Murder at Hazelmoor - Classic Mystery Review

 Goodreads: Murder at Hazelmoor (also published as The Sittaford Mystery) by Agatha Christie

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
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. *