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Murder For All Seasons
Sinister Spring
An all-new collection of spring-themed mysteries from the master of the genre. With spring comes April showers and blossoming fields – but wickedness is never far from the surface. With the turning of the year, Hercule Poirot, Jane Marple, Tommy and Tuppence and many more of Agatha Christie’s unforgettable creations tangle with a season of sinister schemes and perilous crimes.
INCLUDES The Market Basing Mystery, The Case of the Missing Lady, The Herb of Death, How Does Your Garden Grow?, Swan Song, Miss Marple Tells a Story, Have You Got Everything You Want?, The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan, Ingots of Gold, The Soul of the Croupier, The Girl in the Train, Greenshaw’s Folly
INCLUDES The Market Basing Mystery, The Case of the Missing Lady, The Herb of Death, How Does Your Garden Grow?, Swan Song, Miss Marple Tells a Story, Have You Got Everything You Want?, The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan, Ingots of Gold, The Soul of the Croupier, The Girl in the Train, Greenshaw’s Folly
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2023
387 people are currently reading
1853 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,185 books74.9k followersAgatha Christie also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and was occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
April 28, 2025
Market Basing Mystery – 3,5/5
Inspector Japp, Hercule Poirot and captain Hastings are enjoying their weekend off in the country town of Market Basing, when their peaceful vacation is disturbed by a local constable who asks for their help.
It’s a solid little locked room murder mystery. It’s a bit funny how Hastings is trying to look at the same clues as Poirot, but can’t seem to make the same connections. Though that doesn’t stop him from trying, and helping Poirot in his own way.
The Case of the Missing Lady - 3/5
Tommy and Tuppence are asked by a famous explorer to find his missing fiancée.
This is my first time reading a Tommy and Tuppence story. I like their dynamic as a couple, they’re both fun and funny. The mystery plot is solid, though the revelation at the end might not be for everyone.
The Herb of Death – 2,5/5
At a dinner party, everyone ends up being sick. Because they picked the herbs from the garden and some poisonous plant must have grown in between the other plants. But one person ends up dead. Is this a coincidence, or not? That’s what Miss Marple is determined to find out.
Not the most exciting mystery story to be honest. But it’s a solid cozy mystery.
How Does Your Garden Grow? - 4/5
Poirot receives a strange letter from an elderly woman asking for his assistance. But she dies before Poirot has a chance to meet her.
This story is apparently the earliest mention of Miss Lemon, Poirot’s secretary. She’s like the opposite of Hastings. As Hastings is as Poirot puts it a romantic, while she is more like a machine. She’s capable of thought, but she will only do it when Poirot asks her to do so. Hastings also helps Poirot because they’re friends. Miss Lemon helps Poirot because it’s her job.
Swan Song - 4/5
A very famous and demanding prima donna opera singer is asked to do a private performance. She accepts, but she has one condition …
Even though I saw the big twist coming, it still ended up being a satisfying read. It’s a story about revenge done right.
Miss Marple Tells a Story – 2,5/5
The title pretty much says it all, as Miss Marple literally tells the story of how an old friend asked her to help a man who’s about to be arrested for the murder of his wife. Surprisingly short, but solid.
Have You Got Everything You Want? - 4/5
A recently married woman boards a train and mentions to Parker Pyne that she’s unhappy. She found a piece of paper with a mysterious message. And then her jewelry gets stolen.
This is my first exposure to Parker Pyne. He’s an unusual kind of detective. His motivation is not that he wants to solve the mystery per se, he’s more interested in making his clients happy. And he mentions something interesting about the importance of honesty in a relationship.
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan - 4/5
A woman’s pearls have been stolen. Since the maid and the hotel chambermaid were the only ones in the room since they were last seen, it’s concluded that one of them must have done it. It’s up to Poirot to find out what really happened.
Interesting mystery plot with a good twist. The limited number of suspects actually elevates the tension and feels appropriate, considering the short length of the story.
Ingots of Gold - 3/5
Someone tells Miss Marple about gold that has been stolen from a shipwreck. Miss Marple listens intently to the story and then tells the man about the important clue he missed that solves the mystery.
It’s actually a pretty interesting story, though the twist is a bit underwhelming and Miss Marple doesn’t really feel necessary here until we get to the end.
