Publication
Alphen aan den Rijn Sijthoff cop. 1980
ISBN
9021826844 / 9789021826844
Language
Collections
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Short Stories. HTML: Agatha Christie demonstrates her unparalleled mastery with Three Blind Mice and Other Stories�??a classic compendium of mystery and suspense, crime and detection, whose title novella served as the basis for The Mousetrap, the longest running stage play in the history of the London theater. A blinding snowstorm�??and a homicidal maniac�??traps a small party of friends in an isolated estate. Out of this deceptively simple setup, Agatha Christie fashioned one of her most ingenious puzzlers, which in turn would provide the basis for The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in history. From this classic title novella to the deliciously clever gems on its tail (solved to perfection by Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple), this rare collection of murder most foul showcases Christie at her inventive best, proving her reputation as "the champion deceiver of our time" (New York Tim… (more)
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LibraryThing member cbl_tn
The title story in this collection is actually a novella, which later became the long-running play, The Mousetrap. I saw the stage production in London two or three times so there wasn't anything about the plot that surprised me. However, I noticed some new things about the characters and setting,
Four of the remaining eight stories feature Miss Marple as the detective, three feature Hercule Poirot, and one features Mr. Satterthwaite and the mysterious Harley Quin. The Poirot story and the Harley Quin story had all been published prior to the first publication of this collection. All of the stories are mysteries, but they're not all murder mysteries. The stories are all typical of Christie's country house or village mysteries, and they would make a good introduction for readers who want to sample Christie's work before diving into one of her novels.
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such as the importance of post-WW II rationing in the story.Four of the remaining eight stories feature Miss Marple as the detective, three feature Hercule Poirot, and one features Mr. Satterthwaite and the mysterious Harley Quin. The Poirot story and the Harley Quin story had all been published prior to the first publication of this collection. All of the stories are mysteries, but they're not all murder mysteries. The stories are all typical of Christie's country house or village mysteries, and they would make a good introduction for readers who want to sample Christie's work before diving into one of her novels.
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LibraryThing member xicanti
Nine of Agatha Christie's short stories. Miss Marple features most prominently, but Hercule Poirot and Harley Quinn also put in appearances.
As far as Dame Agatha's short fiction collections go, this is a good one. It's a nice, tight anthology filled with the very best sort of mystery stories; that
A word of caution, though, for veteran Christie fans: all these stories are also available in other collections, so you may already be familiar with them. "Three Blind Mice" itself is a prose version of "The Mousetrap," one of Ms. Christie's popular plays.
As far as Dame Agatha's short fiction collections go, this is a good one. It's a nice, tight anthology filled with the very best sort of mystery stories; that
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is, there are plenty of suspects, tons of clues, and some very satisfying denouements. Each piece is entertaining and cleverly plotted. If you're looking for an introduction to Agatha Christie, this could be a good place to start.A word of caution, though, for veteran Christie fans: all these stories are also available in other collections, so you may already be familiar with them. "Three Blind Mice" itself is a prose version of "The Mousetrap," one of Ms. Christie's popular plays.
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LibraryThing member readafew
This book was an anthology of Agatha Christie's short stories. The first story from the title Three Blind Mice which was the longest one. This short story has been the longest continuous running play in London. The story is pretty good. Most of the rest of the stories are split evenly between
Lots of fun quick stories to pass the time and a quick read overall. Very enjoyable.
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Poirot and Miss Marple doing their things. The collection is capped off with one featuring Harley Quinn. Lots of fun quick stories to pass the time and a quick read overall. Very enjoyable.
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LibraryThing member victorianrose869
June 11, 2001
The Mousetrap
Agatha Christie
I REALLY enjoyed this story. It’s very short. It’s actually an adaptation, I believe, from the original play – never even written as a story. I enjoyed it so much that it made me start seriously craving a trip to London, so I could see it in person.
Anyway, it’s one of my favorite scenarios, and one Christie is famous for: a bunch of strangers trapped together in an old house in the country, snowed in by a vicious blizzard. Somebody dies, and we have to figure out who did it. I don’t even remember now who did it.
This was in a book in Grandpa’s Christie collection, and it was called “The Mousetrap and Other Stories”. I don’t know if I read any of the other stories; if I did, they didn’t leave an impression.
