used bookstore. 

Another step forward in my plans to downsize my books and other belongings so I can downsize to a nicer, smaller apartment in 2027. :)  

I'm enjoying my revisit to this series. Always happy to be back in Bon Temps! Moving on to the next book!! 

REVIEW: Club Dead

Club Dead
Author: Charlaine Harris

Sookie Stackhouse just wants to settle into a more normal life, but dating a vampire is making that really difficult. It seems every time one problem is solved....another one crops up. And the vampires keep wanting her to use her telepathic abilities to help them.  

This time, the situation is a bit more dire. Her boyfriend has disappeared, and they need to venture into another vampire territory to rescue him....if he's still alive. 

Club Dead is the 3rd book in the Southern Vampire series. I've read this series before and have every book on my shelves. As part of an effort to downsize before moving into a smaller apartment in 2027....I'm re-visiting this series and will donate my physical books when I'm all done. :) Gives me a great excuse to read all these books again! 

Sometimes, I just need to read something entertaining. Nothing complex. Not a great example of classic literature. Nothing educational. Just -- fun to read. And, this series is just perfect for that. I'm reading for fun and enjoying the fantasy, the characters, and the story.  Plus....a bit of steamy sex never hurt anyone. ha ha :) 

I enjoyed re-reading this book.  And yep.....I'm going to say it...... 

The books are better than the television show.  

I have read this entire series....and watched the entire show. More than once. The show just deviated too far from the books and HBO-d things a bit too far, if you understand my meaning.  As I'm reading I will probably watch the show again, just so I can hear Bill Compton (played by Stephen Moyer) say "Sookie" in that accent again and to enjoy seeing the parts I did like. :) 

I'm moving on to book 4!  

REVIEW: Living Dead in Dallas

 Living Dead in Dallas
Author: Charlaine Harris

I've read this entire series before. But, I'm having a great time re-visiting Bon Temps, vampires, shapeshifters and a spunky telepathic waitress named Sookie Stackhouse. 

I read my paperback copy while listening to the audio book [Recorded Books, 2008, 8 hrs 24 minutes, narrated by Johanna Parker]. 

In book 2, Sookie is once again called on to use her psychic talents to help vampires, as part of a promise she made to the owner of a vampire night club, Fangtasia. When she returns from that difficult assignment, she finds herself using her skills again to identify who murdered a friend of hers. Lots of action, steamy sex and humor in this 2nd book in the Southern Vampire series. 

These books are not complex fiction....the stories are entertaining, just a bit steamy and trashy, and just fun to read. I love this series because it just lets me get away from braining for awhile.....it's an escape. 

I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this book. Moving on to book #3! :) 

I'm reading this series one more time.....and donating my books to a local thriftship so someone else can enjoy them. If I want to read this series again (which I probably will), I can get the books from my local library. This is part of my quest to downsize -- all part of the plan for me to move in to a smaller apartment in 2027. :) Reading my books and donating them....means fewer books to move! 

:)  

REVIEW: Dead Until Dark

 Dead Until Dark
Author: Charlaine Harris

I started reading this series years ago when only the first couple of books were out. I eagerly awaited each new book and snapped up a hardback copy on release day to further feed my gloriously trashy vampire story fixation. :) I just loved the characters, and had a great time reading each new addition. The entire series remains on my shelves to this day. I've re-read them several times since then. But -- 13 books and a couple of the short story collections that have Sookie Stackhouse tales in them take up a lot of space on my bookshelves!

I'm working to pare down my physical books. I have too many. I'm downsizing to move to a 1 bedroom apartment next year, so reading my way through my books and donating them. I will still have books....and I'm keeping all my bookshelves. But.....no more double stacked shelves! I just don't feel the need to own physical copies of hundreds of books anymore. Orderly shelves.....bit of bookish decor.....couple of plants. Much better than too many books crammed onto shelves however they will fit. I can't even see what books I have when it's chaos like that! 

Operation Downsize has begun!!  

After finishing all my Agatha Christie books and offloading them....I decided I wanted to revisit Bon Temps, Merlotte's Bar, and my favorite Louisiana waitress. I'm going to read my old copies of this series one more time, and donate them to a local thriftshop or used bookstore. Old friends....moving on to be read by someone else. :) 

And, most likely I will also re-watch the HBO series, even though it drifted so far from the books that it was a disappointment. 

I read my paperback copy of the first book in the series while listening to the audio book [Recorded Books, 2007, 9 hrs 29 minutes, narrated by Johanna Parker - thank you Hoopla/my local library!]. I got in the habit of reading and listening while I was journeying my way through all of Agatha Christie's mystery writing and found I really like it. I just like having a story read out loud to me....and I couldn't imagine Sookie's southern accent quite as well as Johanna does it.

I loved re-reading this book again!  

I enjoyed the story of Sookie and Vampire Bill meeting for the first time. All the strange murders....and the exciting ending where they finally discover the killer's identity. Great story! Steamy, suspenseful and fun to read. 

This series is not classic literature. It's entertaining. Something fun to read. I'm not looking for complex, riveting, masterpiece fiction. I just want to read a story about vampires, monsters, shapeshifters, steamy sex and a bit of horror. After taking six years to read, research and review all of Agatha Christie......I just want to have some fun. :) 

And....this series is perfect for that. 

Brain candy. And, I'm having a great time! 

Already reading/listening to book 2.  

REVIEW: Sleeping Murder

 Sleeping Murder
Author: Agatha Christie

Since 2020 I have been reading all of Agatha Christie's mystery novels and short stories in publication order. There were a couple novels I DNF'd because I wasn't enjoying the story. And, I skipped the last 3 Tommy & Tuppence books and one other book (Passenger to Frankfurt) because I had read them before and the stories just did not age well, in my opinion. All of the other books and short stories I read, researched, and reviewed. 

And.....this is the final one. The journey took me six years. 

Sleeping Murder was published following Christie's death in 1976. It is the final Miss Marple mystery. I have read it multiple times over the years. My old paperback copy [Bantam Books, 1976, 295 pages] had been read so many times it was falling apart. I enjoyed one last read......and put it in the recycle bin.  

The Basics: A relative of Miss Marple's has just gotten married. She travels to England ahead of her husband to purchase a house. The minute she buys Hillside, she begins to imagine she's been there before. Her imaginings soon turn very dark. She thinks there may have been a murder. Miss Marple is soon pulled into the strange case. 

This story has a very supernatural, spooky vibe. It's the perfect send-off for Miss Marple. And -- she doesn't die in the book. She just goes back to St. Mary Mead, her knitting and her tea....and lived out the rest of her days in peace. With no more dead bodies. I hope. 

