A Deadly Affair by Agatha ChristieMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“A Venus,” he said softly. “So he was struck down by Venus.”
-The Love Detectives
A Deadly Affair is a collection of short stories, around 20 pages each, that involve mystery and love. Some of Christie's beloved characters make their appearances, Poirot, Miss Marple, Pyne, and etc. It's impressive what Christie can do with such small word count and I found most the stories to be delightful mini mysteries. It works to introduce new readers to her work and please dedicated readers with little snippet visits to their favorite characters. The book ends with an excerpt from Christie's biography having her discuss the two men who asked her to marry them. The wit and charm she infuses into her stories clearly comes from her outlook on life with the ending line, “Really, what a benefactress I was to those two men.”.
(Some of the titles have been changed from their original for this collection)
King of Clubs 4 stars
“[...] Zara's last words to Valerie were: 'Beware the king of clubs. Danger threatens you!' [...]”
The first story starts us off with, perhaps, Christie's most known character, Poirot. With Hastings, they are solving a murder that involves family bonds, a fortune teller, and secret identities. I thought the mystery was strong and enjoyed all the clues.
The Face of Helen 5 stars
He felt a sudden strange sense of exultation, as though he were caught up and made part of a shimmering pattern of events. He was in this thing---whatever it was. He knew now what Mr. Quin had meant that evening at the Opera. There was a drama going on, and in it was a part, an important part for Mr. Satterthwaite. He must not fail to take his cue and speak his lines.
My favorite of the collection that has Mr. Satterthwaite (and the reader) putting clues together to try and stop a murder. It's full of jealousy and intrigue.
Death On the Nile 2 stars
“I want to know whether or not my husband is poisoning me.”
With no connection to Christie's novel of the same title, this has Mr. Parker Pyne trying to suss out intents, motivations, and actions. This was my least favorite as it had too many characters for the shorter page count and moved too fast for the reader to sit and enjoy.
Death by Drowning 4 stars
“Sir Henry---this girl---Rose Emmott. She did not drown herself---she was murdered...And I know who murdered her.”
This time it's Miss Marple knowing who did the murder but not having the evidence, which is left to Sir Henry Cithering, a retired Commissioner of Scotland Yard. The reader doesn't know who Miss Marple suspects but has fun watching (reading) Sir Henry workout the hows and whys of who Miss Marple told him.
The Double Clue 4 stars
“My rubies, Monsieur Poirot, and the emerald necklace said to have belonged to Catherine de' Medici. Oh, the emerald necklace!”
A collector has a tea party with some friends, only to find out that someone has stolen an emerald necklace. This was a good little mystery but what really stood out was the character of the Russian Countess Vera Rossakoff and her chemistry with Poirot. I really hope Christie had them meeting and going head-to-head again in another work.
Finessing the King 3 stars
“And what about its being necessary to finesse the King?”
“Well, that's what I thought we'd find out.”
This had the married couple of Tommy and Tuppence Blunt of the International Detective Agency, Blunt's Brilliant Detectives following Tuppence's suspension and curiosity and winding up solving a murder. This one, again, had jealousy and murder and an ending that will shock.
Fruitful Sunday 2 stars
“The price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies.”
Probably the least fun, lacking the most charm of the collection with a more cynical vibe. This follows a couple on a date, a story of stolen rubies, and a test of virtue.
Wasp's Nest 4.5 stars
At last, he said: “But I have heard of no murder.”
“No,” said Poirot, “you would not have heard of it.”
“Who has been murdered?”
“As yet,” said Hercule Poirot, “nobody.”
A story of twists and turns, jilted loves, and death sentences. Poirot shows once again how far ahead of the game he is as readers, and would be murderers, play catch up.
The Case of the Caretaker 3 stars
“But why a puzzle?” asked Miss Marple.
Doctor Haydock grinned. “Because the interpretation is up to you. I want to see if you're as clever as you always make out.”
Our beloved Miss Marple has a touch of depression while getting over the flu and her doctor decides to give her a murder mystery to read and try to work out. This was a fun one because readers get all the information as Miss Marple and can try to work out the mystery for themselves and see if they come up with the same answers as Miss Marple.
The Man in the Mist 2.5 stars
For the curtain of mist in front of them suddenly parted in the most artificial manner, and there, not twenty feet away, a gigantic policeman suddenly appeared, as though materialised out of the fog.
Tuppence and Tommy are back to remind readers that clues abound and no detail is too insignificant. This had more of a trailed off ending that didn't feel as complete as the others.
The Case of the Rich Woman 3 stars
“[...] “It will be difficult, but I believe there is a chance of success. I think it's possible I can give you back what you have lost---your interest in life.”
A rich woman with a case of ennui, Mr. Parker Pyne playing the part of therapist, and possible soul switching. This short story is in a different vein of the mysteries, no murder, but still has the reader working to catch up with the questions and answers.
Magnolia Blossom 3.3 stars
After the first, they had not even dared look at each other. Well, that was that, the end.
The most melancholy of the group, with the time period setting of the stock markets crashes and love, betrayal, honor, and no one winning.
The Love Detectives 3 stars
“No,” he cried. “No, I should have known better! There is no chance where you are concerned, Mr. Quin. It was not an accident that we all met tonight at the crossroads.”
The last short story reunites Mr. Satterthwaite and Christie's, seemingly, instrument of fate, Mr. Harley Quin. Here we have two confessions of murder and loves tangled weave. It was a good callback to a previous short story and lovely way to wrap-up the collection.
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