For some reason, I was inspired to take on a quick re-read of Agatha Christie's The Thirteen Problems. The collection of short stories based loosely on Miss Marple's mystery solving adventures. I like Christie's main sleuth characters, Poirot and Marple, who are both fascinating in different ways. Of course, Suchet's turn as the famous Belgian sleuth does help!
In some ways, I'm sure my fascination with Bones, Criminal Minds and Monk may be traced to Christie. Anyway, part of that fascination surely has something to do with the fact that Christie wasn't exactly recommended reading though it was a lot more fun than thumbing through Thackeray.
Compared to the thriller /mystery books that I've read since those days, the plot twists may seem a little too simple. For critics with that view, all I can say is that doing simple is often the hardest thing. Not all crime and mysteries are headliners or hugely complex. Sometimes, the most horrific plots are silently and almost unobtrusively carried out amid the mundane routines of daily life. My favourite pieces in this collection are The Idol House of Astarte, Motive v. Opportunity, The Four Suspects and The Herb of Death. While there's some excitement in terms of the suggestion of the supernatural and the claustrophobic overhang of war time paranoia, it is the simple locked room mystery trope and the chillingly sharp look into human psychology on offer that provides the thrill.
Ok, so I'm mild when it comes to thrillers. For that reason I loved Clancy and Ludlum. And yes, I'd rather like a weekend of barbecue wings and Bourne movie marathon - if only life could be so easy huh?!
What created the meh : the character development of the Tuesday club members. Sorry, can't tell the difference between the doctor and the lawyer.
What puzzled: The plot development in The Bloodstained Pavement. Ok, so the image created a deep impression on the painter/artist but that was essentially a distraction.
What thrilled: The psychological insight offered by The Four Suspects and The Herb of Death
Re-reading rating: 4*
This comes from Yale news
The only thing better than a good murder mystery?
This comes from food love!
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