Adaptations:

Television: Joan Hickson played Miss Marple in the 1987 episode of Miss Marple based on this book.

Some changes were made to the plot and characters, but this episode stays relatively faithful to the original story. I really enjoyed this episode! It's one of my favorites from the show!

Television: Syrian television adapted this story in 1992 as part of a 17 episode show "Jareemeh fee al zakera"  I was unable to find this show online. 

Radio Drama: BBC Radio 4 broadcast an audio drama based on this book in 2001. The episode is 90 minutes long and stars June Whitfield as Miss Marple. Changes were made to the plot and characters, but it is a very well done show! I enjoyed listening! 

Television: Japanese television adapted this story in 2005 as part of the show Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple. I haven't been able to find this show online to watch, so I didn't get to watch this 4-episode adaptation.

Television: In 2006, Agatha Christie's Marple adapted this story with Geraldine McEwan playing Miss Marple.  There are a lot of major changes in the plot. This show had a tendency to do that, and as usual, I was not a big fan of the changes. I wish they had kept to the original more closely. 

Television: In 2012, French television adapted this story for an episode of Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie. The story is moved to France and features French detectives. The show is an entertaining watch, but only loosely based on the book. If you have access to Kanopy through your local library, they have all of the episodes available. 

And with that -- my Agatha Christie reading journey is concluded.  I have now read them all. 

I can finally read all the non-fiction books I have about Agatha and her writing that I have been saving for the time when I wouldn't accidentally get any spoilers or reminders regarding plots and whodunnit! I have now read all the stories.....so I can read about the crafting of them with no fear! I have a book by David Suchet about his time playing Hercule. I have Agatha's Autobiography, a book about her travels....even two books about the poisons and venom she used to kill victims.  

So, I'm not leaving Agatha behind. I'm just moving to a different part of the journey! 

And......my final old worn out Agatha Christie paperback has been closed for the last time....and has been sent to the recycle bin. 

It is finished.  

 

REVIEW: Curtain

Curtain
Author: Agatha Christie 

Curtain is the final Hercule Poirot mystery. Agatha Christie wrote this novel in the early 1940's, but it wasn't published until just before her death. The novel was published in the UK and US in late 1975. Christie passed away on January 12, 1976.   

I had a rough time reading this novel. I felt like I was actually watching Hercule Poirot die. It's a wonderful mystery and I have read it before. But after spending six years reading my way through all of Christie's mysteries in publication order, I really felt by the time I hit this final Poirot book that I was leaving an old friend behind. 

When I started, I had 80+ novels and short story collections by Agatha Christie on a dedicated shelf. They took up the entire space, double stacked, and a few stragglers on another shelf because there just wasn't enough room. The paperbacks were in bad shape. All of them were very old and in various stages of decay. Paperbacks just really aren't meant to hang around for 40 or 50 years. They had outlived their usefulness...covers coming off, spines broken, pages falling out.....

I read them one by one -- and let them go.....putting them into the recycle bin. 

And now.....after finishing Curtain.....I only have one final book left.  

My copy of this novel came in a slip cover case with 5 other Poirot novels. I bought the set at a garage sale one summer when I was 9 years old. I had to do chores all summer to pay my mom back for the $4 she gave me to buy the books. The book has been on my shelf all those years....through grade school, middle school, high school, college, multiple moves......and now, it got read for the very last time. It really did feel like saying goodbye to a friend. Just as in the book, it was time for Poirot to solve his last mystery and move onto the next world. And it's a goodbye of sorts to Agatha as well. This was the final novel she ever published while she was still alive. She wrote it during World War II so that if she died, Hercule Poirot would get an ending. But she didn't approve publication of this book until she was elderly and her death was approaching. I think she wanted this book to be one of her last. Her very final novel -- Sleeping Murder -- came out posthumously in 1976. 

Others felt the same way as I did when reading this book. At the time the book was published, the New York Times even ran a front page obituary for Poirot. 

The novel is set at Styles. The same country house where Poirot's first novel - The Mysterious Affair at Styles - was set. Totally fitting. Joining Poirot is the detective's old friend, Arthur Hastings. Poirot sent for Hastings to help him solve a series of murders. He suspects another guest at Styles of killing five people. Poirot does solve the case in a most dramatic way.....after he has already passed away. 

Adaptations: 

Television: The final episode of the long-running Poirot television series is this story. Poirot's last case. I can only imagine how difficult it was for David Suchet to film that episode!! It was the final episode to air, but the first of that final season to be filmed. There are some minor changes made, but the story stays relatively true to the original. 

The television episode is the only adaptation I found for this final Poirot tale. 

 I have to admit when I finished the book and watched the episode of Poirot I cried when he died. Luckily, I brewed tea and cuddled with my dog while watching, because I knew it was going to get to me. I was prepared for the feels. 

 This book has been on my bookshelves for almost 50 years. I read it this last time.....and said goodbye. 

Goodbye, Hercule. And farewell, Agatha -- thank you for all the mystery. You will always be the Queen of Crime. 

One last book to read on my journey through Agatha Christie's writing..... Sleeping Murder. I need to say goodbye to Jane Marple next.  And then.....the journey will be over. A goal that I set when I was 9 years old and biked home from a garage sale with a set of mystery novels. They were the first small print paperbacks I ever read.....my first "adult" level books. And as I read my way through them, I made a promise that I would read all of her books. I finally did it! 

It took me a long time, Agatha. But I kept my promise. :) And what a magnificent, entertaining and fun journey it has been!!  

On to the last book -- Sleeping Murder.  

 

REVIEW: Elephants Can Remember

 Elephants Can Remember
Author: Agatha Christie

This is the last Hercule Poirot novel Agatha Christie wrote before her death in 1976. Curtain was the last published, but that story was actually written in the 1940s. Elephants Can Remember was published in 1972.

My old paperback copy of this novel had a stamp on the inside front cover from Rainy Day Books in St. Joseph, MO and an old price sticker stuck on the front cover. :) Obviously, I bought it used.  I read it one last time, and it went into the recycle bin. 

The Basics: Ariadne Oliver (my fav Agatha Christie side character!) once again pulls Poirot into an investigation. The case is 12 years old. A couple were found shot to death, but the investigation never proved if it was suicide or a clever case of murder. 

I enjoyed re-reading this book, but I wish Hercule had gotten a stronger send-off. Miss Marple got an edgy last story in Nemesis, but this last Poirot book just seems the same old-same old. I did enjoy it more because Adriane Oliver added her energy into the plot, but it still just isn't that great of a book. Very formula. I think Agatha Christie had just grown tired of churning out Hercule Poirot books. 

