A New Book and My Favorite Authors Continued

It was a good morning, weather - wise cool and wet. And when I turned on the computer I discovered that ex-Trump campaign manager Steve Bannon had been arrested and charged with wire fraud and other things. Made me very happy. Acting US Attorney Audrey Strauss is my new hero. She also was the one who arrested Guylaine Maxwell. And a judge also told Trump's lawyers that they need to shut up and turn over his tax records to NY DA Cyrus Vance. Of course, he's already appealed but it's nice to see him getting things thrown at him. The man is insane and dangerous for America and the world.

Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was a highlight

Last night's Democratic Convention was another excellent show, so many strong women and President Barack Obama and future VP Kamala Harris. Two moments really hit me (Jo too for that matter). Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was very powerful. Almost 10 years ago she was severely injured in an assassination attempt in which six other people, including a 9-year old child, were killed. Gabby suffered severe brain damage and has been working hard on her recovery, still struggling with speech. Jo said she heard that Gabby has been working on this speech for the past 8 months and it was the most she's spoken since she was shot. So brave.

Estella

The other part that struck me was from eleven-year old Estella Juarez, a Florida girl, whose mother was an immigrant who joined the US Marines and then was deported by Trump's racist administration. After serving in Iraq. She read the letter she had written to Trump. So powerful as well. (A link to the article)

So anyway, as I said I do feel great. Today anyway. So about books. I received one book in the mail today. I'll provide the synopsis of the book. I'll also continue with my look at my favorite authors, today one of the Grand Dames of mystery.

New Books

1. Situation Tragedy by Simon Brett (Charles Paris #7). I highlighted Brett in one of my first posts on my Favorite Authors (See this link if you want to check him out)

"'Is everything all right?' the producer kept asking, and for a while everything was. The Strutters was destined to be the situation comedy hit of the year, with just the right mix of stars and schmaltz - along with none other than hard-drinking Charles Paris in the role of (irony of ironies!) the barman. But before Charles could get used to being in a megahit, things began going wrong."

Favorite Authors - Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie

I've highlighted Dame Agatha Christie previously. Back in the day, when I was in high school I tried a couple of her stories and remember enjoying them. I also remember being frustrated by the endings; you know how it is... You are merrily reading along and think you might have it figured out and then it turns out it was the milk man who you met absolutely once in the story. (exaggeration there, but you get the gist). Anyway, when I began exploring the mystery novel again, I thought I'd try a few of her mysteries. Well, there you go, I'm hooked. Such an excellent author. So since I've begun getting into her stories again I've read 12 of her books, some Miss Marple, some Hercule Poirot and some others. 

1. The Seven Dials Mystery (1929).

"I enjoyed this Agatha Christie mystery very much. It had quite a different feel to it from the Miss Marple and Poirot mysteries. Dare I say, it was almost an adult Nancy Drew (ish) style mystery; mainly due to the fact that the protagonists were young people, rather than the more mature sleuths that Christie peopled her stories with. You find wealthy, carefree, Lady Eileen (aka Bundle) Brent and Jimmy Thesiger and their acquaintances trying to solve the murders of two of their friends. What it the Seven Dials group? Who are the mysterious members? I thought it was a pretty standard thriller/ mystery, but in the last section, there were many twists and turns and any guesses I had about the culprit and the mysterious group were turned on their heads. Excellent story. (4 stars)"

2. N of M? (1941).

"Loved it. My first Tommy and Tuppence book and I enjoyed so very much. Intrepid spies from the First World War, sort of put out to pasture at the start of the 2nd. But they manage to get an assignment with the government trying to find out who are the German Fifth columnists at a resort hotel on the coast. Interesting, well-paced story, Tommy and Tuppence are a lovely couple, the guests are all suspicious. Excellent! (4 stars)"

3. The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948).

"Over the past few years, I've been exploring Agatha Christie's mysteries and enjoying them once again. I've enjoyed getting back into the old reliables, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. But I've also enjoyed discovering the Tuppence and Tommy Beresford books and I've also Colonel Race. I've just completed one of her short story collections (I have read others before), The Witness for the Prosecution: And Other Stories, which has two Poirot short stories, but the rest are standalones. I purchased it mainly for The Witness for the Prosecution as I've enjoyed the original movie based on the story very much. The most recent adaptation wasn't quite so enjoyable.

Short stories can definitely be hit or miss. I think it takes a special ability to crowd as much information as possible into a short story and make it cohesive and interesting. Saki and PG Wodehouse are excellent short story writers, as is Canadian Alice Munro, to name a few. Agatha Christie is also an excellent short story writer. This might put her in somewhat unique company as she is also a great novelist.