The Mousetrap
Agatha Christie
I REALLY enjoyed this story. It’s very short. It’s actually an adaptation, I believe, from the original play – never even written as a story. I enjoyed it so much that it made me start seriously craving a trip to London, so I could see it in person.
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It’s the longest-running play in history, I believe. I was so entranced by the idea of seeing it in person that I even went on a website for it, looking up dates and everything, and wishing ferociously that I could scrape up both the money and the courage to take a vacation to England. I remember talking to Steve on AIM about it, just wishing. Anyway, it’s one of my favorite scenarios, and one Christie is famous for: a bunch of strangers trapped together in an old house in the country, snowed in by a vicious blizzard. Somebody dies, and we have to figure out who did it. I don’t even remember now who did it.
This was in a book in Grandpa’s Christie collection, and it was called “The Mousetrap and Other Stories”. I don’t know if I read any of the other stories; if I did, they didn’t leave an impression.
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LibraryThing member riverwillow
There are a couple of original plays in this collection, most notably 'The Mousetrap' - the longest running play in the West End, 'Witness for the Prosecution' and 'Verdict' as well as theatre adaptations of some novels, interesting as a read, but I find Christie's plays haven't stood the test of
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time as well as her novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member guiltlessreader
I didn't realize that this was a re-read (way way back in high school when I swiped one of my grandmother's Agatha Christies off her shelf). This is collection of short stories featuring Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot and Harley Quinn (only one story though but I never much liked him).
Again relived
Again relived
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some of my favorites: The Third Floor Flat, The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly and Four and Twenty Blackbirds. Show Less
LibraryThing member arielfl
This is my second book of short stories for the Cool Down with AC read a long this summer. So far I am really liking the short stories and stand alone novels best. This book was one of my favorites in the reading challenge so far. This book includes the play, The Mouse Trap that has been
Other stories include:
Strange Jest feature a cameo by Jane Helier last seen in The Tuesday Club Murders. In this story Miss Marple is recruited to help in a quest for treasure. The outcome of the treasure was just like in the Audrey Hepburn movie, Charade.
The Tape Measure Murder is also a Miss Marple story. In this story a woman is found murdered and naturally the husband is the obvious suspect. Of course nothing is ever as it seems in a Christie story.
The next Miss Marple story, The Case of the Perfect Maid uses a plot device seen in Tuesday Club Murders and the Clocks in which a person impersonates another in order to commit a crime.
The final Miss Marple entry, The Case of the Caretaker is shortened version of an idea that was developed into the full length novel, Endless Night which is my all time favorite Christie.
The Third Floor flat is a Hercule Poirot story in which he must solve the murder of a woman in her flat. It's an especially clever tale.
The Adventure of Johnny Waverly is also a Hercule Poirot mystery reminiscent of the Lindberg kidnapping though of course with a Christie twist. This story is rare in that there is a happy ending to the crime.
Four and Twenty Blackbirds is a Hercule Poirot short using the impersonation plot device earlier seen in the Marple story.
The final short story is The Love Detectives which has Mr. Satterthwaite who was seen in Three Act Tragedy. The story is very much like the full length novel Murder at the Vicarage, the first book to feature Miss Marple. This is a story where the people who committed the murder are the obvious suspects, the mystery lies in why they would confess to the crime.
For anyone who might be uninitiated with Agatha Christie novels as I was at the start of the summer should start with the short stories. I think they are like a sampler platter of Poirot and Marple guaranteed to whet the appetite for more of the Queen of Crime.
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transformed into the short story Three Blind Mice in this book. The Mouse Trap is the longest running play in England. The story uses one of Christie's most famous plot devices, strangers trapped in isolation with a killer as one by one people die. I could not figure out the killer for the life of me. I always get it wrong and Christie's cleverness amazes me every time. In addition to Three Blind mice there are several other short stories included. Other stories include:
Strange Jest feature a cameo by Jane Helier last seen in The Tuesday Club Murders. In this story Miss Marple is recruited to help in a quest for treasure. The outcome of the treasure was just like in the Audrey Hepburn movie, Charade.
The Tape Measure Murder is also a Miss Marple story. In this story a woman is found murdered and naturally the husband is the obvious suspect. Of course nothing is ever as it seems in a Christie story.
