Publication
HarperAudio (2022)
Original publication date
2022-01-04
Collections
Description
"[We] can't get enough of Christie's plush and murderous thrills." -Entertainment Weekly From the Queen of Mystery-this all-new collection of stories about love gone horribly wrong will get your heart racing. Love can propel us to our greatest heights . . . and darkest depths. In this new compendium of Agatha Christie short stories, witness the dark side of love-crimes of passion, games of the heart, and deadly deceits. This pulse-pounding compendium features beloved detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, master of charades Parker Pyne, the enigmatic Harley Quin, and the adventurous Tommy and Tuppence, all at the ready to solve tantalizing mysteries. In "The Face of Helen," a night at the Royal Opera could reach a fatal crescendo for a woman caught in a dicey love triangle; "Finessing the King" delivers a curious ad in the personals that could mask sinister intentions; who's in danger of getting stung in "Wasps' Nest" depends on rounding up suspects and solving a murder-before it even happens. These are just a few of the tales in this collection featuring essential reading that Christie fans old and new will simply love to death.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member TomDonaghey
A Deadly Affair (2022) by Agatha Christie. The subtitle to this collection is ‘Unexpected Love Stories From The Queen Of Mystery.’ This is a new collection of old stories that, in some cases, have been included in collections before, while others appear to be gathered together for the first
Either way it is always nice to read a Christie story, even if you’ve read it before. The usual cast of detectives is represented herein. Poirot and Marple, Tommy & Tuppence all appear in stories that range from marvelous to, well, to be honest, a bit boring. The impossible Mr. Quin and his Watson, the perfect foil, Mr. Satterthwaite, have a nice little outing while Mr. Parker Pyne solves a troubling problem for a too rich, too bored woman.
The connecting feature is love in some form or another. There is murder and treachery, love triangles and unrequited loves and many other forms of adoration. You might think that Dame Agatha isn’t well known for romance, but it seems every novel she wrote simply teemed with the stuff.
You may find your own personal clunker here but the great far outweighs the slights. A nice addition to your collection.
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time in book form. These others are tales collected from the various magazines that, in the 1920s and 30s, published her stories.Either way it is always nice to read a Christie story, even if you’ve read it before. The usual cast of detectives is represented herein. Poirot and Marple, Tommy & Tuppence all appear in stories that range from marvelous to, well, to be honest, a bit boring. The impossible Mr. Quin and his Watson, the perfect foil, Mr. Satterthwaite, have a nice little outing while Mr. Parker Pyne solves a troubling problem for a too rich, too bored woman.
The connecting feature is love in some form or another. There is murder and treachery, love triangles and unrequited loves and many other forms of adoration. You might think that Dame Agatha isn’t well known for romance, but it seems every novel she wrote simply teemed with the stuff.
You may find your own personal clunker here but the great far outweighs the slights. A nice addition to your collection.
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LibraryThing member Twink
Agatha Christie's mysteries are classics. I've read them all and watched the television and film versions at some point. But what I hadn't done was listen to them until Harper Audio started to release a number of Christie collections in audio format. One of the latest - A Deadly Affair, is a
I've quite embraced short story collections on audio. Purists might listen in order of presentation, but I tend to pick and choose based on the length of the story and what time I have available.
This collection features a number of Christie's beloved and well known characters including Poirot (my favorite!), Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence as well as some lesser known, such as Parker Pyne and Harley Quin. Fourteen stories in total. And what a treat to find the last entry was Christie's own love life.
Each character brings a different style, tone and method to their crime solving skills. And it makes you realize truly how brilliant Christie was with her writing. I enjoyed each tale as they were all so different. But, what they all have in common is crime.
The narrators were David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Joan Hickson and Judith Boyd. These are the original actors who portrayed the iconic characters of Poirot, Hastings and Miss Marple on television. That familiarity was wonderful and I had mental images of each character while listening. I did have to adjust the speed on Hickson's stories due to her accent and rapid fire delivery. Easily done. Other than that, everything was spot on!
A must for Christie fans and a great introduction for new readers/listeners.