Adaptations: 

Television: In 2013, the long-running Poirot television series starring David Suchet aired an episode based on this book. There were major changes to the plot and characters. Zoe Wanamaker was wonderful as Ariadne Oliver once again! It's an enjoyable episode, but really only loosely based on the book. 

Radio drama: BBC Radio 4 broadcast an audio drama starring John Moffat as Hercule Poirot in 2006. 

2007 Movie: The Thai movie "Alone" was released in 2007 and has been re-made multiple times in several languages. It's only loosely based on this novel.  

My old paperback is in the recycle bin.....and moving on to the final two books in my reading challenge. Curtain and Sleeping Murder.  

REVIEW: Nemesis

Nemesis
Author: Agatha Christie 

This novel was published in the UK and the US in 1971. It was the last Miss Marple novel Agatha Christie wrote before her death. Sleeping Murder was the final book published, but that story was actually written in the 1940s. 

My old paperback copy of this novel had Joan Hickson on the front cover and was an ad for the Miss Marple television series. 

The plot harkens back to A Caribbean Mystery in that a wealthy man that helped Miss Marple with that investigation has died. His will leaves the elderly sleuth money if she completes a task for him. As part of her task, Miss Marple goes on a trip and gets pulled into a complex web of deceit and multiple murders. 

Wow -- this story had a lot going on! Once the plot grabbed hold of me, I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what was going on! First I wanted to fully understand what her actual task was.....and then I wanted to know the solution to the puzzle. The plot definitely kept my attention. I found it disturbing and dark, but it definitely held my attention from start to finish. 

Agatha Christie gave Miss Marple a great last huzzah with this book.  As usual, I made a guess at what the truth was....and was wrong. I had part of the solution right, but not the entire thing. 

This isn't one of my favorite Miss Marple stories, but it was an entertaining and engrossing read. 

Adaptations:

Radio drama: BBC radio adapted Nemesis in 1998 with June Whitfield as Miss Marple.  

Television: In 1987, Joan Hickson starred in an episode of Miss Marple based on this book. The episode is mostly faithful to the book. Very well done. 

Television: Agatha Christie's Marple adapted this story in 2007 as part of the 3rd season. Geraldine McEwan played Miss Marple for the last time in this episode. There are major changes to characters and plot making this episode really only loosely based on the novel. I didn't really care for the changes. I almost turned the episode off a couple of times...but finished it as it was Geraldine McEwan's last time playing Miss Marple. 

Television: Korean television adapted this story in 2018 as Ms. Ma, Nemesis. 

I'm almost to the end of my Agatha Christie reading challenge! 3 reviews to go and I'm finished. Six years to read all of Agatha Christie's mystery novels and short stories (with a few exceptions). Whew! I have already completed reading the remaining books. I'm just catching up on watching/listening to adaptations and writing up the reviews. 

I will be totally transparent and state that I gave myself permission to DNF any books I wasn't enjoying or to skip some involving characters I don't like.  In this home stretch to the finish, I skipped Passenger to Frankfurt. I've read it before and just didn't enjoy it. It's a weak book....so I just jumped over it and moved on. I also skipped Postern of Fate. I don't enjoy the Tommy & Tuppence books at all. I've read them all previously....and I find the spy/thriller/crime angle too outdated to be enjoyable. So....skipped past their last novel.   Life is too short to force myself to read / re-read books I don't care for, even if they are written by Agatha Christie.  

My old paperback of Nemesis is in the recycle bin. Moving on!   

REVIEW: Hallowe'en Party

 Hallowe'en Party
Author: Agatha Christie

This Hercule Poirot mystery was published in the UK and US in 1969. 

My favorite of Agatha Christie's side characters is back -- Ariadne Oliver! 

The basics: At a Halloween party, a young girl excitedly tells Ariadne that she once witnessed a murder. When that same girl is found dead in a gruesome manner later on during the party, Poirot is on the case! Can he find out who killed the girl.....and what murder she saw? 

This is my favorite Hercule Poirot novel. My favorite holiday is Halloween and it was one of the first Poirot novels I read as a child, so I'm sure that has something to do with it. Is it the best Poirot mystery? Nope. Is it an incredible example of Agatha Christie's talents? Nope. It's formula at best and at this point in her career, Christie seemed to be pretty much just releasing books on a schedule. And I think she may have been tired of her most famous characters. But....I have a warm spot in my heart for this book anyway. 

My old paperback copy of this book was on my shelves for decades. I bought it brand new at a Waldenbooks in Kansas City. Funny the things you remember....I have no idea why I remember the exact purchase of this book after so many years, but my brain filed it away. The paperback had major shelf wear and after being read so many times, the pages were beginning to fall out. 

I enjoyed one more read.....and put the book in the recycle bin. I will re-read it in October this year....using a copy from the local library. 

Adaptations:

Radio Drama: In 1993, BBC Radio first broadcast an audio drama based on this book. John Moffat returned as Hercule Poirot and Stephanie Cole played Ariadne Oliver. These radio dramas are always so good! I love the full-cast stories and sound effects/music. Very entertaining! The story was trimmed for time, but I enjoyed listening.

Television: The long-running show Poirot adapted this story for an episode in 2010. [Season 12, episode 2] There are some minor changes, but the plot stays mostly true to the original novel. Loved this episode! Zoe Wanamaker is outstanding as Ariadne Oliver!! 

Television: The French television show Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie based an episode on this  novel in 2014. The setting is moved to France and French detectives investigate.This show is very entertaining. If your local library offers Kanopy, that site has the entire series. 

Graphic Novel: HarperCollins published a graphic novel version in 2008. 

2023 movie:  This Kenneth Branagh film changes the title to A Haunting in Venice. This was my first viewing of this movie. Because I was in the process of reading all of Agatha Christie's mysteries in publication order, I waited  until I got to this book to watch. And.....I will just be honest....I don't like Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot. He does not fit the character, the mustache is ridiculous, and they butcher the plots. As this is my favorite Poirot novel, I was determined to watch.  So.....I decided to go into it with the mind-set that this film version is completely separate from the novel. I enjoyed the horror aspects of the movie, but it is only loosely based on the original story. 

I have officially finished reading all of the novels and short stories. But I got behind on watching/listening to adaptations. I'm on PTO for a week, so catching up on things to officially close out my Agatha Christie reading challenge. I've been at it since 2020.....it's been a fun journey! Almost done!!  

 

REVIEW: Endless Night

 Endless Night
Author: Agatha Christie

Ok....the minute I start thinking that I don't like Agatha Christie's books written after 1950, I come across one that is incredibly suspenseful and entertaining. So, I have to change my thoughts just a bit -- I don't like MOST of Agatha Christie's books written after 1950.

