Peril at End House

First Published: 1932

Setting: St Loo, Cornwall

Starring: Poirot, Hastings, Nick Buckley

Important Other People: Japp, Freddie, Commander Challenger

There are a lot of allusions in this story to some of Poirot's past successes (as well as to his one failure!) The number of references to The Mystery of the Blue Train make me wonder- was she trying to play up the book so we forgot how bad it was? Or maybe it was just to establish a frame of reference in Poirot's life so we know what he's been up to since his last book. Poirot also talks about himself; how he's "not a stage favorite who gives a dozen farewells." Such lies from Poirot.

Nick, as the central figure in the story, continually thought she knew better than Poirot. Although she often got the best of him or made him look foolish, she was never able to predict his reactions, and thus she could not really understand him and get the best of him.

One theme thoroughly explored in this book is that of motives. The main ones mentioned are: homicidal mania (which Poirot dismisses in pretty much every case), hate, temper, gain, jealousy, fear, and the crime passionnel. This is the fullest explanation we've been given so far about motives, and we'll have to watch out for more mention of it.

One thing I noticed: Hastings is always the one to give evidence at the inquest if they need someone; Poirot rarely gives evidence. Hasn't anyone become suspicious of this man who constantly is on the spot when there is a murder?? Has no one thought that Hastings might be a serial killer?? Just a thought.

Interesting facts: The book is dedicated to a friend who first really critiqued Agatha's writing and gave her constructive feedback. As to the story itself, she says, "Peril at End House was another of my books which left so little impression on my mind that I cannot even remember writing it. Possibly I had already thought out the plot some time previously, since this has always been a habit of mine..."

Favorite? Eh. Good twists, for sure. Reinforcement of the idea that we aren't supposed to trust anyone or take anything someone says as true.

Death by: shooting, cocaine overdose

Body Count: 2; Cumulative: 26

The Count: Poirot-6, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-4, Japp-3, Colonel Race-1, Superintendent Battle-2, George-1, Goby-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: The sleeping dog can be roused. Anything young is beautiful. There is always something to live for. Evil never goes unpunished, but sometimes it's secret(ly punished). How often the simple explanation is the true one.

Up Next: Thirteen at Dinner

Murder at Hazelmoor

First Published: 1931

Setting: Dartmoor

Starring: Emily Trefusis, Charles Enderby

Important Other People: Inspector Narracott, the Willetts, Major Burnaby

The main story behind the book, that of a man being killed and people miles away hearing about it through some sort of supernatural mischief, would not be nearly as entertaining and interesting if it wasn't for the introduction of Charles and Emily. One thing that really interests me about them is that neither or them is directly connected with the murdered man, but they both come together through an intricate series of events to sleuth this case together (early idea for Towards Zero, perhaps?)

There is also a lot of talk about character and how that impacts relationships. Emily, as a modern woman with strong character, loves her fiance, who has a weak character (and who is the worst, generally). She wants someone she can dominate, who she can exert her character upon. When she meets Charles, who is very similar to her, she is attracted to him, but hesitant to get involved. She wants someone she can take care of, which means that Charles can take care of himself and thus does not need her. So, I guess...everyone likes to feel needed. Thanks, Agatha!

Interesting facts: First use of the supernatural subplot. Has been cited for its similarities to The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is even mentioned by one of the characters.

Favorite? So-so. I like that it's independent (no Miss Marple or Poirot), and I really like the main characters.

Death by: cosh on the head

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 24

The Count: Poirot-5, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-3, Japp-2, Colonel Race-1, Superintendent Battle-2, George-1, Goby-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: It's what you don't expect that happens. Brothers seldom approve of their sister's marriages. A strong-willed woman wants a weak man (to boss around?) One can, if one has the determination, always get something out of life. Never show enthusiasm about one's work. A man who can't drink isn't a man at all. Never part with information unnecessarily. No really strong man needs a woman.

Up Next: Peril at End House

Day 11- The Murder at the Vicarage

First Published: 1930

Setting: St. Mary Mead

Starring: Miss Marple, the Vicar

Important Other People: Dr. Haydock, the Protheroes, Lawrence Redding, Melchett, Slack

One interesting thing about the plot that has not yet been a factor: there is a small and rigid time limit for the murder that is based on the evidence of several witnesses. There are very few people who could have possibly committed the murder, but the police still need to find evidence in order to find the criminal- the statements witnesses make are sometimes untrue, and thus misleading. It takes Miss Marple, and her staunch distrust of anything she doesn't know for herself to be a fact, to find the truth.

