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