I loved this one. 

Endless Night was first published in the UK in 1967 and US publication followed in 1968.

I was out of Hoopla credits for the month, so just read my paperback copy of the book, rather than listening to the audio book while reading. I think I expected this to be another dud, like several of the later Marple and Poirot books that I really didn't enjoy. But.....it surprised me!!

This was my first time reading this book, and I'm so glad that I took the time to finally read my copy! 

The basics: A working class man meets and marries an heiress. They buy a property and build a house on it, despite rumors that the land is cursed. Soon after they move in and start settling into life together, the wife is found dead under strange circumstances. Are curses real? Or.....was Ellie murdered?

This book has such a spooky, dark vibe. I was completely sucked into the plot quite early, and was hit upside the head by the twistiness of this plot! Loved it! 

This story does not involve any of Agatha's well-known characters like Marple or Poirot. The fact that the plot is outstandingly bizarre and wonderful tells me that Agatha may have been tired of writing formula classic mysteries with her established detectives. She definitely put her heart into this one! Great book!

Adaptations:

1972 movie: A movie version starring Hayley Mills and Britt Eklund had a short release only in the UK. The film did not do well. Even Agatha Christie herself expressed disappointment. I didn't get a chance to watch this movie. It wasn't available to stream on any platform I subscribe to except Amazon as a rent/buy option. Not paying for what is potentially a bad movie. If I see it pop up on streaming in the future, I will watch it. 

Radio drama: A one hour episode based on this book broadcast as part of Saturday Theatre on BBC Radio 4. I was able to find the episode online. So good!! Full cast with sound effects. Loved it! 

Graphic Novel: HarperCollins published a graphic novel based on the book in 2008. 

Television: Agatha Christie's Marple adapted this story as an episode of the popular television show. Miss Marple is not in the book, but the story is based on two prior short stories (The Case of the Caretaker and The Case of the Caretaker's Wife), one of which does include Miss Marple.  I'm always surprised that this show adapted several stories that did not include Miss Marple, but didn't make episodes based on all of the ones that did include the elderly sleuth.  The episode makes some changes to fit the story into a television episode, but it was very entertaining! 

 I read online that a television series and a movie based on this book are in the works as of 2025. I can't wait to watch!! I will be eagerly awaiting both! 

On to the next! Well sort of anyway.....the next book is a Tommy & Tuppence story (By the Pricking of my Thumbs). I don't like Tommy & Tuppence...so I am giving myself permission to skip past it to Hallowe'en Party. 

 

REVIEW: Third Girl

 Third Girl
Author: Agatha Christie

I am going to be completely honest in my review right from the start. Here goes....

I did not like this book. 

I got through more than half of it, and DNF'd it. 

Yep. This Hercule Poirot fan DNF'd a Poirot mystery. There is a first time for everything.

I made myself a promise that I didn't have to finish reading books that weren't enjoyable for me. So, I let myself put this one down and move on. 

Even Ariadne Oliver (my favorite Agatha Christie side character!) didn't save the story for me. 

Not all books are for all readers. And this Poirot mystery was not for me. 

I had a very old paperback copy of this book on my shelves [1967, Pocket Books, 218 pages].  

The Basics: A woman comes to Poirot, telling him that she needs his help to find out if she committed a murder because she is having odd lapses in her memory. Norma exhibits strange and rude behavior, but Poirot is on the case to discover the truth. 

I had to sit for awhile after I quit reading to figure out why this story just didn't hit well for me. I did not like Norma Restarick (the girl who thinks she may have murdered someone). She is a ridiculous character. The actual crime wasn't even identified until really late in the story....and once the reveal happened, I just lost interest in the book. The plot just seemed super contrived from the start. 

Adaptations: 

Television: In 2008, the long-running show Poirot featured an episode based on this book. The episode made some major plot and character changes. I preferred the television episode over the book. The changes were needed to improve the plot. 

French television: Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie adapted this story in 2017. There are massive changes as usual, moving the setting to France and having French detectives. The show is entertaining. If you can access Kanopy through your local library, the entire show is available there. 

 

I am finding that I'm not enjoying many of Agatha Christie's later novels. I have a suspicion (and could be totally wrong) that Agatha was tired of writing Poirot and Marple novels. This book just seemed lackluster...like she wrote and published it because she had to put out a new book, rather than enjoyment of creating a good story.  

Moving on!!  

REVIEW: At Bertram's Hotel

 At Bertram's Hotel
Author: Agatha Christie

This Agatha Christie novel first published in the UK in 1965 and in the US in 1966. It features Miss Marple.

I read my old paperback [Pocket books, 1979, 256 pgs] and listened to the audio book [HarperCollins, 2012, 6 hrs 45 minutes, narrated by Stephanie Cole]

Up til this book, the audio I have listened to for Miss Marple novels was narrated by Emilia Fox. Stephanie Cole does an excellent job of narration, but I found that I just prefer Emilia Fox.  

The basics: Miss Marple is on holiday. She is spending two weeks at a very nice hotel in London. And, of course, there is a murder. Turns out there is a lot more going on at this hotel than what its guests might ever guess. And....Miss Marple is plonked down right in the thick of it! 

I rather think Miss Marple preferred her holiday with a touch of murder and crime. I think she would have been bored to tears if she spent two weeks just relaxing and dining in a nice hotel. :)  

This is not one of my favorite Marple mysteries. Mostly because the famous sleuth is more of a side character, rather than directly investigating the case.  I think the other big reason is that the plot has so many things going at once that it gets muddled and depends on several unrealistic coincidences to come to the conclusion. I wanted more Miss Marple and less weird crime vibes. 

I have found that I prefer Agatha Christie's classic murder mysteries....and not her attempts at spy novels, thrillers, and hard crime angles.  

Adaptations: 

Television: In 1987, the show Miss Marple had an episode based on this story, starring Joan Hickson as the elderly sleuth. There were minor changes made to the story to fit it into a tv episode, but for the most part it stayed true to the original. 

Radio Drama: BBC Radio 4 adapted this book in 1995. Joan Whitfield plays Miss Marple. I love these full cast audio dramas! They are so well done with full casts and sound effects!

Television: In 2007, Agatha Christie's Marple had an episode starring Geraldine McEwan based on this book. This episode made some huge changes to characters and even the ending of the book. I really didn't agree with all the changes, but enjoyed watching the episode. 

My old paperback is retired to the recycle bin. On to the next! 

REVIEW: A Caribbean Mystery

 A Caribbean Mystery
Author: Agatha Christie

This is one of my favorite Miss Marple stories. I've read this book multiple times over the years. It was the first Miss Marple mystery I ever read, and I think that is why it's a favorite. 