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collection of 'Unexpected Love Stories from the Queen of Mystery'.I've quite embraced short story collections on audio. Purists might listen in order of presentation, but I tend to pick and choose based on the length of the story and what time I have available.
This collection features a number of Christie's beloved and well known characters including Poirot (my favorite!), Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence as well as some lesser known, such as Parker Pyne and Harley Quin. Fourteen stories in total. And what a treat to find the last entry was Christie's own love life.
Each character brings a different style, tone and method to their crime solving skills. And it makes you realize truly how brilliant Christie was with her writing. I enjoyed each tale as they were all so different. But, what they all have in common is crime.
The narrators were David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Joan Hickson and Judith Boyd. These are the original actors who portrayed the iconic characters of Poirot, Hastings and Miss Marple on television. That familiarity was wonderful and I had mental images of each character while listening. I did have to adjust the speed on Hickson's stories due to her accent and rapid fire delivery. Easily done. Other than that, everything was spot on!
A must for Christie fans and a great introduction for new readers/listeners.
Show Less
LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Gratifying Agatha collection!
Lively collection of short stories from the Queen of Crime centered around the theme of love—in families, between partners, lovers and spouses. Some old favourites and new faces.
Favourites like Poirot and Hastings, Jane Marple, Tuppence and Tommy Beresford.
New faces
Tuppence and Tommy Beresford out practicing their detective skills at the Three Arts Ball and the Art of Spades, a speakeasy in Chelsea, find more than they bargained for.
This collection speaks! A most pleasing Agatha anthology!
A William Morrow and Custom House ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
Lively collection of short stories from the Queen of Crime centered around the theme of love—in families, between partners, lovers and spouses. Some old favourites and new faces.
Favourites like Poirot and Hastings, Jane Marple, Tuppence and Tommy Beresford.
New faces
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for me included the two quiet amateur sleuths the social butterfly Mr. Satterthwaite, and the more effacing Mr. Quinn. “The Face of Helen” includes a beautiful young woman they spy at the opera, “There were, [Mr Satterthwaite] knew, such faces in the world—faces that made history…[a face] of sheer beauty” For the first time Mr. Satterthwaite realizes “the meaning of the words”… “a face that launched a thousand ships.” Tension between the young woman and two men inside the opera and a fight outside has Mr. Satterthwaite lending a hand and subsequently following a “trail of tragedy and violence Gillian West has [innocently] left in her wake.” A sombre note rings true.Tuppence and Tommy Beresford out practicing their detective skills at the Three Arts Ball and the Art of Spades, a speakeasy in Chelsea, find more than they bargained for.
This collection speaks! A most pleasing Agatha anthology!
A William Morrow and Custom House ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
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LibraryThing member WhiskeyintheJar
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“A Venus,” he said softly. “So he was struck down by Venus.”
-The Love Detectives
A Deadly Affair is a collection of short stories, around 20 pages each,
(Some of the titles have been changed from their original for this collection)
King of Clubs 4 stars
“[...] Zara's last words to Valerie were: 'Beware the king of clubs. Danger threatens you!' [...]”
The first story starts us off with, perhaps, Christie's most known character, Poirot. With Hastings, they are solving a murder that involves family bonds, a fortune teller, and secret identities. I thought the mystery was strong and enjoyed all the clues.
The Face of Helen 5 stars
He felt a sudden strange sense of exultation, as though he were caught up and made part of a shimmering pattern of events. He was in this thing---whatever it was. He knew now what Mr. Quin had meant that evening at the Opera. There was a drama going on, and in it was a part, an important part for Mr. Satterthwaite. He must not fail to take his cue and speak his lines.
My favorite of the collection that has Mr. Satterthwaite (and the reader) putting clues together to try and stop a murder. It's full of jealousy and intrigue.
Death On the Nile 2 stars
“I want to know whether or not my husband is poisoning me.”
With no connection to Christie's novel of the same title, this has Mr. Parker Pyne trying to suss out intents, motivations, and actions. This was my least favorite as it had too many characters for the shorter page count and moved too fast for the reader to sit and enjoy.
Death by Drowning 4 stars
“Sir Henry---this girl---Rose Emmott. She did not drown herself---she was murdered...And I know who murdered her.”
