Source: Purchased
Description: M-U-R-D-E-R. It began as an innocent parlor game intended to while away the hours on a bitter winter night. But the message that appeared before the amateur occultists snowbound at the Sittaford House was spelled out as loud and clear as a scream. Of course, the notion that they had foretold doom was pure bunk. Wasn't it? And the discovery of a corpse was pure coincidence. Wasn't it? If they're to discover the answer to this baffling murder, perhaps they should play again. But a journey into the spirit world could prove terribly dangerous—especially when the killer is lurking in this one.
Genre: Mystery - Classic
Why I Picked This Book: This was the December pick for the 2025 Read Christie Challenge
My Impression: This is an interesting mystery with what seems to be an impossible murder. A suspect is almost immediately arrested and charged but Emily, his fiancé, is convinced they have it wrong and with the help of a reporter, Charles, is determined to figure it out.
While the murder is unique the setup for the investigation is one Christie uses occasionally - the scrappy girl investigator determined to prove someone innocent. It's a fun one and this was a good mix of the old and the new - old Army colonels in a small English village and young bright independent people. Throw in a blizzard, an escaped convict, and some seriously sketchy house guests and it makes for a solid enjoyable mystery.
Side note - the Miss Marple episode featuring Geraldine McEwan under this title is completely bonkers and bears only the slightest resemblance to the book. It does make for a fun watch though.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course! I've already started the Read Christie Challenge for 2026
Would I Recommend this Book? Yes, definitely. This is what I consider one of the mid-range mysteries. It's not the most memorable but it's a solid read.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? Yes, definitely. This is what I consider one of the mid-range mysteries. It's not the most memorable but it's a solid read.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I have no idea how many Christie mysteries there are, but I would guess more than forty. I'm glad you enjoyed this one, and I'm glad you are going to participate in this challenge in 2026.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one for years. Glad it worked for you and I agree that it's not one of her better known ones or maybe the most memorable. However, think how many books now have a kinship to the setting, etc. Agatha Christie's tales have been inspiration for so, so many mysteries, right? Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteI know it by the other name and it's been a long time since I read it.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
The story felt so familiar, but it wasn't until Anne's comment that I realized it was a different title. Excellent review.
ReplyDeleteAnother engaging review. While I will probably never read much by Christie, I always enjoy your love for the books.
ReplyDelete