Theme in the book: If a thing reminds you of something else, it's probably the same kind of thing. This, of course, comes from Miss Marple, and makes sense inherently, although oftentimes her connections are way over my head.

Throughout the book we hear about the fact that ever since the War, there has been a loosening of moral fiber. This book is the first (in my opinion) in which Agatha gives us an example of that (the affair). After this book, we get more scandals, and of course some that are decidedly more scandalous, but this book is the first portrayal of that aspect of the changing society.

Agatha's own opinion of Miss Marple: "One thing she did have in common with [her grandmother]- though a cheerful person, she always expected the worst of everyone and everything, and was, with almost frightening accuracy, usually proved right...There was no unkindness in Miss Marple, she just did not trust people...Miss Marple was born at the age of sixty-five to seventy-which, as with Poirot, proved unfortunate, because she was going to have to last a long time in my life. If I had had any second sight, I would have provided myself with a precocious schoolboy as my first detective; then he could have grown old with me."

Interesting facts: First appearance of Miss Marple. Also, the version of the book that I read was published in 1930, so that's pretty awesome.

Favorite? No, but I like it because it introduces Miss Marple, who is at her spiciest in this book, and because it gives us the picture of typical English village life...clouded by murder, of course. From Agatha, "I am not so pleased with it as I was at the time. It has, I think, far too many characters, and too many subplots" (which is so true).

Death by: shooting

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 24

The Count: Poirot-5, Miss. Marple-1, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-3, Japp-2, Colonel Race-1, Superintendent Battle-2, George-1, Goby-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: Marriage is a serious affair (tell that to the ex). The worst is usually true. Inestimable harm may be done by gossip (foreshadowing to The Moving Finger, perhaps?) Better to let things develop on their own. One can never be quite sure about anyone. If a thing reminds you of something else, it's probably the same kind of thing. In the case of an irate middle aged lady, one thing can be done- listen to her. A refined lady is naturally unaquainted with bad language. Most men are out for their own hand. What is past is past and cannot be undone. One's own troubles sharpen one's eyes sometimes. Zeal can't really take the place of brains (Slack). Clever young men know so little of life. Life is very much the same everywhere. No one can fail to be interested in a murder. We all like to be liked. And the best: The young people think the old people are fools- but the old people know the young people are fools.

Up Next: Murder at Hazelmoor

Day 10- The Seven Dials Mystery

First Published: 1929

Setting: England

Starring: Bundle, Battle

Important Other People: Bill, Melrose, Lord Caterham

Agatha uses The Seven Dials Mystery to mock the luxurious working life of the upper class- they all seem to have "jobs," but they are able to ditch them at a moment's notice to go chasing secret societies and whatnot. Agatha perhaps felt some scorn towards the upper class at their leisure and need to save face. People throughout the book are just tooling around, relying on their titles to get by.

Bundle's former footman from Chimneys, Alfred, must be a distant relative of Tommy and Tuppence's Albert. Although not as cool at all.

It's hard to read the word "alarum" over and over without pronouncing it like that in your head. Apparently, that's the Shakespearean spelling of the word.

I love Lord Caterham. He really makes the book so much better. I'm sad he doesn't appear in any of Agatha's future books.

Interesting facts: Sequel to Chimneys, though not as well liked by critics.

Favorite? Not really. I like Bundle, though, and I am glad she finds happiness in the end!

Death by: chloral, shooting

Body Count: 2; Cumulative: 23

The Count: Poirot-5, Miss. Marple-0, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-3, Japp-2, Colonel Race-1, Superintendent Battle-2, George-1, Goby-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: People must die somewhere. Nobody tells everything. Unfortunate love affairs are highly beneficial to young girls- makes them take their lives seriously. In this life, one never stops learning. Gentlemen who have no sense of humor get to taking themselves too seriously, which leads to mischief. Your children can make life damned unpleasant if you don't give in to them in every way (talking about Rosalind, perhaps?) Never say too much. "What a fatal thing it is to pretend to take an interest in a man's pet subject." Different kinds of danger suit different kinds of people. My personal favorite, from Lord Caterham, "Every child should be brought up to be ambidextrous."