This collection consists of 12 stories. Some of the early ones were decidedly edgier than I'm used to from Christie; I include Witness for the Prosecution, Accident (especially, very creepy) and The Fourth Man. There were a couple that left me somewhat confused; especially SOS. For the most part, every story entertained me and often surprised me, even when I thought I'd figured out the basics. The two Poirot's, The Second Gong and Poirot and the Regatta Mystery were each gems in their own right, quick mystery and solutions.

All in all, it was a most enjoyable read with each short story having something unique to offer. I look forward to continuing my exploration of Christie's world of mystery. My wife is enjoying a collection of Miss Marple stories, i.e., Marple is listening to stories or telling them and solving them, but not necessarily participating in the actual mystery. Sounds neat, eh? (4 stars)"

4. The Body in the Library (1942).

"The Body In The Library is the 2nd Jane Marple mystery by Agatha Christie, originally published in 1941. A body is discovered at the estate of the Bantry's, a couple who are friends of Miss Marple. both Mr. and Mrs. Bantry do not recognize the young lady when interrogated by the local police. Mrs. Bantry asks Jane Marple to help as she knows that Jane has a knack for solving crimes.

When the girl is identified, it turns out she was a dancer at a hotel down the road from St Mary Mead. While the police investigate, Mrs. Bantry takes Jane to the hotel to conduct their own investigations. As well Sir Henry Clithering, a retired police commissioner is asked to help out by Conway Jefferson, resident at the hotel and a friend of the victim. 

Christie writes in a clear, concise, eminently readable tale. Miss Marple plays more of a role in this story than I remember from her first appearance. She's an excellent character and I find it interesting that in the books, so far at least, that the police seem to respect her input more than they seem to do so in the TV movies. I may be wrong there.

As always there are many suspects and they are all viable. Miss Marple seems to grasp the case with very little information and moves along at a nice pace. There are nice little touches in the story. I especially liked the reference to autographs a young boy has from Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. She's the Alfred Hitchcock of novels, making appearances when you least expect it. 

Everything about the story was entertaining, the writing, the characters, the mystery itself and the solution, which just sort of happens but is still satisfying. The story stands the test of time and was an excellent cozy mystery. (4 stars)"

5. The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1921). This is Christie's first novel and the intro do Hercule Poirot.

"The first Agatha Christie novel, it introduces her famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. It's been many years since I've read an Agatha Christie mystery, although I've seen many Christie mysteries on TV and at the movies. It was extremely enjoyable to reintroduce myself to her stories. There was humor and an interesting story. As per normal, there many twists and turns, many suspects and an ultimately satisfying conclusion. I will definitely be reading more of her mysteries. (4 stars)"

6. The Clocks (1963).

"I am so glad that I started exploring Agatha Christie a few years ago. She is such a great writer. The Clocks is #37 in her Hercule Poirot series. I enjoyed this mystery very much.

Poirot basically plays a very small role in this particular story. The story focuses on Colin Lamb, a British spy, and son of a friend of Poirot (indications are it might be Superintendent Battle) and Detective Inspector Hardcastle, Lamb's friend and the main investigator. Poirot is invited to assist by Lamb, as he feels Poirot is bored with his life. Poirot for the most part provides questions and information but from the comfort of his apartment.

Sheila Webb works for a typing agency and she is sent (after being asked for by name) to provide typing services for Miss Pebmarsh, a blind woman. What she finds when she arrives at Miss Pebmarsh's house instead is the dead body of a man. Miss Pebmarsh arrives shortly after and Sheila runs from the home screaming, crashing into Colin Lamb, who is wandering up and down the street looking for a specific house. This brings along DI Hardcastle. 

It turns out that the body is unidentifiable and that Miss Pebmarsh didn't ask for secretarial assistance. Lamb and Hardcastle investigate. Lamb also is looking for an enemy spy and his investigation might cross into the murder investigation. Lamb continues to provide information to Poirot and also travels to the continent as part of his spy investigation. There are many interesting aspects to the investigation, especially the 4 additional clocks that sit on the mantlepiece in Miss Pebmarsh's house. 