The book was first published in the UK in 1964, followed by US publication in 1965.  

I read my old paperback copy [Pocket Books, 1982, 219 pages] while listening to the audio book version [HarperCollins, 2013, 6 hrs 38 minutes, narrated by Emilia Fox]. 

The Basics: Miss Marple is sent on a tropical vacation by her nephew so she can fully recover from being ill. A fellow traveler tells her a story about a man who killed more than one of his wives, offering to show her a picture of the villain. The very next day the storyteller is found dead. Murdered, of course. Miss Marple is on the case! Even while on vacation!  

Adaptations: 

Made-for-television Movie 1983: Helen Hayes plays Miss Marple in this adaptation.  I really wanted to watch this movie! But....it is not available on any streaming platform I have, except Amazon. But it's a rent/buy situation. Nope. Not paying for a 43 year old made-for-TV movie on top of what I already pay for Prime! If it pops up on streaming anywhere, I will watch it and update my review. 

Television: The Miss Marple series adapted this story in 1989. Joan Hickson is wonderful as Miss Marple, as usual. 

Television: Agatha Christie's Marple featured Julia McKenzie as Miss Marple for an episode in 2013. 

French television: Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie adapted this story into an episode in 2016. The story is moved to France with French detectives. Lots of changes to the story, but the episode is entertaining!

Radio Drama: In 1997, BBC Radio 4 first broadcast a radio drama based on this novel, starring June Whitfield as Miss Marple. All the BBC radio dramas based on Agatha Christie are quite well done with full casts and sound effects. 

 

I enjoyed re-visiting this story again. I didn't remember the killer's identity until I got almost to the very end. 

I wish someone would send me on a tropical vacation!! ha ha. But, I could do without the murder to investigate! I would be quite happy sitting on the beach with an umbrella drink. :)  

I enjoyed both television episodes. I would have a very hard time picking a favorite between the two long-running Marple shows. I'm just going to take the easy route and say I like both! 

I got several books ahead in reading....and then had to back track and watch adaptations. I'm just now catching up on blogging because I have a week of PTO to watch shows and write reviews!  

My old paperback is in the recycle bin. On to the next! Getting closer and closer to the end! 

 

REVIEW: The Clocks

 The Clocks
Author: Agatha Christie

The Clocks first published in the UK in 1963. US publication followed in 1964.  

The Basics: Hercule Poirot assists in the investigation of a murder where an old man was found stabbed to death, surrounded by several clocks. To show the power of the mind, Poirot helps solve the crime without ever visiting the crime scene or speaking with any witnesses in person. He is purely an arm chair detective....solving things using only his intellect and from a distance. 

I read my old paperback copy [Pocket Books, 1979, 246 pages] while listening to the audio book version. [HarperCollins, 2012, 7 hrs 15 minutes, narrated by Hugh Fraser].

Warning -- the following may be an unpopular opinion but it is how I feel: 

Like with The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side, I had a bit of a challenge to get through this one. Christie's later books were still well-written but lack that spark from her earlier books. Poirot was a bit too egotistical in his statements about his intelligence, but that's nothing new and he has good reason to believe in his brains. But his constant mentioning it got very old by the end of the story. In places, the pacing was too slow and the plot dragged for me. And, there were a couple major plot points that were just pure cheese. 

Definitely Poirot. Definitely Agatha Christie. But.....not the best book in her collection, in my opinion. 

Adaptations: 

Only one for this book!

Television: Agatha Christie's Poirot adapted this story for an episode in 2011 [Season 12, episode 4].

There were many changes in setting, characters and plot. The changes were made to fit the tale into episode length, but I think it also strengthened the story. This is one case where I enjoyed the television episode more than the actual book.  

I think this story may have made a better novella or short story than a full novel. A shorter length may have stopped the dragging of the plot that really kept me from enjoying this one as much as I did earlier Poirot mysteries.  

Only a few more books to go before I finish my complete journey through Agatha Christie. Having a great time, even while reading some of her less popular tales. I'm finding that she wrote some mystery novels that are still in the top 10 in the genre, and others that are just ok. But that's to be expected with 80+ books....they can't all be a masterpiece!

On to the next!!  

 

REVIEW: The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side

 The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side
Author: Agatha Christie

The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side was first published in the UK in 1962 and in the US in 1963. 

I didn't have a copy of this book on my shelves. I listened to an audio book version [HarperCollins, 2013, 8 hrs 23 minutes, narrated by Emilia Fox. Emilia does a great job of narration as usual.  

The Basics: An actress and her husband purchase an estate in St Mary Mead. A fete is held on the estate to help the local ambulance service, but drama happens when a local woman is poisoned and dies. Miss Marple is on the case, as it seems that the actress may have been the intended target. Can Miss Marple figure out the culprit before another attempt is made on Marina Gregg's life or before someone else dies?  

The premise of this novel may have been inspired by an event in the life of Actress Gene Tierney. Not saying any more than that, as it would be a spoiler. Read the book --- then look up the story. It's very interesting reading (and sad).  

I had a bit of a hard time finishing this book. The plot moved a bit too slowly, and it just wasn't really grabbing my attention like earlier Marple mysteries. I'm finding that I'm starting to agree that Agatha Christie's books after 1950 are a bit hit or miss. Some are great, and some are just......well, a little boring. Or, it could also be that after reading Christie's mysteries in publication order since 2020 to read them all.....that I'm getting a bit tired of classic mysteries?  I'm leaning towards a mix of both. 

As I listened, I was looking forward to watching the adaptations, rather than finishing the book. Angela Lansbury as Miss Marple!! I had to see the 1980s movie! And, I really wanted to watch the two television episodes as well. :) 

So....not a favorite Miss Marple mystery, but I did finish it. 

Adaptations: 

Movie (1980): Angela Lansbury plays Miss Marple. As most of the 1980's Christie movies, it's a star studded cast including Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Novak, Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis. I enjoyed seeing all of these famous performers, but as is common with the 80s Agatha Christie movies, it was very melodramatic and a bit over-done. There were some changes to plot and characters, but it kept relatively true to the original. I enjoyed watching, but I preferred the Miss Marple and Marple television episodes to this movie. 

Television: Miss Marple - This 1992 adaptation is the final episode of the television series featuring Joan Hickson as Miss Marple. The episode stays with the original plot for the most part. Very enjoyable.

Radio drama: BBC Radio 4 broadcast an audio drama in 1998 based on this book, featuring June Whitfield as Miss Marple. The radio dramas based on Agatha Christie's mysteries are always so good!! Very enjoyable, and full-cast with sound effects. June Whitfield does a great job as Miss Marple. These Marple radio dramas are always so good! Very entertaining! 