Up Next: The Murder at the Vicarage

The Mystery of the Blue Train- Day 9

First Published: 1928

Setting: Riviera, St. Mary Mead

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Katherine Grey

Important Other People: the Marquis, Van Aldin, Knighton, Comte de la Roche

Agatha had just gotten divorced from her husband. This book sucks as a result. In it, we can see a lot of lessons she seemed to learn from her experience, as well as little jibes she might be giving to her ex-husband. She touts divorce as giving up, which is apparent in all the dealings between Ruth and Derek as they try to work out their situation. There is a lot of talk of rats deserting a sinking ship- which is an obvious allusion to her marriage and how she did not wish to desert it. (Definite flashes of her first husband in Derek, although I don't think Agatha ever saw herself in her portrayal of Ruth).

I don't like this book because it is ridiculously complicated and everyone has crazy names (The Marquis? Comte de la Roche? I don't even know what those names mean). There's the whole subplot about the jewel and the Greeks, and it getting stolen but it was only paste and blah blah blah. I feel bad for Agatha during this time in her life, but I like to think the humor she got out of how much she hated this book helped her through.

One question, though: Can you still send telegrams?

Interesting facts: The first appearance of George! Japp is mentioned, and it's the first appearance of the enigmatic Goby!

Favorite? NO. Least favorite, actually, and Agatha quite agrees with me. She says, "I have always hated The Mystery of the Blue Train, but I got it written...it sold just as well as my last book had done. So I had to content myself with that- though I cannot say I have ever been proud of it." She also says it is the only book she thought was really bad and maybe should not have published it. She adds, "Each time I read it again, I think it commonplace, full of cliches, with an uninteresting plot." Cliches it may have, but they are still rather informative as to her state of mind at the time.

Death by: Strangulation (Ruth)

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 21

The Count: Poirot-5, Miss. Marple-0, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-3, Japp-2, Colonel Race-1, Superintendent Battle-1, George-1, Goby-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: You can't bear to let go- there are times when it's the only way. The world is extraordinarily alike everywhere. Hearts are pretty tough. All one wants, one gets. Things get found out by coincidence. Rats desert a sinking ship. It is well to be off with the old love before being on with the new love. Moral worth is not romantic but is appreciated by widows. A good man may be ruined by his love for a bad woman (and vice versa). To make a success of humanity, we must profit by the lessons of those below us in the animal kingdom. 3 things can't be hurried: le bon Dieu, nature, and old people. When a man is really in love he can't help looking like a sheep. Women should be calm, sympathetic, and a good cook. And my two favorites: Life is like a train- it goes on. A mirror shows the truth, but everyone stands in a different place and looks in.

Up Next: The Seven Dials Mystery

The Big Four- Day 8

First Published: 1927

Setting: England, Paris, Belgium, Italy

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Hastings

Important Other People: Japp, Countess Vera Rosakoff, The Big Four, Achille Poirot

One thing I do appreciate about this particular book is that, because it is a novel about spies, secret societies, and an international mystery, there should be plenty of dead bodies lying around. Many accidents are mentioned (like the submarines sinking), so we know that the Big Four is at work outside of what we read, but Hercule and Hastings also become directly involved in a number of deaths. I count 11 for sure deaths in this book- the most, I think, of any of her novels.

One main annoyance: Poirot goes on about what a wonderful actor Number Four must be that he is able to assume all of these different characters. We see him as an asylum worker, a butcher, a doctor, a manservant, a chess master, and idiot son, a man who plays with salt on Hastings' plate, and a tourist. Out of all of these different disguises, I find it hard to believe that there are barely any similarities Poirot and Hastings notice about the man (aside from the one tell). His appearance is said to be medium and fair, which means it's easy for him to change what he looks like, but I can't imagine there are no physical features that they can recognize about him.

At the end of the adventure, Poirot tells Hastings that he will retire now that he has solved this most illustrious case, and that he will go grow vegetable marrows in the country (a vegetable marrow, by the way, is a squash). Something is out of sequence here then, since he went and grew marrows in Roger Ackroyd.

Interesting facts: This book came out right after Agatha's husband had ditched her for another woman, her mother had passed away, and she had mysteriously disappeared for a few days. So, a rough time in her life, but she still made it through!

Favorite? So-so. It is entirely different from almost all of her other books- international intrigue abounds.