This time it's Miss Marple knowing who did the murder but not having the evidence, which is left to Sir Henry Cithering, a retired Commissioner of Scotland Yard. The reader doesn't know who Miss Marple suspects but has fun watching (reading) Sir Henry workout the hows and whys of who Miss Marple told him.
The Double Clue 4 stars
“My rubies, Monsieur Poirot, and the emerald necklace said to have belonged to Catherine de' Medici. Oh, the emerald necklace!”
A collector has a tea party with some friends, only to find out that someone has stolen an emerald necklace. This was a good little mystery but what really stood out was the character of the Russian Countess Vera Rossakoff and her chemistry with Poirot. I really hope Christie had them meeting and going head-to-head again in another work.
Finessing the King 3 stars
“And what about its being necessary to finesse the King?”
“Well, that's what I thought we'd find out.”
This had the married couple of Tommy and Tuppence Blunt of the International Detective Agency, Blunt's Brilliant Detectives following Tuppence's suspension and curiosity and winding up solving a murder. This one, again, had jealousy and murder and an ending that will shock.
Fruitful Sunday 2 stars
“The price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies.”
Probably the least fun, lacking the most charm of the collection with a more cynical vibe. This follows a couple on a date, a story of stolen rubies, and a test of virtue.
Wasp's Nest 4.5 stars
At last, he said: “But I have heard of no murder.”
“No,” said Poirot, “you would not have heard of it.”
“Who has been murdered?”
“As yet,” said Hercule Poirot, “nobody.”
A story of twists and turns, jilted loves, and death sentences. Poirot shows once again how far ahead of the game he is as readers, and would be murderers, play catch up.
The Case of the Caretaker 3 stars
“But why a puzzle?” asked Miss Marple.
Doctor Haydock grinned. “Because the interpretation is up to you. I want to see if you're as clever as you always make out.”
Our beloved Miss Marple has a touch of depression while getting over the flu and her doctor decides to give her a murder mystery to read and try to work out. This was a fun one because readers get all the information as Miss Marple and can try to work out the mystery for themselves and see if they come up with the same answers as Miss Marple.
The Man in the Mist 2.5 stars
For the curtain of mist in front of them suddenly parted in the most artificial manner, and there, not twenty feet away, a gigantic policeman suddenly appeared, as though materialised out of the fog.
Tuppence and Tommy are back to remind readers that clues abound and no detail is too insignificant. This had more of a trailed off ending that didn't feel as complete as the others.
The Case of the Rich Woman 3 stars
“[...] “It will be difficult, but I believe there is a chance of success. I think it's possible I can give you back what you have lost---your interest in life.”
A rich woman with a case of ennui, Mr. Parker Pyne playing the part of therapist, and possible soul switching. This short story is in a different vein of the mysteries, no murder, but still has the reader working to catch up with the questions and answers.
Magnolia Blossom 3.3 stars
After the first, they had not even dared look at each other. Well, that was that, the end.
The most melancholy of the group, with the time period setting of the stock markets crashes and love, betrayal, honor, and no one winning.
The Love Detectives 3 stars
“No,” he cried. “No, I should have known better! There is no chance where you are concerned, Mr. Quin. It was not an accident that we all met tonight at the crossroads.”
The last short story reunites Mr. Satterthwaite and Christie's, seemingly, instrument of fate, Mr. Harley Quin. Here we have two confessions of murder and loves tangled weave. It was a good callback to a previous short story and lovely way to wrap-up the collection.
“A Venus,” he said softly. “So he was struck down by Venus.”
-The Love Detectives
A Deadly Affair is a collection of short stories, around 20 pages each,
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that involve mystery and love. Some of Christie's beloved characters make their appearances, Poirot, Miss Marple, Pyne, and etc. It's impressive what Christie can do with such small word count and I found most the stories to be delightful mini mysteries. It works to introduce new readers to her work and please dedicated readers with little snippet visits to their favorite characters. The book ends with an excerpt from Christie's biography having her discuss the two men who asked her to marry them. The wit and charm she infuses into her stories clearly comes from her outlook on life with the ending line, “Really, what a benefactress I was to those two men.”.(Some of the titles have been changed from their original for this collection)
King of Clubs 4 stars
“[...] Zara's last words to Valerie were: 'Beware the king of clubs. Danger threatens you!' [...]”