It's a nice, light, interesting mystery. The characters are all well created, especially Lamb and Hardcastle and the possible suspects are all entertaining. For some reason, I found this story particularly clear and logically formatted. It moves along smoothly step by step to the end, when Monsieur Poirot comes in to provide the links for the solution. I also enjoyed the portion where Poirot, who has taken up reading mysteries to ease his boredom, provides an analysis of various other mysteries, especially some that I've read. One of the most enjoyable I've read so far. (4.5 stars)"

7. The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, and a Selection of Entrées (1960).

"An entertaining collection of short stories, with all but one featuring Hercule Poirot. The final story, Greenshaw's Folly is a Miss Marple story. I recognized the basic plots of some from the TV series but the stories and results were for the most part nice and fresh. Every story was enjoyable. I liked the investigations and the solutions. It's been so nice to get into Christie's works and mysteries. I don't know why I didn't sooner. If you want a nice quick, enjoyable selection of mysteries, this is the book for you. (3 stars)"

8. Peril at End House (1932).

"Finishing off 2014 with a couple of Agatha Christie mysteries. Peril at End House was originally published in 1931 and features super sleuth Hercule Poirot. In this story, Poirot is living a retired life, spending some time on the coast with his friend Hastings who has returned from Argentina. He becomes involved in a case of attempted murder of a young woman, Miss Nick Buckley, and is frustrated trying to solve the case and keep her alive. All of the suspects seem innocent and Poirot even begins to doubt his own abilities. Has retirement made him rusty? Is he getting too old? An interesting story and an interesting case. I've enjoyed getting back into Agatha Christie's writing in 2014. (4 stars)"

9. The Secret Adversary (1922). This was the first book in the Tommy and Tuppence series.

"The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie is the first book utilizing the wonderful detective skills of Tommy and Tuppence, who eventually appeared in 4 of Christie's novels. In The Secret Adversary Tommy and Tuppence meet by chance, both looking for work and struggling to make ends meet. They decide to form up an agency, The Young Adventurers and put an ad in the newspaper. Surprisingly they get a job, trying to find a young American woman. This woman survived the sinking of the Lusitania and was supposedly carrying important documents, which if they fell into the hands of the enemy, might destroy the fabric of society of Britain. The woman is also being hunted by the mysterious, super spy, Mr. Brown. The story is a race against time, with many suspects as Tommy and Tuppence must use their wits to solve the mystery and fine the woman and the document. I've seen the TV series starring Jessica Raine and David Walliams as the intrepid duo. There are differences between the book and the series but both were enjoyable, entertaining mysteries/ adventures. Agatha Christie never disappoints. (3 stars)"

10.  The Man in the Brown Suit (1924).

"The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie is one of those without either of Christie's famous sleuths, Marple or Poirot. Instead the hero is one Anne Bedingfield. She spent her early life with her father, basically a secretary helping him with his anthropological work.

Anne, during a visit to London after the death of her father, is on hand to observe the death of a man in the subway. Was it murder, suicide, an accident? She discovers a piece of paper in his pocket, which leads her to what she thinks might be a related death at a house near London.

These events begin to involve Anne in a series of events, attempts on her life, etc and a journey to South Africa. Intrepid and seeking adventure, she searches for the mysterious Colonel, finds herself in the company of Colonel Race (Is he Secret Service?) Suzanne, wife of a British civil servant, Sir Eustace, a somewhat lazy rich Englishman on his way to deliver secret documents to the South African government, and the Man in the Brown Suit (is he a murderer or a spy or can she trust him?)

There is romance, adventure, fun and games, stolen diamonds, intrigue and a darn good mystery with, for me at least, a nicely satisfying and surprising ending. I really liked Anne Bedingfield and Suzanne, strong, spunky, independent women and I liked the story a lot. I keep discovering that Agatha Christie does not disappoint. (4 stars)"

11. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926). If I recall, this was the book that made me stop reading Agatha Christie's stories originally, but I might be wrong. Having read it for a second time, I admit it... I was wrong!

"I don't want to say too much about this story as I don't want to ruin a surprising, excellent ending. Suffice it to say that Hercule Poirot is once again, superb. He leads you on an excellent journey as he gathers facts, drops clues and ultimately satisfyingly solves a very interesting mystery. I liked the characters, the story (comfort food for the mind) and the resolution. Nice to read a story that pleasantly surprised me.. (4 stars)"

and finally.....

12. The Murder at the Vicarage (1930). This is the first Miss Marple mystery.

"A most enjoyable introduction to the Miss Marple series of mysteries. I particularly enjoyed how the story was presented, with the Vicar being the story teller. Miss Marple is almost in the shadows, as the Vicar wanders around town on his own or with the police inspector, chatting with people, hearing the ideas and thoughts. Miss Marple is a watcher, a wise lady, who observes and figures things out. The Vicar meets with her regularly, discussing ideas, clues and gaining her insight. I loved the story, loved trying to figure things out (for the most part, unsuccessfully) and I loved the main characters, the Vicar and his lovely young wife, Griselda and Miss Marple especially. The story was fun and a pleasure to read. I was even happy with the ending, more than satisfied as Miss Marple presented her findings and solution. Loved it! (5 stars)"

There you go. As you can see from that sampling, Agatha Christie's stories are wide and varied and excellent. The complete listing of her works can be found at this link.

Take care!