Death by: Prussic acid (Mayerling), Stabbing (Whalley, Ingles' servant), Poison (Paynter), Electrocution (Wilson), Run over (Flossie), Drowning (Ingles), Explosions (The Big Four)

Body Count: 11 (that we know of for sure); Cumulative: 20

The Count: Poirot-4, Miss. Marple-0, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-3, Japp-2, Colonel Race-1, Superintendent Battle-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: What you think is always so important to yourself (Poirot to Hastings). One must not permit oneself to be obsessed by one idea. Forecast the probable result of the deal. If one is prepared in advance all is simple. It is the greatest mistake to underestimate your adversary. A man who keeps calm has always a great advantage. Everyone has his price.

Up Next: The Mystery of the Blue Train

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd- Day 7

First Published: 1926

Setting: King's Abbot, England

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Dr. James Sheppard

Important Other People: Caroline Sheppard, Inspector Raglan, Ralph Paton, various Ackroyds

First and foremost, this book totally changed the way detective stories are written and reinforced the idea that we should always suspect everybody. It is completely unnecessary for me to say that Agatha was ahead of her time and is an absolute genius, but then again, I just said that. And now we all know it's true.

Weakness of character is the major theme throughout the book. We see weakness as a motive for the actions of many people- the one who stole the money, the marriages and engagements that abound, and of course, the blackmail and murder that occur. Weakness tends to be the downfall of most of the people in King's Abbot, and it takes the genius of Poirot to unravel the various ways this trait shows in different individuals throughout this story. The one person whose weakness is never explicitly mentioned in Caroline's. Her particular weakness lies in her fierce loyalty and compassion for her brother. Because of this weakness where he is concerned, she is often blinded to some of his actions and decisions. Thus, she never confronts him about some of the curious points in the narrative that he glosses over or chooses not to focus on. He says at the end of the book that he feared her the entire time and that it is curious she did not guess what actually happened. In fact, it is not curious at all, once we recognize that she chose not to draw the (obscurely) obvious conclusions regarding James because she could not allow herself to attribute these actions to him. Thus, weakness once again becomes a character flaw for nearly everyone in the village. Her not jumping to conclusions where the murderer is concerned is completely uncharacteristic- meaning that it is done deliberately, albeit unconsciously. I also am confused when he says that she will never know what happened. The truth will have to come out at the end, won't it?

There is much talk about Caroline as the inspiration for Miss Marple. I would like to first share what Agatha has to say on that point: "I think it is possible that Miss Marple arose from the pleasure I had taken in portraying Dr. Sheppard's sister...she had been my favorite character in the book- an acidulated spinster, full of curiosity, knowing everything, hearing everything: the complete detective service in the home." She says it is possible. I believe that she only got that idea once people starting saying it, because really, they are extremely dissimilar. I've already talked about Caroline's weakness. That characteristic is not at all apparent in Miss Marple. She's much too elderly and badass. More realistically though, Caroline is known throughout the village as a gossip and someone who jumps to conclusions that are usually correct. Miss Marple is not a gossip- she is a seer. She knows everything, plain and simple, and doesn't need to jump to conclusions because she already knows the facts. Also, Caroline seems much more sprightly and dependent on others (what would she do without James in her life?), while Miss Marple is OLD and can take care of herself very well, thank you.

One last thing: it all depends on what is sufficient to break a man. The whole story is about relativity.

Interesting facts: Colonel Melrose is in this book as well. Superintendent Hayes makes a brief appearance. Japp is mentioned again!

Favorite? For sure. Of Agatha as well. She should be proud of herself, seeing as it completely rewrote the typical detective story.

Death by: Veronal (suicide x 2), Stabbing

Body Count: 3; Cumulative: 9

The Count: Poirot-3, Miss. Marple-0, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-2, Japp-1, Colonel Race-1, Superintendent Battle-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: All the troubles in the world can be put down to money- or the lack of it. Many crimes have been committed for the sake of less than 500 pounds- it all depends on what is sufficient to break a man. "Never worry about what you say to a man. They're so conceited they never believe you mean it if it's unflattering." And lastly, and most importantly... Everyone always has something to hide.

Up Next: The Big Four

The Secret of Chimneys- Day 6

First Published: 1925

Setting: England

Starring: Anthony Cade, Battle, Virginia Revel

Important Other People: Bill Eversleigh, Bundle Brent, Lord Caterham

The most important part of The Secret of Chimneys has got to be the narrative tone it is written in and the implications that it creates. It is written in a much more personal manner than any of her other novels, and it leads us directly to her next novel- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Key point- never trust the narrator! (more to come with the next novel!) Anthony Cade only tells us what he wants to tell us, even though the book is not written in first person. Pay close attention to the language he uses when Boris attaches himself to Cade. I think that Agatha got her idea for Ackroyd at that moment- it's definitely telling.

