Other Notable Characters (Tommy and Tuppence, Battle, Race, etc.)

5. Sparkling Cyanide (Colonel Race)

Summary: Six people sit down to a sumptuous meal at a table laid for seven. In front of the empty place is a sprig of rosemary- “rosemary for remembrance.” A strange sentiment considering no one is likely to forget the night, exactly a year ago, that Rosemary Barton died at exactly the same table, her beautiful face unrecognizable, convulsed with pain and horror.

But then Rosemary had always been memorable—she had the ability to arouse strong passions in most people she met. In one case, strong enough to kill…

Review: This was one of the rare cases where Christie had multiple possible suspects, but it wasn’t overwhelming to have them all in the story. It was an enjoyable read, and it kept me guessing the entire time.

4. N or M (Tommy and Tuppence)

Summary: The final words of the dying man…the code names of Hitler’s most dangerous agents…the mysterious clue that sends Tommy and Tuppence to a seaside resort on a mission of wartime intelligence. But not as husband and wife. As strangers, meeting by chance, setting an elaborate trap for an elusive killer.

Review: While I usually don’t like mysteries that involve global cases or espionage, I definitely enjoyed the first half of this book. Tommy and Tuppence is a couple who has great chemistry, and when they work together on a crime, it makes the story much more enjoyable.

3. Towards Zero (Superintendent Battle)

Summary: An elderly widow is murdered at a clifftop seaside house…What is the connection between a failed suicide attempt, a wrongful accusation of theft against a schoolgirl, and the romantic life of a famous tennis player? To the casual observer, apparently nothing. But when a houseparty gathers at Gull’s Point, the seaside home of an elderly widow, earlier events come to a dramatic head. It’s all part of a carefully paid plan – for murder…

Review: This mystery was an enjoyable one because I felt all of the clues were laid out in an easy to understand way. The characters were believable, and I liked the overall plot of the story.

2. Murder is Easy (Superintendent Battle)

Summary: Luke Fitzwilliam does not believe Miss Pinkerton’s wild allegation that a multiple murderer is at work in the quiet English village of Wychwood and that her local doctor is next in line.

But within hours, Miss Pinkerton has been killed in a hit-and-run car accident. Mere coincidence? Luke is inclined to think so—until he reads in the Times of the unexpected demise of Wychwood’s Dr. Humbleby.…

Review: The title alone is enough to give the overall premise of the story, and it is a chilling thought. Luckily, we get to follow a surprisingly enjoyable new character and the romance that’s included is a good one for once. That combined with the actual mystery makes this an enjoyable read.

1. By the Pricking of My Thumbs (Tommy and Tuppence)

Summary: While visiting Tommy’s Aunt Ada at Sunny Ridge Nursing Home, Tuppence encounters some odd residents including Mrs. Lancaster who mystifies her with talk about “your poor child” and “something behind the fireplace”.

When Aunt Ada dies a few weeks later, she leaves Tommy and Tuppence a painting featuring a house, which Tuppence is sure she has seen before. This realization leads her on a dangerous adventure involving a missing tombstone, diamond smuggling and a horrible discovery of what Mrs. Lancaster was talking about.

Review: I love when stories can subvert expectations. In this case, whoever the killer is, they are an older person. That combined with the idea of witchcraft that surrounds the story and Tuppence being the main lead makes this a fun read.