Television: Agatha Christie's Marple -  Julia McKenzie plays Miss Marple in this 2010 episode. There were a few changes, but mostly true to the original story.

Television (France) - Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie offered an episode in 2017 based on this book. As usual the setting is switched to France and the detectives are french. This show makes significant changes to the stories but is fun to watch. If your local library offers Kanopy, that streaming service offers all of the episodes. 

Television (Japan) - TV Asahi adapted this story as part of a 2 night special. The first night was an adaptation of The 4:50 from Paddington and the second night was The Mirror Crack'd. I couldn't find a streaming version of this show, so didn't watch this episode. 

Theater: A stage production opened in the UK in 2019.  

Glad I read this book, but I enjoyed the adaptations more than the audio book. 

Moving on!!  

 

REVIEW: The Pale Horse

 The Pale Horse
Author: Agatha Christie

The Pale Horse came out in the UK in 1961, followed by publication in the US in 1962. Before being published as a book, the story was serialized over a two month period in 1961 in a UK magazine and abridged in a US magazine in early 1962.  

This book brings back one of my favorite Agatha Christie characters -- Ariadne Oliver! She's a rather eccentric crime novelist that appears in several Hercule Poirot stories and novels. This time...she's on her own for the first time! She isn't the main character, but she flits in and out of the story enough to give it her usual over the top sort of flair.  

The basics: A woman gives her last confession to a local priest. The priest is later murdered. Mark Easterbrook finds himself drawn into the case, which jumps into the supernatural possibilities of witchcraft, mediums and killing with magic. 

I had a paperback copy of this book on my Agatha Christie shelf [Fontana Books, 1988, 234 pages], but this is my first time reading this story. I spent a lot of years avoiding Christie's one-off books (those that don't have one of her more famous characters like Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot), so I'm sure that's why this book waited years for me to read it. 

 I read the paperback while listening to the audio book [HarperAudio, 2012, 6 hrs 45 minutes, narrated by Hugh Fraser]. 

I wasn't sure if I would like this story or not, but Ariadne Oliver and the supernatural nuances of the story

pulled me right in. The first thing that intrigued me was 3 women living in a converted Tudor Inn -- oh! Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in a house or building with that much history! I'm sure the repairs and upkeep would be a challenge, but the history of the place would intrigue me! It's a perfect sort of house for these particular women -- odd, older women with beliefs in their occult powers. Basically, the village witches. Spooky! 

The premise pulled me right in, even though I'm often reluctant to read some of Christie's more off-formula books. The tale definitely had a interesting and slightly spooky vibe!

 

Adaptations: 

BBC Radio: As part of a celebration of Agatha's writing, BBC radio broadcast a radio drama version of this story in 1993, starring Jeremy Clyde as Mark Easterbrook. I was able to find this episode on YouTube. It's very well done with full cast and sound effects! Loved it!  The plot is condensed for time, but sticks relatively close to the original.

Television movie: This made-for-TV movie from 1997 started Colin Buchanan as Mark Easterbrook. Unfortunately, I was unable to watch this adaptation. It was unavailable on all my various streaming options, and I was unwilling to plonk down $30 for a DVD copy that may have been in the UK format that wouldn't play in my DVD player. I did some quick research and found that this version stayed pretty close to the original, making some minor plot changes and removing Ariadne Oliver from the story. If it ever pops up on streaming, I will watch it.   

Television: Agatha Christie's Marple interjected Miss Marple into the story to make an episode based on this book (Season 5, Episode 1). I enjoy this show and Julia McKenzie does a wonderful job portraying Jane Marple in the series, but they chose to add Miss Marple to several stories that she never appeared in.....while skipping some stories where she did. Odd choice. I really wish they had done all the Miss Marple stories, and left the non-Marple plots alone. I did watch the episode. Some characters -- including Ariadne Oliver -- are left out and some new characters were added and some plot changes were made. It was ok....but I don't see why they chose to rework the story to add Jane Marple. Maybe they really loved the plot concept so wanted to give Jane a crack at solving it. Now....after I have complained....I have to say that they did a really good job condensing the plot to episode length while maintaining the dark, creepy vibe. I enjoyed watching! 

BBC Radio: A second radio drama based on this book first aired in 2014. This version features Jason Hughes as Mark Easterbrook. My local library did not have it. I did find it available for purchase on Audible, but didn't buy it. I'm sure it's great, but saving my book budget for other things. :) 

French television: Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie adapted this story in 2016. The show always moves the setting to France and adds in French detectives, but it's fun to watch. If your local library offers Kanopy, the series is available there. It's worth watching, but be aware that significant changes to the stories are always made. 

Graphic Novel: A Japanese publisher released a version of this story as a graphic novel in 2017. I was unable to find a copy, but it definitely sounds intriguing!  

BBC television: In 2020, a miniseries was broadcast in two parts. After years of waiting (I didn't want to watch the mini series before reading the book, so had to wait until the book popped up as part of my challenge to read Agatha Christie's mysteries in publication order. It took me awhile!) I binge watched this on my couch with my dog, snacks and a cup of tea -- told everyone that I was busy on something very important and just enjoyed the show! It's available to stream on BritBox. 

 

This was definitely an instance where I very much enjoyed an Agatha Christie story that did not involve Poirot or Marple! I'm glad I took the time to read this story and listen/watch as many of the adaptations as I could. Most were very well done! 

I got engrossed in the story very quickly, and just thoroughly enjoyed this one! I was a bit afraid it would be disappointing as I read that many feel Agatha Christie's books published after 1960 lost a lot of the quality of her earlier writing. I'm giving myself the option to DNF any that I don't find enjoyable, but I liked The Pale Horse. 

My old paperback is in the recycling bin, and I'm moving on! :)  

 

  

REVIEW: Cat Among the Pigeons

 Cat Among the Pigeons
Author: Agatha Christie

This Hercule Poirot mystery was first published in 1959 in the UK and released in the US in 1960. It first appeared serialized or abridged in magazines in both the US and UK. 

 I had an old paperback on my Christie shelf from 1979 [Pocket Books, 210 pages]. As with most of my other aging paperbacks, the pages were very yellow and the cover had quite a bit of shelf wear. I'm sure I bought this second hand somewhere along the way. 