The next Miss Marple story, The Case of the Perfect Maid uses a plot device seen in Tuesday Club Murders and the Clocks in which a person impersonates another in order to commit a crime.
The final Miss Marple entry, The Case of the Caretaker is shortened version of an idea that was developed into the full length novel, Endless Night which is my all time favorite Christie.
The Third Floor flat is a Hercule Poirot story in which he must solve the murder of a woman in her flat. It's an especially clever tale.
The Adventure of Johnny Waverly is also a Hercule Poirot mystery reminiscent of the Lindberg kidnapping though of course with a Christie twist. This story is rare in that there is a happy ending to the crime.
Four and Twenty Blackbirds is a Hercule Poirot short using the impersonation plot device earlier seen in the Marple story.
The final short story is The Love Detectives which has Mr. Satterthwaite who was seen in Three Act Tragedy. The story is very much like the full length novel Murder at the Vicarage, the first book to feature Miss Marple. This is a story where the people who committed the murder are the obvious suspects, the mystery lies in why they would confess to the crime.
For anyone who might be uninitiated with Agatha Christie novels as I was at the start of the summer should start with the short stories. I think they are like a sampler platter of Poirot and Marple guaranteed to whet the appetite for more of the Queen of Crime.
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LibraryThing member smik
This story is the basis for the West End play The Mouse Trap which had its first performance in 1952.
From Wikipedia
The play began life as a short radio play broadcast on 30 May 1947 called Three Blind Mice in honour of Queen Mary, the consort of King George V. The play had its origins in the
The play is based on a short story, itself based on the radio play, but Christie asked that the story not be published as long as it ran as a play in the West End of London. The short story has still not been published within the United Kingdom but it has appeared in the United States in the 1950 collection Three Blind Mice and Other Stories.
When she wrote the play, Christie gave the rights to her grandson Matthew Prichard as a birthday present. In the United Kingdom, only one production of the play in addition to the West End production can be performed annually,[2] and under the contract terms of the play, no film adaptation can be produced until the West End production has been closed for at least six months.
The story Three Blind Mice was written in 1947, and published in the US in 1950.
The story is really a novella and the action slips past very quickly. Once the guest house becomes cut off by a snow storm, the tension builds and a murder takes place. There is a dramatic quality to the events, or is it just that I know that it is the basis of The Mouse Trap? One can imagine these events being played out on a stage.
Following the tradition with The Mouse Trap there will be no revealing of how the plot works out here. For the record, I did work out who the murderer was.
I am glad I read it.
From Wikipedia
The play began life as a short radio play broadcast on 30 May 1947 called Three Blind Mice in honour of Queen Mary, the consort of King George V. The play had its origins in the
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real-life case of the death of a boy, Dennis O'Neill, who died while in the foster care of a Shropshire farmer and his wife in 1945.The play is based on a short story, itself based on the radio play, but Christie asked that the story not be published as long as it ran as a play in the West End of London. The short story has still not been published within the United Kingdom but it has appeared in the United States in the 1950 collection Three Blind Mice and Other Stories.
When she wrote the play, Christie gave the rights to her grandson Matthew Prichard as a birthday present. In the United Kingdom, only one production of the play in addition to the West End production can be performed annually,[2] and under the contract terms of the play, no film adaptation can be produced until the West End production has been closed for at least six months.
The story Three Blind Mice was written in 1947, and published in the US in 1950.
The story is really a novella and the action slips past very quickly. Once the guest house becomes cut off by a snow storm, the tension builds and a murder takes place. There is a dramatic quality to the events, or is it just that I know that it is the basis of The Mouse Trap? One can imagine these events being played out on a stage.
Following the tradition with The Mouse Trap there will be no revealing of how the plot works out here. For the record, I did work out who the murderer was.
I am glad I read it.
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LibraryThing member leslie.98
I can see why this play enjoyed such a long run! Great take on the country home mystery, a new guest house (sort of like a bed & breakfast but serving all meals) opens one winter day, coincidentally when a blizzard is occurring. On the radio as the play opens is the news of a murder in London...