Another thing mentioned in this book that comes to play in the next novel is the idea of settling down and growing vegetable marrows. Anthony mentions it as a possible 'next step' for him, although we later find that his talents lie in a completely separate direction.

The idea of a fat, yellow face as wealth. I don't know where this came from or what it really means, but it is for sure a huge theme with Agatha. She continually mentions it throughout her books.

The idea that the police are stupid is also made clear in this book, although it is Battle himself who says so. We then read that detective stories are mostly bunkum. It seems as though Agatha is intent on creating a detective who is smarter than the police, can solve murders in a better way, and transcends the British police. Enter Hercule Poirot, who can do all of these things, and certainly with much more style. Touche, Agatha. Touche.

Interesting facts: Prequel to The Seven Dials Mystery. The Marquesses of Caterham might be made up, but there is a Chimneys Guest House in England. (the Chimneys in the book is modeled after Abney Hall in Chesire)

Favorite? No. Too confusing (even though in her autobiography she she says it's lighthearted and there's not a lot of plot planning required...false). Although the idea for the narrative is so important for her next book!

Death by: Gun Shots!

Body Count: 2; Cumulative: 6

The Count: Poirot-2, Miss. Marple-0, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-2, Japp-1, Colonel Race-1, Superintendent Battle-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: Men are polygamous (foreshadowing to her husband's philanderings??? I think so!) Regrets are vain. "Never display emotion." (thanks, Battle!) Detective stories are mostly bunkum (a bit self-reflective) Marriage is the biggest adventure. "One can always get anything one wants if one will pay the price" (recurring). Give a man plenty of rope to hang himself with. Nine times out of ten the price is compromise (in marriage).

Up Next: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

The Man in the Brown Suit- Day 5

First Published: 1924

Setting: Kilmorden Castle, South Africa, Rhodesia

Starring: Anne Beddingfield, Colonel Race, Harry Rayburn

Important Other People: Sir Eustace, Suzanne, Guy Pagett, the "Colonel"

The first thing I want to point out about Agatha and her career is that she was not just the elderly lady we see on the back of book covers or on her website. Agatha wrote books for over 50 years, and in that time period, she started out young and got older. I always picture her as an elderly woman writing her books, when in reality, she was young when she got started, and so was young when she wrote The Man in the Brown Suit. This explains the spirit of adventure apparent throughout the novel, as well as her identification with Anne and her passion regarding Harry. She was young, and she knew what it was to love passionately and to yearn for adventure.

One of the major themes of this book is the changing idea of womanhood and the new role that women played in the 1920s. Similar to The Secret Adversary, Agatha explores the new idea of women, modeling her heroine after this new ideal. Colonel Race talks about women as "weak things," which Anne explains is due to society's renderings, because in the beginning, they were equal. She explains how the archaeological record shows that women and men used to work together as equals before modernized society designated separate rolls for them. We see how Anne constantly goes against the idea society has for women as she strikes out on her own and continues to follow her heart and her dreams. We also see Suzanne as a direct opposite from her, cemented by her upper-class life and her trip to Africa as a whim. We also get the idea that marriage is a foolish notion that is used to tie women down and keep them in these preconceived roles. Anne fights that by marrying on her own terms and disregarding what is "best" for her.

Anne Beddingfield is Agatha's emulation of herself. She is young, free, and adventurous, and she loves madly. Agatha saw herself in Anne, but Anne has a greater degree of freedom and thus has more adventures than Agatha. Still, out of all of her characters, I really think she felt she was most like Anne. She even observes that "one always gets what one wants." Agatha wanted adventures, and she was able to get them in her life, but also, and most importantly, she was able to get them through her characterization of Anne. She also readily acknowledges that she is oftentimes foolish and childish in her actions and choices. Agatha is very self-reflective in her depiction of Anne, and we are able to see more of her personality in this book, than, I would venture to say, in any other.

Interesting facts: Agatha wrote this story after going on a world tour with her husband and their friend- who happened to be the inspiration for Sir Eustace (see the dedication!)

Favorite? One of them because I do love Anne, even though her relationship with Harry is a little too intense for my liking...

Death by: Strangulation (Nadina). I will not count the man falling under the train, since it was technically an accident.

