Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - Appointment with Death

Reviews tagging 'Xenophobia'

Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie

7 reviews

gusreads's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Christie is the master of the locked room mystery, and this one does not disappoint.

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kate_lemer's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Very readable detective story. However, I was not convinced by the motivation of the murderer. Just a very convenient side plot (not even that). Rating just for the writing skill.

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zabeishumanish's review against another edition

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dark mysterious

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is split into two distinct parts; the events leading up to the murder and then the investigation. That first part read somewhat like a prologue, but in reality that first part was over 40% of the book's length. However, because it read like a prologue the considerable size of that first section made the book flow rather odd to me. In other circumstances, this odd flow would be a small matter. But given the painful emotions of the book's first section, the length and breadth were nearly unbearable.

The murder victim of this book is a large and sickly old woman with several children and step-children. Throughout the first section, it becomes clear that she is a type of sadist and has been systematically breaking down, abusing, and controlling these children for their entire lives. There are graphic examples of mental abuse and even more graphic examples of the effects that abuse has had on the now adult children. It is explicit and painful. Had I not been determined to read this entire series I would have DNF'd the book. Upon reflection, I still should have DNF'd it, and taken the loss.

This may just be a matter of trigger warnings, so I'm trying not to affect my rating too harshly. The book is well-written, the crime is artful, and the mystery reveal is satisfying. I would though, advise caution when you consider reading this because the book hit my emotions far more than I was expecting.

There is also a lot of very casual racism toward the Arab characters in the book. I am sure this was standard speech for the time frame, but it is uncomfortable with modern sensibilities.

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