I
Note: I read this in the omnibus "The Mousetrap and Other Plays"
I
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am a Christie fan but for some reason have never read this play before. It is very well done and she manages to make the audience suspect each person in turn and yet the guilty person is still a surprise! Sadly, it might not appeal to today's young people as the plot does depend on the murderer cutting the telephone wire to isolate the house even more -- the prevalence today of cell phones has made this whole subgenre of mysteries obsolete (or at least dependent on exotic circumstances).Note: I read this in the omnibus "The Mousetrap and Other Plays"
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LibraryThing member BookConcierge
4.5****
This is a collection of short stories, the title story being the basis for The Mousetrap - the longest running play, ever. It’s a suspenseful tale of a group of strangers trapped in an English Manor House during a blizzard, with an obvious “homicidal maniac” among them. I was certain I
The rest of the stories are not quite as good as the title tale, but still show why Christie was named the Queen of Crime. Some of the them feature Miss Marple, whose keen observation of human nature frequently give her insight which the police overlook (but which they DO follow-up upon once she points these things out to them). A few of the stories feature Hercule Poirot, exercising his little grey cells, and astonishing the perpetrators as much as the police. All of the stories challenge the reader to figure out the puzzle before the story ends.
The entire collection can be read in one day (as I did), but would be great to have handy whenever you wanted a short fix of good mystery writing.
This is a collection of short stories, the title story being the basis for The Mousetrap - the longest running play, ever. It’s a suspenseful tale of a group of strangers trapped in an English Manor House during a blizzard, with an obvious “homicidal maniac” among them. I was certain I
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had it figured out – twice (with two different culprits) – but Christie surprised me once again. The rest of the stories are not quite as good as the title tale, but still show why Christie was named the Queen of Crime. Some of the them feature Miss Marple, whose keen observation of human nature frequently give her insight which the police overlook (but which they DO follow-up upon once she points these things out to them). A few of the stories feature Hercule Poirot, exercising his little grey cells, and astonishing the perpetrators as much as the police. All of the stories challenge the reader to figure out the puzzle before the story ends.
The entire collection can be read in one day (as I did), but would be great to have handy whenever you wanted a short fix of good mystery writing.
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LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
The Mousetrap, a play by Agatha Christie opened in London’s West End in 1952 and has been running continuously since then. It has the longest first run of any play and has firmly established that Agatha Christie was not only a superb mystery writer but an excellent playwright as well.
The setting
Plays are written as a visual art and so I would really love to see this one performed live. As it is I enjoyed The Mousetrap in much the same way as I enjoy Agatha Christie’s short stories, light and tasty but not quite the full meal deal that her novels are.
The setting
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is classic Christie, a group of people gather in a large country house cut off by a snow storm. To their horror they discover a murderer is in their midst. One by one their background and identities are established until it become obvious who the murderer is. The twist at the end has long been an open secret but was considered quite shocking when it was originally revealed.Plays are written as a visual art and so I would really love to see this one performed live. As it is I enjoyed The Mousetrap in much the same way as I enjoy Agatha Christie’s short stories, light and tasty but not quite the full meal deal that her novels are.
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LibraryThing member Auntie-Nanuuq
Many of these stories were published in other anthologies so there may be duplication of reviews.
Three Blind Mice - Residents of a guest home are snowed in, among them is a murderer
Strange Jest - Marple: Two nephews Edward Rossiter and Charmain Stroud, promised by their Uncle to receive an
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inheritance, seem to have been left nothing in their uncle's will. Miss Marple intends to investigateThe Tape-Measure Murder - Marple: Mr. Spenlow's wife is murdered while he is visiting Miss Marple, yet he is a prime suspect
The Case of the Perfect Maid - Marple: A maid is fired for stealing, but how is it that her replacement is stealing as well?
The Case of the Caretaker - Marple: While bedridden, Miss Marple reads Dr Haycock's manuscript of an accident which turns out to be murder
The Third Floor Flat - Poirot: Four young people, accidentally locked out of their 4th floor flat, take the coal trolley up but end up accidentally in the 3rd floor flat and discover the body of a murdered woman
The Adventure of Johnny Waverly - Poirot: A family threatened with the kidnapping of their 3 year old son take every precaution to prevent the occurrence, unfortunately when the child is taken it becomes apparent that it is an "inside" job
Four-and-Twenty Blackbirds - Poirot: A man eats the same food at the same restaurant on the same day of the week for 20 years. On the day he changes his meal choice he is found dead.... how can that be?