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 4

The Count: Poirot-2, Miss. Marple-0, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-2, Japp-1, Colonel Race-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: (So many in this book!) "Men will not be nice to you if you are not good-looking, and women will not be nice to you if you are." "It is good for one now and again to realize what an idiot one can be." The world is full of starving cats. A true lady is neither shocked nor surprised at anything that might happen. "Nothing a woman enjoys so much as doing all the things she doesn't like for the sake of someone she does like." Don't let your sense of humor carry you away. Rats always leave a sinking ship. And most importantly... Don't settle when you marry.

Up Next: The Secret of Chimneys

Murder on the Links- Day 4

First Published: 1923

Setting: Merlinville-sur-mer, France

Starring: Hercule Poirot, Arthur Hastings

Important Other People: Cinderella, The Renaulds, Giraud

Reading Agathas throughout my life, I had never really heard of Murder on the Links until I sought it out on my own. I didn't typically find it in bookstores or at tag sales; instead, I only found it at a used book store once I knew it existed. This is odd to me because it is such a good story and so unique in its plot. Also, Hastings finds his lady love in it! We always hear about his penchant for auburn hair and ladies in distress, and he is forever musing about how lovely different ladies he meets throughout the cases are, but here we actually meet his future wife! And no one ever talks about this book. I would like to point out one more thing about Hastings: we meet Giraud, who not only is the human foxhound whose methods Hastings finds better suited to his idea of what a detective should be, but he also has an auburn mustache and hair! Definitely not a coincidence.

The plot of this book is significantly different from most of her other books because Poirot reveals most of the truth halfway through the book. Usually, he saves all of his secrets till the end, dropping Hastings and the reader some hints that of course are too obscure for us to understand, and continually chastises Hastings (and us) about our lack of intelligence and our misuse of the little grey cells. Murder on the Links is different because, in order to fully develop Hastings and Cinderella's relationship and thus find the true murderer, almost all of the case is revealed halfway through. The only key point held back by Poirot is who the actual murderer is, which he needs to get evidence on anyways.

We also get Poirot's theory on motives in this book. In later books, he expands on his theory, but for now (in Agatha time), we just hear three motives:

1. Money

2. The crime passionnel

3. Mental derangement

Think back to all of the murders that have occurred so far throughout Agatha's books, and see if there are any motives that do not fall into one of these three categories (and usually into only the first 2). In later books, there are some, but Poirot expands on this theory later on and adds a few more. Only then do we see murders occurring for different motives.

Agatha also makes a point of stressing the modernized view of women in this book. Along with her depictions of Tuppence, we see Cinderella as a lower class girl who has to work to earn her living and is also willing to stand up for herself and her family no matter what. This image strays from the views of the time that showed women to be meek and feminine to the utmost degree.

Interesting facts: Japp is also briefly mentioned in this book! Also, we get to see the human foxhound in progress.

Favorite? Kind of. I love that Hastings finally finds his lady love (although she doesn't have auburn hair!)

Death by: Stabbing (Mr. Renauld). I will not count the epileptic fit of the tramp, or the bashed in hid of the murderer (or murderess???) since they fell.

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 3 (again, the natural deaths do not count, only the murders)

The Count: Poirot-2, Miss. Marple-0, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-2, Japp-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: "If a girl respects herself, it's up to her not to let herself get slack." (thanks, Cinderella!) Always look under the mats (good for housekeeping as well as life). Crimes are very much the same everywhere. You can't help who you fall in love with (probably the most realistic life lesson of the book)

Up Next: The Man in the Brown Suit

The Secret Adversary- Day 3

First Published: 1922

Setting: Mainly London

Starring: Tommy and Tuppence

Important Other People: Mr. Carter, Albert, Julius, Jane Finn

So the most noticeable aspect of The Secret Adversary that makes it different from Agatha's other novels are the chapter endings. Agatha wrote this book as a serialization for a newspaper. Thus, the chapters seem to be adventure after adventure, leaving the reader hanging so as to induce them to read the next installation. The endings seem a bit abrupt compared to her usual chapter endings, and there are also way more plot twists and turns than we might be used to in most of Hercule and Miss Marple's books. The serialization may also explain how things happen that are then explained afterwards, showing that she could not go back and change what she had already written.