I listened to an audio book version while reading my paperback [HarperCollins, 2012, 6 hrs 45 minutes, narrated by Hugh Fraser] 

Agatha Christie dedicated this book to an archaeologist and his wife, Larry and Stella Kirwan. More about Larry is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurence_P._Kirwan  

 The basics:  Just before revolution breaks out in a Middle Eastern country, the prince and his pilot make plans to sneak valuable jewels out of the country and then flee themselves. The pilot hides the jewels in the belongings of his sister and his niece, not knowing he will be killed before he can have anyone retrieve them. The two women have no idea anything is stowed in their belongings. But.....someone else knows. Killings start at the exclusive school the niece attends. First one murder....then another. Soon Hercule Poirot is on the case....can he catch the killer before anyone else at the school dies? 

Poirot does not enter the story until almost 2/3 of the way through. For me, that was ok, as I enjoyed getting to know the investigators, the school staff, an undercover agent and the students before Poirot stepped in and took over. This tale is by no means one of Christie's strongest plots, but I very much enjoyed it!  

I found myself guessing during the first half of the book who the culprit was....and I made a choice. And....once again, I was totally wrong. ha ha.  The world is a safer place because I am NOT a detective. I would never accuse the right suspect! But, then again, real life murders aren't nearly as fancy or bizarre as Agatha Christie plots. I don't believe many people are murdered by nefarious evil doers because jewels are hidden in their belongings. Real life crime is probably much more cut and dry.   

Adaptations:

I only found one adaptation of this book --  Agatha Christie's Poirot had an episode based on this story
[Ssn 11, episode 2]. The plot was changed a bit for time and some characters were removed to adapt this to a television episode.Also, Poirot joins the story from the start. Some of the changes seemed a bit over the top and unnecessary, but I still enjoyed the episode.  

My old paperback is in the recycle bin. On to the next! 

15 novels to go! But......two of them are Tommy & Tuppence stories. I have found I just don't like Tommy & Tuppence. The spy/cozy thriller themed plots just didn't age well, in my opinion. I'm going to give myself permission to skip those two books if I don't feel like reading them.

And 3 others are not Christie's usual sort of detective novels -- they are one-offs: Pale Horse, Passenger to Frankfurt, and Endless Night.  I will give them a try. But, if I am not enjoying the story, I'm going to DNF and move on. 

Life is too short to read books I don't like.....even if Agatha Christie wrote them. I give myself permission to stop reading if it's not a book for me.  

REVIEW: Ordeal by Innocence

 Ordeal by Innocence
Author: Agatha Christie

This novel was first published in serialized form in a UK magazine in the fall of 1958, but the story was abridged. The book published in the UK in November 1958. The story ran in the Chicago Tribune in 36 parts in 1959 as "The Innocent" with the US book publication following later that same year. 

Before I started reading my way through all of Agatha Christie's writing, I really didn't want to read the "one-off" novels - ones that don't include one of her classic characters. But, I have found that these stories can sometimes be some of her strongest. Maybe she was a little more free to develop more complex plots when she didn't have to build the story around an established character like Poirot? While this book is not one of my favorite Christie novels, it is definitely hard-hitting and complex. 

Having said that.....I did not enjoy this book. I found some of the odd family dynamics decidedly uncomfortable and ideas regarding adoption, charity, and nature vs nurture pulled me completely out of the story. Is it a complex, engaging mystery with a lot of suspects? Yes. Is it well-written. Yes. But.....some of the nuances just hit wrong for me. By the end, I no longer cared who did it....I was trying to wrap my head around the background concepts involving the psychology of wealthy women who can't have children adopting kids from very different social backgrounds, the implications of those receiving charity resenting their benefactors, abuse or controlling behaviors towards foster or adopted children.....I just found the whole concept....disturbing. Christie's ending / killer reveal was just as bizarre and disconcerting. I was like.....what? Ewww. And a female character's choice at the end to enter a relationship with someone she barely knew on a whim.....again, I was like....what? Am I the only one who feels like Agatha Christie, at times, has her female characters make incredibly odd, off the cuff, life altering choices? 

My final opinion after reading every word -- this book is complex and deals with a really tough subject that I am sure was a big topic of conversation following World War II. Many children were removed from cities during the war and placed with other families in the countryside. Many children were left without parents because of bombings and war fatalities. Charities to help families and children who lost everything were numerous. I'm sure there were many instances where these placements and adoptions of children didn't go well. And, I'm sure the government agencies responsible for these placements made mistakes and were overwhelmed by the sheer number of cases they had to deal with during and after the war. Problems with the foster and adoption system are still a huge issue today. I work in the social services field, so I think that's why the nuances of this story made it a rough read for me. The discussion of psychology based on 1950s concepts of adoption and nature vs nurture just overwhelmed the mystery for me. I found this story disturbing, rather than intriguing or entertaining.    

This was my first time reading this book. I've had an old paperback on my bookshelves for years that I bought used. [Pocket books, 1985, 254 pages]  The book is an odd silver color, with a huge red dot on the front advertising the 1985 movie starring Donald Sutherland and Christopher Plummer. I really really hate advertisements on the front cover of books. At least it wasn't the dreaded unremovable sticker plonked down in the middle of the cover art, but somehow being added as part of the cover art is just as bad. Yuck. This story was totally new to me. I'm sure I avoided it because no Poirot or Marple.

I read my old paperback while listening to an audio book version [HarperCollins, 2012, 7 hours, narrated by Hugh Fraser].  

The basics: Jacko Argyle died in prison. He was convicted of murdering his adoptive mother. After his death, a man comes forward to give Jacko an alibi. But........if he was innocent, who is the killer?  

Adaptations: 

1985 movie: The movie has some pretty big stars in it, including Donald Sutherland, Christopher Plummer, Faye Dunaway and Ian McShane, but the script was pretty weak. Too many odd changes

in plot, the music doesn't fit with the story, and the ending is just....ridiculous. It was wonderful to see so many faces I recognize from 70's/80's films and television. Great nostalgia. But, they butchered the story. Why? The story is well-written and engaging the way Christie wrote it. Why do script writers insist on making sweeping changes in adaptations that weaken the story? This movie is a perfect example of a missed opportunity. They had a stellar cast, and it was wasted on a bad script with ridiculous changes. They ruined the ending of the story!! Christie's ending is bizarre, but much better than the one in this  movie. Boooo Hissss! 

Graphic Novel: A graphic novel was published in 2006 as Temoin Indesirable in France and later republished in English by Harper Collins in 2008. 

Stage Play: A stage play was performed in New York in 2007 by the New York State Theatre Institute. It ran for 14 performances.  

Television: For some reason, in 2007, the television show Agatha Christie's Marple adapted this story, adding Miss Marple (played by Geraldine McEwan) into the mix.  While I love McEwan as Miss Marple, why did they adapt this story to add in Miss Marple? They didn't make episodes for all of the stories that did include the senior sleuth -- why rework ones that didn't?  They also made other odd changes to the plot. I liked the episode, but just not sure why they chose to create an episode based on this story. 