The Love Detectives - Mr. Quinn: A messy love triangle, a murder, and the implication of the lovers has Mr. Quinn investigating (Mr. Quinn is another of Christie's detectives that I find to be a refreshing change from M. Poirot & Miss Marple)
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LibraryThing member nx74defiant
Three Blind Mice Great classic - strangers trapped in an inn during a snow storm Strange Jest, The Tape-Measure Murder, The Case of the Perfect Maid, The Case of the Caretaker I wonder if this was the insparation for the later book Endless Night The Third Floor Flat The Adventure of Johnny
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Waverly Four and Twenty Black Birds The Love Detectives Show Less
LibraryThing member funstm
Three Blind Mice and Other Stories contains one miscellaneous story, the aforementioned Three Blind Mice, four Miss Marple stories, three Hercule Poirot and one Harley Quin. My favourite story was the Harley Quin, The Love Detectives. My least favourite was the Poirot, The Third Floor Flat. The
MISC: THREE BLIND MICE: ***
MARPLE: 14.15: STRANGE JEST ***
MARPLE: 14.18: TAPE-MEASURE MURDER ****
MARPLE: 14.16: THE CASE OF THE PERFECT MAID ***
MARPLE: 14.17: THE CASE OF THE CARETAKER ****
POIROT: THE THIRD FLOOR FLAT: **
POIROT: THE ADVENTURE OF JOHNNIE WAVERLY: ****
POIROT: FOUR AND TWENTY BLACKBIRDS: ***
HARLEY QUIN: THE LOVE DETECTIVES: *****
MISC: THREE BLIND MICE: ***
A manor house is turned into a guesthouse by a young married couple but the guests are shocked to become tangled in a cold case murder of a child. I didn't like this one much. It started out good and I was waiting for a decent twist but it never came. Well sort of. I mean the twist regarding the policeman being the murderer was good. I enjoyed that. But the ending for the rest of characters just fell kind of flat and mostly was confusing. 3 stars.
MARPLE 14.15: STRANGE JEST ***
Jane Helier introduces Miss Marple to friends that have just inherited the estate of their Uncle Mathew - which should have solved all their problems - except no one can find the money. Distrusting banks led to him converting it to gold bullion and supposedly burying it in the backyard. But the crater of the yard says otherwise. Jane brings in Miss Marple to find the gold.
I loved Jane's belief in Marple. It's amusing she's like tell her all you woes and bam, problem solved. Having read many similar stories with missing wills and estates and paranoid elderly people, I saw where this was going, for all I didn't quite catch all the details. I figured the papers they found were deeds or something, or a second will listing investments. Not that the stamps on the envelopes were the real treasure. I didn't like the attitudes towards Miss Marple so I enjoyed her proving them wrong and solving the problem. 3 stars.
MARPLE 14.18: TAPE-MEASURE MURDER ****
When Miss Marple's neighbour is murdered, the town is of the belief that it was the husband. But Miss Marple thinks otherwise and makes her own enquiries.
I liked this one well enough although I can't say I guessed the murderer. I think my attention wandered a little and left me missing a few clues. I liked that the Constable suggests Inspector Slack consult Miss Marple on the town gossip. Poor Inspector Slack. Having to turn to civilians for clues. I was amused that Miss Marple hints at her suspicions rather than just outright speaks up. And I was chuckling at her turn to crime. Stealing the tape measure. Very naughty. 3.5 stars.
MARPLE 14.16: THE CASE OF THE PERFECT MAID ***
Miss Marple becomes involved in some local drama when the cousin of her maid Edna, Gladys is dismissed from her maid position after being thought to have tried to steal a broach.
This one was alright. I missed that the Skinners themselves were the crooks. But I did guess what Marple was up to with the peppermint (getting fingerprints). I enjoyed her discussion with Inspector Slack and his surprise that she was right. I don't know why he expected otherwise. 3 stars.
MARPLE 14.17: THE CASE OF THE CARETAKER ****
While on bed rest recovering from the flu, Miss Marple is prescribed a mystery to solve by Dr Haydock about a curious case he had.
I enjoyed the conclusion to this one.