Another thing that is really noticeable in this adventure (as well as some of her next novels) is the way that Agatha draws so much of the plot from events that were occurring at the time it was written. From the labor strikes (which still resonate today in some degree) to the Bolsheviks and the Red Scare in general to the talk of supplying the Irish with arms (hints of Roger Casement), Agatha makes good use of what was going on in the world, way more than usually happens in one of her murder mysteries.

Tommy and Tuppence novels are supposed to be different from Hercule and Miss Marple, but in later books, there are more and more similarities between the three. The Secret Adversary really stands out as truly unique, which makes sense as it is technically a different genre. Another thing I like about Tommy and Tuppence as heroes is that they age accordingly with when the books are written, as well as have lives in the meantime that develops them more as characters.

Interesting facts: Japp is briefly mentioned in this book, although I won't give him credit because he is hardly in it at all.

Favorite? Potentially. It's thrilling, and Tuppence is really a wonderful heroine. I also love the Jazz Age feel throughout the book- it's so lighthearted in the midst of the adventure that is going on.

Death by: Cyanide (Mr. Brown)

Body Count: 1; Cumulative: 2

The Count: Poirot-1, Miss. Marple-0, Tommy and Tuppence-1, Hastings-1, Japp-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: "Never tell all you know- not even to the person you know best" (direct quote). Trust with a grain of salt. Never underestimate your adversary. Come to develop true love through marriage (same as in Styles).

Up Next: The Murder on the Links

The Mysterious Affair at Styles- Day 2

First Published: 1920

Setting: Essex

Starring: Poirot, Hastings

Important Other People: John and Mary Cavendish

In The Mysterious Affair at Styles, we are introduced both to Hastings and to Poirot. The time period is after the first World War, during which Hastings had been injured and Poirot had fled to England from Belgium. We also find out that Hastings and Poirot knew each other even before this time period, and that Poirot "had been in his time one of the most celebrated members of the Belgian police." Meaning, of course, that Poirot is past his prime, which lets me know that in the 70s, when the last books are published, that Poirot is at least 50 years past his prime. But I don't really care about the timeline, since Poirot has some supernatural elements about him anyways.

Styles also introduces us to Enquire Within Upon Everything, a book that I wonder why is not in everyone's household these days. Regardless, it's on its way to being in my house so that I can learn all about how Victorians solved all their problems.

Agatha makes use of her extended knowledge of poisons to show how a murder can be successfully committed, although I don't understand why so many regular people know so much about strychnine. Everything I know about poisons I learned from Agatha, so I can't imagine that too many people know all about poisons. Maybe I'll get that knowledge from Enquire Within.

There is one thing about this book that bothers me very much. Why does Hastings consistently belittle Poirot's skills, only to reassert over and over again that he guesses he hasn't actually lost his touch? It's so annoying. Obviously Hercule never loses his touch and never will, but Hastings thinks he does over and over again. I know Hastings is supposed to be kind of an idiot, but come on. It gets old and this is only the first book.

Interesting facts: Poirot has Belgian roommates (where do they go after this book?) Japp's first name is Jimmy.

Favorite? Of me, no, but probably because it's not the first one I read. If it had been, I think I would have appreciated the plot twists more. BUT, it did ensure that I would have a nearly endless supply of books to read throughout my lifetime. Of Agatha, I think so.

Death by: Strychnine

Body Count: 1

The Count: Poirot-1, Miss. Marple-0, Tommy and Tuppence-0, Hastings-1, Japp-1

Agatha's Life Lessons: A tragedy can ignite or reignite true love. Don't propose to someone because you feel bad for them (cough, cough, Hastings). The obvious person is often the culprit, no matter how sneaky they are.

Up Next: The Secret Adversary

The Agatha Challenge- Day 1

I read a lot.

One of my favorite things to do is reread the same books over and over again. I've read The Tuesday Club Murders at least 15 times, which is slightly less than some of my other favorites (but non-Agathas).

I believe the first Agatha I ever read was The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. We have an old copy of that, one that's pseudo hard cover, but the cover is squishy. What's the name for that? I don't know.

Anyway, I loved it.

Since then, I have been compulsively reading and collecting Agathas to the point where we are not only on a first-name basis, but you can guarantee that no matter what else I'm reading, I'm also reading an Agatha.

I read about the Agatha Challenge a while ago on the internet, to read all of her novels in the order in which they were published. I have recently come into an abundance of free time, which means that I can dedicate even more of my life to the great Agatha Christie and her books.

First up, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, first published in 1920. Here we go.