Rating: Loved It!
Source: Purchased
Description: Whilst organising a mock murder hunt for the village fete hosted by Sir George and Lady Stubbs, a feeling of dread settles on the famous crime novelist Adriane Oliver. Call it instinct, but it's a feeling she just can't explain...or get away from.
In desperation she summons her old friend, Hercule Poirot -- and her instincts are soon proved correct when the 'pretend' murder victim is discovered playing the scene for real, a rope wrapped tightly around her neck.
But it's the great detective who first discovers that in murder hunts, whether mock or real, everyone is playing a part.
Genre: Mystery - Classic
Why I Picked This Book: It was next up in my perpetual Agatha Christie reread.
My Impression: Any Poirot featuring Ariadne Oliver is going to be a good one. Not only does she feel very based on Christie but the interaction between her and Poirot is always a treat. Here she plays a vital role in getting Poirot involved in the mystery of the murder hunt. This felt a little different then the usual Poirot mystery in that it didn't feel like Poirot had an active role in the investigation. He was there, he asked questions but he was definitely moving in the background and letting the actions of the other characters take center stage. It also doesn't feel like the investigation is progressing for much of the mystery. Poirot talks about having all the pieces of the puzzle but not seeing how they go together and that was very much what it felt like to me while reading it. It gave me time to come up with my own theories which I enjoyed.
This is not necessarily one of Christie's best but it is a fun quick read that might have you puzzling a bit and of course any book with Ariadne Oliver is not to be missed!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course! I will always be reading an Agatha Christie
Would I Recommend this Book? Yes I would! This isn't necessarily in my top 5 but it is a solid entertaining read with an intriguing mystery.
I know what it’s like to be such a fan of a particular author. You can’t beat Agatha for the classic detective.
ReplyDeleteIt's been years since I read this one, but I do recall that it was the first time I heard of a 'mock murder hunt' or whatever you might want to call it these days. I thought it sounded fun. Have you ever been to one of those 'mystery dinner' events? I have not, but keep thinking my husband and I should do that at some point. I also like any book that Ariadne Oliver in it. As you said, maybe not in my top 5 favorites, but definitely a book I need to revisit again.
ReplyDeleteAriadne Oliver sounds fun (I just like that name Ariadne- it's so different) and I love the idea of a murder mystery that turns out to be real.
ReplyDelete"a solid entertaining read with an intriguing mystery." is a fantastic recommendation. I'll see if my library has this.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have read this one. I am glad you loved it, Katherine. You can't go wrong with Agatha Christie!
ReplyDeleteI've got a goal to read all of Christie's books but I haven't been following through with it these past few years. I need to get back to reading her books because there are so many I haven't read yet (including this one). What is your favorite book by her? Mine still stands with And Then There Were None as my all-time favorite!
ReplyDeleteI just need to make some time and read Agatha Christie! Glad you enjoyed your re-read!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy coming onto your blog and seeing "Loved It" at the beginning. Even if you considered it not her best. What a great author she was.
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