The Soul of the Croupier – 3,5/5
The mysterious mister Quin reunites with the observant mister Satterthwaite in a casino. When mister Satterthwaite tells his observations about the people he just talked to, mister Quin concludes that mister Satterthwaite has changed. He no longer wants to observe, but rather take part.
I think I’ve read this story before. It’s a story you could perhaps do a more detailed analysis about, with regards to the psychology and the exploration of human nature on display. If only I were that smart.
The Girl in the Train – 3/5
George Rowland is a man who very much depends on his uncle’s money. But his uncle is displeased with his behavior and his partying, so he kicks his nephew out. George wants to go to Australia at first, but quickly changes his mind as he realizes he’ll probably have to work there to make a living. He boards the train to somewhere else and quite a few things happen.
The plot is really good. I like how one thing leads to another until the situation spirals out of control. Shame about the protagonist’s prejudice not really getting resolved, though we know from the start that he’s an unlikeable character. Still, had the protagonist grown to be a bit more likeable at the end, I would have rated this higher.
Greenshaw’s Folly – 2,5/5
The nephew of Miss Marple visits a house called Greenshaw’s Folly. The owner of the house gets murdered.
Miss Marple is definitely a different kind of sleuth than Poirot. Here, she’s once again neatly presented all the facts and she reaches the right conclusion to solve the mystery. She’s just not a very active or present character as she doesn’t really seem to add much to the story apart from connecting all the dots. Add in the fat-shaming, and I’m having trouble rating this cozy little mystery higher.
Overall, a solid anthology with a good mix of Agatha Christie stories. Some stand out a bit more, like the Poirot stories and Swan Song. While others stand out a bit less. Not a bad collection of stories. Though if you’re new to Agatha Christie, there might be better books of hers to start your literary journey with.
Inspector Japp, Hercule Poirot and captain Hastings are enjoying their weekend off in the country town of Market Basing, when their peaceful vacation is disturbed by a local constable who asks for their help.
It’s a solid little locked room murder mystery. It’s a bit funny how Hastings is trying to look at the same clues as Poirot, but can’t seem to make the same connections. Though that doesn’t stop him from trying, and helping Poirot in his own way.
The Case of the Missing Lady - 3/5
Tommy and Tuppence are asked by a famous explorer to find his missing fiancée.
This is my first time reading a Tommy and Tuppence story. I like their dynamic as a couple, they’re both fun and funny. The mystery plot is solid, though the revelation at the end might not be for everyone.
The Herb of Death – 2,5/5
At a dinner party, everyone ends up being sick. Because they picked the herbs from the garden and some poisonous plant must have grown in between the other plants. But one person ends up dead. Is this a coincidence, or not? That’s what Miss Marple is determined to find out.
Not the most exciting mystery story to be honest. But it’s a solid cozy mystery.
How Does Your Garden Grow? - 4/5
Poirot receives a strange letter from an elderly woman asking for his assistance. But she dies before Poirot has a chance to meet her.
This story is apparently the earliest mention of Miss Lemon, Poirot’s secretary. She’s like the opposite of Hastings. As Hastings is as Poirot puts it a romantic, while she is more like a machine. She’s capable of thought, but she will only do it when Poirot asks her to do so. Hastings also helps Poirot because they’re friends. Miss Lemon helps Poirot because it’s her job.
Swan Song - 4/5
A very famous and demanding prima donna opera singer is asked to do a private performance. She accepts, but she has one condition …
Even though I saw the big twist coming, it still ended up being a satisfying read. It’s a story about revenge done right.
Miss Marple Tells a Story – 2,5/5
The title pretty much says it all, as Miss Marple literally tells the story of how an old friend asked her to help a man who’s about to be arrested for the murder of his wife. Surprisingly short, but solid.
Have You Got Everything You Want? - 4/5
A recently married woman boards a train and mentions to Parker Pyne that she’s unhappy. She found a piece of paper with a mysterious message. And then her jewelry gets stolen.
This is my first exposure to Parker Pyne. He’s an unusual kind of detective. His motivation is not that he wants to solve the mystery per se, he’s more interested in making his clients happy. And he mentions something interesting about the importance of honesty in a relationship.
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan - 4/5
A woman’s pearls have been stolen. Since the maid and the hotel chambermaid were the only ones in the room since they were last seen, it’s concluded that one of them must have done it. It’s up to Poirot to find out what really happened.
