Source: Publisher
Description: A flamboyant party host is murdered in full view of a roomful of bridge players!
Mr. Shaitana was famous, as were his parties. He was also a man of whom everybody was a little afraid. So, when he boasted to Poirot that he considered murder an art form, the detective had some reservations about accepting a party invitation of cards and viewing Shaitana’s private art collection. Indeed, what began as an absorbing evening of bridge was to turn into a more dangerous game altogether…
Genre: Mystery - Classic
Why I Picked This Book: This was the May pick for the Read Christie Challenge.
My Impression: Oh this was a good one! I could practically feel Christie's enjoyment as she carefully plotted this complicated yet oh so simple mystery. This is also the first time Mrs. Oliver appears on the page. She has long been a favorite side character of mine and that is even more so since reading Lucy Worsley's biography of Christie and reading how Christie used Mrs. Oliver to vent some of her own thoughts.
I found this to be a quick read and enjoyed the three main detectives - Superintendent Battle, Mrs. Oliver, and of course Hercule Poirot. As well, Colonel Race makes several appearances throughout the book. I think the mystery will keep everyone guessing and even though I had read it before I was surprised by the ending. When I was younger I did agree with Captain Hastings that this one was a bit boring but now I'm fully on Poirot's side and find it one of the best mysteries he's been involved in.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course! I'm looking forward to the June pick for this challenge and will be rereading this one at some point in the future.
Would I Recommend this Book? Absolutely! This is Christie at her best.
This is the first I've heard about this central character, Mrs. Oliver. I'm glad to see how much you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI am always intrigued by a Christie
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely one of my favorite Christie books. And I love Ariadne Oliver! Yes, I think she is 'Agatha' in disguise - at bit anyway. I've probably read this one over 5 times. Maybe it's time to read it again....
ReplyDeleteI like all the Christie books, almost. I keep thinking Colonel Race is in both the Poirot books and the Marple ones. There's always some Colonel.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
This does sound like a fun one! It's one I still need to read. But I do love Poirot. :D
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your enjoyment of a really good Christie book.
ReplyDelete