The first story starts us off with, perhaps, Christie's most known character, Poirot. With Hastings, they are solving a murder that involves family bonds, a fortune teller, and secret identities. I thought the mystery was strong and enjoyed all the clues.
The Face of Helen 5 stars
He felt a sudden strange sense of exultation, as though he were caught up and made part of a shimmering pattern of events. He was in this thing---whatever it was. He knew now what Mr. Quin had meant that evening at the Opera. There was a drama going on, and in it was a part, an important part for Mr. Satterthwaite. He must not fail to take his cue and speak his lines.
My favorite of the collection that has Mr. Satterthwaite (and the reader) putting clues together to try and stop a murder. It's full of jealousy and intrigue.
Death On the Nile 2 stars
“I want to know whether or not my husband is poisoning me.”
With no connection to Christie's novel of the same title, this has Mr. Parker Pyne trying to suss out intents, motivations, and actions. This was my least favorite as it had too many characters for the shorter page count and moved too fast for the reader to sit and enjoy.
Death by Drowning 4 stars
“Sir Henry---this girl---Rose Emmott. She did not drown herself---she was murdered...And I know who murdered her.”
This time it's Miss Marple knowing who did the murder but not having the evidence, which is left to Sir Henry Cithering, a retired Commissioner of Scotland Yard. The reader doesn't know who Miss Marple suspects but has fun watching (reading) Sir Henry workout the hows and whys of who Miss Marple told him.
The Double Clue 4 stars
“My rubies, Monsieur Poirot, and the emerald necklace said to have belonged to Catherine de' Medici. Oh, the emerald necklace!”
A collector has a tea party with some friends, only to find out that someone has stolen an emerald necklace. This was a good little mystery but what really stood out was the character of the Russian Countess Vera Rossakoff and her chemistry with Poirot. I really hope Christie had them meeting and going head-to-head again in another work.
Finessing the King 3 stars
“And what about its being necessary to finesse the King?”
“Well, that's what I thought we'd find out.”
This had the married couple of Tommy and Tuppence Blunt of the International Detective Agency, Blunt's Brilliant Detectives following Tuppence's suspension and curiosity and winding up solving a murder. This one, again, had jealousy and murder and an ending that will shock.
Fruitful Sunday 2 stars
“The price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies.”
Probably the least fun, lacking the most charm of the collection with a more cynical vibe. This follows a couple on a date, a story of stolen rubies, and a test of virtue.
Wasp's Nest 4.5 stars
At last, he said: “But I have heard of no murder.”
“No,” said Poirot, “you would not have heard of it.”
“Who has been murdered?”
“As yet,” said Hercule Poirot, “nobody.”
A story of twists and turns, jilted loves, and death sentences. Poirot shows once again how far ahead of the game he is as readers, and would be murderers, play catch up.
The Case of the Caretaker 3 stars
“But why a puzzle?” asked Miss Marple.
Doctor Haydock grinned. “Because the interpretation is up to you. I want to see if you're as clever as you always make out.”
Our beloved Miss Marple has a touch of depression while getting over the flu and her doctor decides to give her a murder mystery to read and try to work out. This was a fun one because readers get all the information as Miss Marple and can try to work out the mystery for themselves and see if they come up with the same answers as Miss Marple.
The Man in the Mist 2.5 stars
For the curtain of mist in front of them suddenly parted in the most artificial manner, and there, not twenty feet away, a gigantic policeman suddenly appeared, as though materialised out of the fog.
Tuppence and Tommy are back to remind readers that clues abound and no detail is too insignificant. This had more of a trailed off ending that didn't feel as complete as the others.
The Case of the Rich Woman 3 stars
“[...] “It will be difficult, but I believe there is a chance of success. I think it's possible I can give you back what you have lost---your interest in life.”