Interesting mystery plot with a good twist. The limited number of suspects actually elevates the tension and feels appropriate, considering the short length of the story.
Ingots of Gold - 3/5
Someone tells Miss Marple about gold that has been stolen from a shipwreck. Miss Marple listens intently to the story and then tells the man about the important clue he missed that solves the mystery.
It’s actually a pretty interesting story, though the twist is a bit underwhelming and Miss Marple doesn’t really feel necessary here until we get to the end.
The Soul of the Croupier – 3,5/5
The mysterious mister Quin reunites with the observant mister Satterthwaite in a casino. When mister Satterthwaite tells his observations about the people he just talked to, mister Quin concludes that mister Satterthwaite has changed. He no longer wants to observe, but rather take part.
I think I’ve read this story before. It’s a story you could perhaps do a more detailed analysis about, with regards to the psychology and the exploration of human nature on display. If only I were that smart.
The Girl in the Train – 3/5
George Rowland is a man who very much depends on his uncle’s money. But his uncle is displeased with his behavior and his partying, so he kicks his nephew out. George wants to go to Australia at first, but quickly changes his mind as he realizes he’ll probably have to work there to make a living. He boards the train to somewhere else and quite a few things happen.
The plot is really good. I like how one thing leads to another until the situation spirals out of control. Shame about the protagonist’s prejudice not really getting resolved, though we know from the start that he’s an unlikeable character. Still, had the protagonist grown to be a bit more likeable at the end, I would have rated this higher.
Greenshaw’s Folly – 2,5/5
The nephew of Miss Marple visits a house called Greenshaw’s Folly. The owner of the house gets murdered.
Miss Marple is definitely a different kind of sleuth than Poirot. Here, she’s once again neatly presented all the facts and she reaches the right conclusion to solve the mystery. She’s just not a very active or present character as she doesn’t really seem to add much to the story apart from connecting all the dots. Add in the fat-shaming, and I’m having trouble rating this cozy little mystery higher.
Overall, a solid anthology with a good mix of Agatha Christie stories. Some stand out a bit more, like the Poirot stories and Swan Song. While others stand out a bit less. Not a bad collection of stories. Though if you’re new to Agatha Christie, there might be better books of hers to start your literary journey with.
June 26, 2024
A collection of "Spring" mysteries from the Queen of Crime.
Which basically means you get a good sampling of some of Agatha Christie's short stories.
If any particular one catches your eye, I've left a link to a slightly longer review of each individual story.
The Market Basing Mystery
Is a suicide sometimes just a suicide?
That's what Poirot wonders when he, Hastings, & Japp get called in to look at a potential locked room murder that has the local constable scratching his head.
The Case of the Missing Lady
Ok, this one is kind of funny.
Tommy and Tuppence (as the title suggests) head off to investigate a missing lady. She's the fiance of some explorer dude who's a bit of an ass (doesn't like to talk to chubby chicks).
She isn't where she said she would be when he returned from abroad, and he's getting worried.
The Herb of Death
It's Mrs. Bantry's turn to tell a story to the Tuesday Night Club and she's not at all sure she can make her's sound interesting. And to be fair, she hems and haws and does a fantastic job of messing it up.
It's a case of (gasp!) poisoning where everyone got sick but only one person died.
Was it an accident that there was foxglove in the sage, or did something more nefarious happen?
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Did a greedy maid poison her mistress?
Poirot receives a letter from an elderly woman who wants his advice. Intrigued by her phrasing, he asks Miss Lemon to send a letter back agreeing to come to her home. Before he can see her, he receives word that she has died.
Poisoned!
Swan Song
A famous opera singer gets her revenge.
It's one of those stories that men would do well to pay attention to, as it shows how long a woman will wait to get payback.
Sleep with one eye open, sir.
Miss Marple Tells a Story
I loved the way Miss Marple narrated the story in a hilarious humblebrag kind of way.
When a lawyer brings his client to Jane and asks her to listen to the story of the events leading up to him finding his wife dead in their hotel room, the client in question thinks it's a waste of time.
However, just as her lawyer friend hoped, the fluffy old lady manages to see a few things that everyone else missed and ends up saving his bacon.
Have You Got Everything You Want?
Theft on the Orient Express!