Television: French TV adapted this story for an episode of Les Petits d'Meurtres d'Agatha Christie in 2009.  This show makes lots of changes to the stories, but is still fun to watch. If your local library offers Kanopy, you can stream these episodes subtitled in English. The changes are enough to warrant calling this an episode "loosely based on" Christie's story, but the show is entertaining. 

Audio drama: BBC Radio 4 broadcast an adaptation of this book in 2014.  

Television: A 3-part mini-series based on the book was broadcast by the BBC in 2018. Again, lots of changes were made, but it was very well done. I actually enjoyed watching the mini series more than I did reading/listening to the book.  

This one was a rough read for me. Very masterful writing.....just not really a story for me. 

On to the next!!  

 

REVIEW: What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw

What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw
Author: Agatha Christie

In 1957 this novel was published as The 4:50 from Paddington in the UK and What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw! in the US. Before being published in novel form, the story was serialized in magazines in the US and UK, also under different titles. My research didn't turn up the title used for the UK serialization, but in the US it published in The Chicago Tribune as "Eyewitness to Death."

The basics: Two trains are running on adjacent tracks. A passenger on one train witnesses what looks like a murder on the other train. Only one person believes her -- Jane Marple. Can Miss Marple catch the criminal with so little evidence to go on? 

My old paperback copy from the 1970s was still in ok shape [Pocket Books, 1975?, 185 pages]. The pages were yellowed, but intact with just some wear/tear on the spine. Even the cover was starting to turn yellow. I loved the dramatic cover art. :) 

I listened to an audio book version while reading my old book for the last time [HarperCollins, 2013, 8 hours 8 minutes, narrated by Emilia Fox]. Emilia Fox once again does a great job of narration. 

I have read this Miss Marple novel before, but it was long enough in the past that I only remembered snippets of the story. 

I liked this story. The ending is a bit odd, leaving the fate of a major character a bit in the air. I researched online to find out what Agatha said about her choices and was completely disappointed in what I found. I can't elaborate more because.....spoilers. Let me just say that she was content with a really great character making an incredibly stupid, life-ruining choice. Why? Yuck.  

Adaptations: 

This novel has been adapted many times in various ways! 

1961 movie: Murder, She Said. This is another Margaret Rutherford movie very loosely based on this

story. I have to be honest and say I have never liked these movies. They take a Miss Marple story and turn it into a comedy that has very little resemblance to the original story. Why? They could have just written a totally original script and had a Miss Marple-like character, rather than butchering an Agatha Christie story.  Yuck. 

Television:  Miss Marple starring Joan Hickson had an episode based on this book in 1987. There are some changes to the story -- especially the ending. I usually am against changes that I know are opposite to what Agatha wrote or said about characters outcomes.....but in this case, her choice for this character was total shit.  This episode fixed the problem.  

Radio: BBC Radio 4 broadcast an audio drama based on this book in 1997. June Whitfield plays Miss Marple.  Whitfield does a great job in each Miss Marple audio drama. The episodes are always full-cast with sound effects. There were some changes mostly to condense the plot to fit into 90 minutes, but it was still a very good audio drama! 

Television: Agatha Christie's Marple had an episode based on this story in 2004. Geraldine McEwan portrays Miss Marple. This episode also made adjustments to the plot, but it was so much fun to watch. They chose a "cute" ending. Usually I prefer the Joan Hickson episodes, but this time Geraldine McEwan came out just a bit on top. I liked the addition of Tom Campbell to the plot, even though he is a character completely made up and added for this television episode. 

THE REST OF THIS PARAGRAPH ISN'T REALLY A SPOILER BUT MAYBE FRINGES ON BEING ONE -- SKIP IF YOU DONT WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE PLOT -- I zigged when Agatha zagged with regards to Lucy Eyelesbarrow's life choices. The actual ending left it ambiguous, but Agatha stated later what choice she was going to make and it would have been devastating to the rest of her life, in my opinion. Why marry her off at all....or why have her make a devastating, stupid choice? Maybe Agatha saw a bit of herself in the character? She made a poor choice in marriage and ended up divorced with a lot of life drama (her disappearance and her husband leaving her for another woman). I have seen many smart women make incredibly stupid choices in men. But Lucy was a strong, incredibly intelligent and independent woman. I sincerely think Lucy would have used her head and remained single or she would have made the choice that was best for her happiness and stability, not make a completely stupid mistake. OK RANT OVER. :) 

Television: Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple. Japanese television adapted this story in 2005. There are changes to characters and plot. The show is animated, not live action. 

Television: The Corpse that Lies. Another Japanese television adaptation broadcast in 2006. This made-for-television woman features a female police officer instead of Miss Marple. 

Video game: In 2010, a hidden object game based on this story was released. My guess is it may be no longer available as it was developed for Windows XP/Vista.  

Television: Again, Japanese television adapted this story in 2018 as part of a celebration of Agatha Christie's detective stories. And Miss Marple is again replaced by a female police officer. This adaptation kept the original UK title, 4:50 from Paddington.  

2008 Movie: Le Crime est Notre Affaire. This French movie makes significant changes to characters and plot. It stars a French couple rather than Miss Marple. 

 I didn't find any of the Japanese or French adaptations, but was able to watch both Marple television episodes and listened to the BBC audio drama. 

I enjoyed this story! Miss Marple really shines in this mystery. She came to the defense of her friend when nobody else would believe she saw a murder. 

Finished another one! The old paperback went into the recycle bin. And moving on! 

An aside -- someone asked me me why I am throwing my old paperbacks away. I have had these books on my shelves for years and never got a chance to read most of them. Several years ago I started this reading challenge to finally read the books -- all of Agatha Christie's mystery writings in publication order. These books are all damaged from many moves, kids, life....and just shelf wear. Most of them I bought used. I had nearly all of Agatha's mystery novels and many short story collections. 80 books takes up a lot of shelf space!! With my space for books being limited, it's time to read these books and let them go. Freeing up space for other books!! I will keep my non-fiction books about Agatha's writing and life (I even have two books on the poisons and venoms she used in her stories!)...but I'm throwing away each old paperback as I finish reading. Most of them are falling apart due to age -- time to move on and make space for other books!  

I started out with an entire Agatha Christie shelf double stacked from top to bottom and a few books tucked in nearby as they wouldn't fit. I'm down to one single stack of paperbacks and one short story collection. And, all my non-fiction Agatha related books now fit on the same shelf as the novels!  Progress has been made!! 17 books to go! I should finish this project this year, barring any unforeseen delays!