Yes, I think he had some powerful drug handy, that could be administered before you arrived. After all, if a woman is thrown from her horse and has serious injuries and dies without recovering consciousness, well—a doctor wouldn’t normally be suspicious, would he? He’d put it down to shock or something.” Doctor Haydock nodded. “Why did you suspect?” asked Miss Marple. “It wasn’t any particular cleverness on my part,” said Doctor Haydock. “It was just the trite, well-known fact that a murderer is so pleased with his cleverness that he doesn’t take proper precautions. I was just saying a few consolatory words to the bereaved husband—and feeling damned sorry for the fellow, too—when he flung himself down on the settee to do a bit of playacting and a hypodermic syringe fell out of his pocket.
Christie, Agatha. Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories (Miss Marple Mysteries) (p. 295). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
Although I do enjoy following along with the mysteries and coming up with my own solutions - I was amused that Dr Haydock becomes suspicious on pure bad luck - the syringe falling out at the wrong moment because the criminal is busy being dramatic - classic.
3.5 stars.
POIROT: THE THIRD FLOOR FLAT: **
Four friends come up with a plan to get into their friend's flat via the coal lift. Except when they enter the wrong flat, they find a body. Poirot lives upstairs and gets drawn in when they're talking about calling the police. This was another frankly bizarre story. One of the men is in love with the woman and so kills his estranged wife so he could marry her? Why didn't they just get divorced? It doesn't seem like either one wanted to be together? I didn't really get it. 2 stars.
POIROT: THE ADVENTURE OF JOHNNIE WAVERLY: ****
Poirot investigates the kidnapping of a young boy. I liked the twists in this one. And I think I might actually be starting to like Hastings. The horror.
“So madame has never liked the butler. It is interesting, that, eh, Hastings?” I refused to be drawn. Poirot has deceived me so often that I now go warily. There is always a catch somewhere. (p. 182)
4 stars.
POIROT: FOUR AND TWENTY BLACKBIRDS: ***
Poirot is out for dinner when he learns from the waitress about a regular customer who's made an irregular order. This one was alright. I guessed that he was being impersonated but it seemed a bit farfetched to have Poirot pick up on it without any prompting. The solution was clever though and it was an easy read. 3 stars.
HARLEY QUIN: THE LOVE DETECTIVES: *****
A man is killed and his wife and her lover confess to the crime - but did they do it? Yes they did! I really enjoyed this one. I loved this bit.
“Quite right, young man,” he said. “Half past six was the time. Perhaps you’ve heard that already? But this is altogether a most peculiar murder!” “Why?” “So many people confess to it,” said Colonel Melrose.
Christie, Agatha. Three Blind Mice and Other Stories (pp. 226-227). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
And this.
“My God!” cried Delangua. “But a woman couldn’t possibly do that—” He stopped, biting his lip. Melrose nodded with the ghost of a smile. “Often read of it,” he volunteered. “Never seen it happen.” “What?” “Couple of young idiots each accusing themselves because they thought the other had done it,” said Melrose.
Christie, Agatha. Three Blind Mice and Other Stories (p. 227). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
I was busy chuckling my way through. The twists and turns were clever and I loved watching it unfold. 5 stars.
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overall collection rating comes in at 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. Individual ratings and reviews below.MISC: THREE BLIND MICE: ***
MARPLE: 14.15: STRANGE JEST ***
MARPLE: 14.18: TAPE-MEASURE MURDER ****
MARPLE: 14.16: THE CASE OF THE PERFECT MAID ***
MARPLE: 14.17: THE CASE OF THE CARETAKER ****
POIROT: THE THIRD FLOOR FLAT: **
POIROT: THE ADVENTURE OF JOHNNIE WAVERLY: ****
POIROT: FOUR AND TWENTY BLACKBIRDS: ***
HARLEY QUIN: THE LOVE DETECTIVES: *****
MISC: THREE BLIND MICE: ***
A manor house is turned into a guesthouse by a young married couple but the guests are shocked to become tangled in a cold case murder of a child. I didn't like this one much. It started out good and I was waiting for a decent twist but it never came. Well sort of. I mean the twist regarding
MARPLE 14.15: STRANGE JEST ***
Jane Helier introduces Miss Marple to friends that have just inherited the estate of their Uncle Mathew - which should have solved all their problems - except no one can find the money. Distrusting banks led to him converting it to gold bullion and supposedly burying it in the backyard. But the crater of the yard says otherwise. Jane brings in Miss Marple to find the gold.
