Read Christie 2024 Challenge Wrapup

 

This year I participated in the Read Christie Challenge done by the Agatha Christie website.  This year the theme was decades and I read all twelve of the suggested books.  Here are my thoughts on all twelve books.

1.The Mysterious Affair at Styles - This is not only the first time Poirot appeared but also Christie's first published book.  It's excellent and a fabulous mystery.

2.  The Secret Adversary - While Poirot is all about his little grey cells, Tommy and Tuppence are about action and dashing after one clue and then the next.  It probably isn't as well plotted as the previous book but it is a lot of fun.

3.  The Mystery of the Blue Train - Not my favorite ending (or Christie's either for that matter) but a fun read involving famous jewels, betrayal and murder.  

4.   The Murder at the Vicarage - And here enters Miss Marple!  This was a fun read that is one of my favorites.

5.  The ABC Murders - I'm never 100% satisfied with the ending but I really enjoy this story.  It's such a great premise.

6.  And Then There Were None - One of Christie's best and one where I always discover new little details every time I read it.

7.  Taken at the Flood - For some reason I can never remember this book but every time I read it I'm pleasantly surprised by it.  It's a fun read with some nice twists.

8.  A Murder is Announced - One of my favorite Miss Marple books.  I love the village setting, the setup and the reveal.

9.  Ordeal by Innocent - This is one of the books that Christie liked the most and you can definitely tell she had a good time with the premise.  This is a interesting read with a good mix of characters.

10.  The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side - This was loosely inspired by something that happened to a famous actress in real life and is one of my favorites of Christie's later books.

11. Third Girl - For the most part I really enjoyed this book but the ending leaves a bit to be desired.  It's very 1960s - and Christie has opinions about fashion.

12.  Elephants Can Remember - One of Christie's last books and one of the weaker ones.  The premise is a good one and I love how much page time Mrs. Oliver has but the timeline and general plotting leave a lot to be desired.

They're dropping some really exciting hints about the 2025 Christie challenge but haven't released the theme or the books.  I can't wait!