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cozylittlebrownhouse's review against another edition
3.0
The first story was a really entertaining mystery about several strangers snowbound in a guesthouse. Had I just been reading this story, I would have given the book four stars; however, I thought the other stories were just okay. I balanced it out with three stars and have decided I prefer the novels of Christie over the short stories, although I will keep reading!
holly0213's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
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 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.
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 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.
karaloyd's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
3.25
A silly little book that’s pretty fun and got me into reading again. Something nice about a simple read!
marlisenicole's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
starthelostgirl's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed these short stories! My favorite was when Marple solves a mystery from a story her doctor “prescribed” her.
I was unfortunately unable to read the last story because the audiobook copy I was borrowing from the library was defective and the sound kept crackling.
I was unfortunately unable to read the last story because the audiobook copy I was borrowing from the library was defective and the sound kept crackling.