I loved Jane's belief in Marple. It's amusing she's like tell her all you woes and bam, problem solved. Having read many similar stories with missing wills and estates and paranoid elderly people, I saw where this was going, for all I didn't quite catch all the details.
MARPLE 14.18: TAPE-MEASURE MURDER ****
When Miss Marple's neighbour is murdered, the town is of the belief that it was the husband. But Miss Marple thinks otherwise and makes her own enquiries.
I liked this one well enough although I can't say I guessed the murderer. I think my attention wandered a little and left me missing a few clues. I liked that the Constable suggests Inspector Slack consult Miss Marple on the town gossip. Poor Inspector Slack. Having to turn to civilians for clues. I was amused that Miss Marple hints at her suspicions rather than just outright speaks up. And I was chuckling at her turn to
MARPLE 14.16: THE CASE OF THE PERFECT MAID ***
Miss Marple becomes involved in some local drama when the cousin of her maid Edna, Gladys is dismissed from her maid position after being thought to have tried to steal a broach.
This one was alright. I missed that
MARPLE 14.17: THE CASE OF THE CARETAKER ****
While on bed rest recovering from the flu, Miss Marple is prescribed a mystery to solve by Dr Haydock about a curious case he had.
I enjoyed the conclusion to this one.
Yes, I think he had some powerful drug handy, that could be administered before you arrived. After all, if a woman is thrown from her horse and has serious injuries and dies without recovering consciousness, well—a doctor wouldn’t normally be suspicious, would he? He’d put it down to shock or something.” Doctor Haydock nodded. “Why did you suspect?” asked Miss Marple. “It wasn’t any particular cleverness on my part,” said Doctor Haydock. “It was just the trite, well-known fact that a murderer is so pleased with his cleverness that he doesn’t take proper precautions. I was just saying a few consolatory words to the bereaved husband—and feeling damned sorry for the fellow, too—when he flung himself down on the settee to do a bit of playacting and a hypodermic syringe fell out of his pocket.
Christie, Agatha. Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories (Miss Marple Mysteries) (p. 295). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
Although I do enjoy following along with the mysteries and coming up with my own solutions - I was amused that Dr Haydock becomes suspicious on pure bad luck - the syringe falling out at the wrong moment because the criminal is busy being dramatic - classic.
3.5 stars.
POIROT: THE THIRD FLOOR FLAT: **
Four friends come up with a plan to get into their friend's flat via the coal lift. Except when they enter the wrong flat, they find a body. Poirot lives upstairs and gets drawn in when they're talking about calling the police. This was another frankly bizarre story.
POIROT: THE ADVENTURE OF JOHNNIE WAVERLY: ****
Poirot investigates the kidnapping of a young boy. I liked the twists in this one. And I think I might actually be starting to like Hastings. The horror.
“So madame has never liked the butler. It is interesting, that, eh, Hastings?” I refused to be drawn. Poirot has deceived me so often that I now go warily. There is always a catch somewhere. (p. 182)
4 stars.
POIROT: FOUR AND TWENTY BLACKBIRDS: ***
Poirot is out for dinner when he learns from the waitress about a regular customer who's made an irregular order. This one was alright. I guessed that
HARLEY QUIN: THE LOVE DETECTIVES: *****
A man is killed and his wife and her lover confess to the crime - but did they do it?
“Quite right, young man,” he said. “Half past six was the time. Perhaps you’ve heard that already? But this is altogether a most peculiar murder!” “Why?” “So many people confess to it,” said Colonel Melrose.
Christie, Agatha. Three Blind Mice and Other Stories (pp. 226-227). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
And this.
“My God!” cried Delangua. “But a woman couldn’t possibly do that—” He stopped, biting his lip. Melrose nodded with the ghost of a smile. “Often read of it,” he volunteered. “Never seen it happen.” “What?” “Couple of young idiots each accusing themselves because they thought the other had done it,” said Melrose.
Christie, Agatha. Three Blind Mice and Other Stories (p. 227). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
I was busy chuckling my way through. The twists and turns were clever and I loved watching it unfold. 5 stars.
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Original publication date
1952