A rich woman with a case of ennui, Mr. Parker Pyne playing the part of therapist, and possible soul switching. This short story is in a different vein of the mysteries, no murder, but still has the reader working to catch up with the questions and answers.
Magnolia Blossom 3.3 stars
After the first, they had not even dared look at each other. Well, that was that, the end.
The most melancholy of the group, with the time period setting of the stock markets crashes and love, betrayal, honor, and no one winning.
The Love Detectives 3 stars
“No,” he cried. “No, I should have known better! There is no chance where you are concerned, Mr. Quin. It was not an accident that we all met tonight at the crossroads.”
The last short story reunites Mr. Satterthwaite and Christie's, seemingly, instrument of fate, Mr. Harley Quin. Here we have two confessions of murder and loves tangled weave. It was a good callback to a previous short story and lovely way to wrap-up the collection.
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LibraryThing member Helenliz
A mixture of short stories, each featuring a couple. I liked the ones I was less familiar with, I'm pretty sure I've read or heard both the Marple cases before. Mr J Parker Pyne is a particular pleasure, and the slightly mystical element of Mr Harley Quinn makes for quite a change.
It ended with a
It ended with a
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short piece by Agatha Christie telling of two rejected suitors. No mention of her failed first or successful second marriages. Show Less
LibraryThing member srms.reads
4.5/5
A Deadly Affair by Agatha Christie, is a compilation of 13 short stories each featuring one or more of her famous characters- Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence, to name just a few. In addition to the stories, there is an autobiographical chapter titled “Affairs of the Heart:
While these stories might not be viewed as ‘love stories’ per se, they do revolve around the theme of love, albeit, the darker side. The crimes, for the most part, are motivated by infidelity, unrequited love, rejection and other not-so-pleasant aspects of love such as jealousy and possessiveness. Agatha Christie’s trademark simplicity, masterful storytelling and intriguing plotlines reel you in from the very first sentence and keep you engaged in trying to figure out the solution to the puzzle till you reach the very end. Each of these stories is engaging and the selection is varied to not come across as repetitive. Each of the author’s detectives possesses his/her unique style of sleuthing, deduction and dry humor. My personal favorites were “The Face of Helen,” “The Case of the Caretaker” and “The Love Detectives”.
It has been decades since I've read an Agatha Christie mystery. Though I’ve read many of Agatha Christie’s novels, her short stories were unexplored territory for me. I throroughly enjoyed this selection and will be looking out for more while also revisiting some old favorites. There's no doubt to the fact that her writing is simply brilliant and truly timeless. Whether you’re an old fan of the Queen of Mystery or a first-time reader who wants to give her cozy mysteries a try, you won’t be disappointed with this wonderful collection.
A Deadly Affair by Agatha Christie, is a compilation of 13 short stories each featuring one or more of her famous characters- Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence, to name just a few. In addition to the stories, there is an autobiographical chapter titled “Affairs of the Heart:
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Agatha’s Early Courtships” which is an entertaining account of the author’s “two near escapes from getting married”.While these stories might not be viewed as ‘love stories’ per se, they do revolve around the theme of love, albeit, the darker side. The crimes, for the most part, are motivated by infidelity, unrequited love, rejection and other not-so-pleasant aspects of love such as jealousy and possessiveness. Agatha Christie’s trademark simplicity, masterful storytelling and intriguing plotlines reel you in from the very first sentence and keep you engaged in trying to figure out the solution to the puzzle till you reach the very end. Each of these stories is engaging and the selection is varied to not come across as repetitive. Each of the author’s detectives possesses his/her unique style of sleuthing, deduction and dry humor. My personal favorites were “The Face of Helen,” “The Case of the Caretaker” and “The Love Detectives”.
It has been decades since I've read an Agatha Christie mystery. Though I’ve read many of Agatha Christie’s novels, her short stories were unexplored territory for me. I throroughly enjoyed this selection and will be looking out for more while also revisiting some old favorites. There's no doubt to the fact that her writing is simply brilliant and truly timeless. Whether you’re an old fan of the Queen of Mystery or a first-time reader who wants to give her cozy mysteries a try, you won’t be disappointed with this wonderful collection.
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Language
Original language
English