Agatha Christie a trio-review saga

Everyone loves making resolutions & so does every reader! As one month of 2024 is down! Did you stick to your resolution?

Well, I tried! Mine was 3 books every month and Agatha Christie helped to kickstart. Her works are a great choice—they offer both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. This gave me an ick to write a little something about my reads ;)

Let's Start!

1. The Secret of Chimneys

So, this guy named Anthony Cade is like this cool adventurer who gets roped into some crazy stuff. His friend asks him to deliver some secret political papers to this fancy English estate called Chimneys. But when he gets there, things go haywire. Like, most of them!

First off, there's a murder at Chimneys. The dead guy turns out to be a fake – not who he claimed to be. Twist over a twist! And then there's this big fuss about stolen jewels called the "King Victor's Secret." Everybody's trying to get their hands on those gems. I'd want them too! Inflation, right?

As Anthony digs deeper, he finds out that everyone at Chimneys is keeping secrets. But don't we all do that? There's a dancer, Virginia, who's not as innocent as she seems, and this adventurer Prince Michael who's into some shady business. Anthony teams up with Inspector Battle to figure out who the killer is and what the deal is with these stolen jewels. It's like a puzzle where every person has their own hidden agenda, and they're all connected to some larger conspiracy.

Eventually, they unfold the mystery, expose the murderer, and uncover the plot behind the stolen jewels. It's got that classic Agatha Christie vibe – lots of twists, turns, and surprises. "The Secret of Chimneys" is basically a rollercoaster of a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Believe me when I say this you need to add this to your TBR!

2. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd 

This is a classic detective novel by Agatha Christie. The story revolves around the murder of wealthy widower Roger Ackroyd in the small English village of King's Abbot. The narrative is presented through the eyes of Dr. James Sheppard, who resides with his spinster sister Caroline in the village. The murder occurs in Ackroyd's study, and his death sets off a chain of events that involves Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective.

Dr. Sheppard serves as the narrator, and the novel follows Poirot's investigation as he questions the various residents of King's Abbot, uncovering secrets, hidden relationships, and motives along the way. The plot takes several unexpected twists, and the solution to the mystery is revealed in a manner that subverts traditional detective story conventions.

Agatha Christie's "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" is like the OG plot-twist queen of mysteries. Imagine a classic murder mystery with all the quintessential elements – a rich victim, a house full of suspects, and a brilliant detective. Now, toss in a twist that, back in the day, was groundbreaking. No spoilers, but it'll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about crime-solving.

What's impressive is how Christie plays with your expectations. The narrative style, using Dr. Sheppard as the narrator, adds a layer of intrigue, and you're led down a path that suddenly takes a sharp turn. The resolution is like a literary mic drop that probably had people in the 1920s gasping.

Sure, it's a bit dated in terms of language and societal norms, but the brilliance of the plot stands the test of time. If you're into mysteries, this one is a must-read. It's not just a whodunit; it's a how-the-heck-did-she-pull-that-off, and that's what makes it a classic. I was introduced to this in undergrad & had to re-read this one! More like actually read this one ;) Because I'll be honest most of the time we literature students forget to enjoy the very essence of reading while jotting notes. Not this time for me!    

3. Crooked House

Crooked House is a psychological thriller and detective novel by Agatha Christie. The story is narrated by Charles Hayward, who falls in love with Sophia Leonides, the granddaughter of Aristide Leonides, a wealthy and eccentric Greek businessman. The two plan to marry, but their plans are disrupted when Aristide is poisoned in his mansion, known as the "Crooked House."

Charles, who works as a private investigator, is urged by Sophia to investigate her grandfather's murder. As he delves into the lives of the Leonides family, he discovers a web of secrets, conflicts, and hidden motives. The suspects include family members, each with their own reasons for wanting Aristide dead. The plot takes unexpected turns as Charles races against time to uncover the truth behind the murder.

Agatha Christie's "Crooked House" is a gripping rollercoaster of a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Forget about the usual detective tropes; this one is a psychological puzzle that messes with your head in the best possible way.

The setting in the peculiar "Crooked House" adds a layer of eerie charm to the story. The characters, each with their quirks and flaws, make you suspicious of everyone. It's like a classic whodunit turned upside down – just when you think you've got it figured out, Christie throws another curveball.

The narrative is sharp, and the pacing is on point. Christie's ability to create an atmosphere of suspense and keep you hooked is masterful. Plus, the resolution is the kind that leaves you nodding in appreciation – you might not see it coming, but it fits together perfectly.

This book doesn't follow the usual formula, "Crooked House" is a gem. It's a testament to why Agatha Christie is the queen of crime fiction, and this one is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good psychological puzzle.