A lovely young woman, Mrs. Elsie Jeffries, runs into Pyne the famous train, and confides in him that she is unhappy. This sort of problem is right in Parke Pyne's wheelhouse.
She is newly married to a very proper man, but she found a secret message on blotter paper in his office that read, "just before Venice would be the best time.", and now she's worried.
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan
Did the French maid make off with Mrs. Opalsen's pearls?
Nah. That would be too easy, right?
Ingots of Gold
Once again the Tuesday Night Club meets up, and this time it's Miss Marple's own nephew, writer Raymond West, who tells a story. He hopes that the group (well, actually Miss Marple) can figure out what happened when his friend, John Newman, was kidnapped while his salvage ship was robbed of its treasure.
The Soul of the Croupier
Mr. Satterthwaite is in Monte Carlo at a casino when Mr. Quin shows up to help him reunite a pair of lovers.
But is there more than one couple whose future hangs on Lady Luck?
The Girl in the Train
Do you believe in love at first sight?
After too many late nights spent on the town, George Rowland gets fired and cut off by his wealthy uncle. He decides to hop on a train and take a trip to Rowland Castle in the hopes that, even though he only shares a last name, they will somehow greet him with open arms.
You can clearly see why his uncle tossed him out.
Greenshaw’s Folly
Raymond West, Miss Marple's lovable nephew, brings home a mystery to his Aunt Jane.
While trying to entertain a friend from the city with the local sight of an oddly built local house, he stumbles into a family drama and a murder-to-be decades in the making.
This is a nice little smorgasbord of her shorts for anyone looking to dip their toes in the water without investing too much time.
Recommended.
Which basically means you get a good sampling of some of Agatha Christie's short stories.
If any particular one catches your eye, I've left a link to a slightly longer review of each individual story.
The Market Basing Mystery
Is a suicide sometimes just a suicide?
That's what Poirot wonders when he, Hastings, & Japp get called in to look at a potential locked room murder that has the local constable scratching his head.
The Case of the Missing Lady
Ok, this one is kind of funny.
Tommy and Tuppence (as the title suggests) head off to investigate a missing lady. She's the fiance of some explorer dude who's a bit of an ass (doesn't like to talk to chubby chicks).
She isn't where she said she would be when he returned from abroad, and he's getting worried.
The Herb of Death
It's Mrs. Bantry's turn to tell a story to the Tuesday Night Club and she's not at all sure she can make her's sound interesting. And to be fair, she hems and haws and does a fantastic job of messing it up.
It's a case of (gasp!) poisoning where everyone got sick but only one person died.
Was it an accident that there was foxglove in the sage, or did something more nefarious happen?
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Did a greedy maid poison her mistress?
Poirot receives a letter from an elderly woman who wants his advice. Intrigued by her phrasing, he asks Miss Lemon to send a letter back agreeing to come to her home. Before he can see her, he receives word that she has died.
Poisoned!
Swan Song
A famous opera singer gets her revenge.
It's one of those stories that men would do well to pay attention to, as it shows how long a woman will wait to get payback.
Sleep with one eye open, sir.
Miss Marple Tells a Story
I loved the way Miss Marple narrated the story in a hilarious humblebrag kind of way.
When a lawyer brings his client to Jane and asks her to listen to the story of the events leading up to him finding his wife dead in their hotel room, the client in question thinks it's a waste of time.
However, just as her lawyer friend hoped, the fluffy old lady manages to see a few things that everyone else missed and ends up saving his bacon.
Have You Got Everything You Want?
Theft on the Orient Express!
A lovely young woman, Mrs. Elsie Jeffries, runs into Pyne the famous train, and confides in him that she is unhappy. This sort of problem is right in Parke Pyne's wheelhouse.
She is newly married to a very proper man, but she found a secret message on blotter paper in his office that read, "just before Venice would be the best time.", and now she's worried.
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan
Did the French maid make off with Mrs. Opalsen's pearls?
Nah. That would be too easy, right?
Ingots of Gold
Once again the Tuesday Night Club meets up, and this time it's Miss Marple's own nephew, writer Raymond West, who tells a story. He hopes that the group (well, actually Miss Marple) can figure out what happened when his friend, John Newman, was kidnapped while his salvage ship was robbed of its treasure.
The Soul of the Croupier
Mr. Satterthwaite is in Monte Carlo at a casino when Mr. Quin shows up to help him reunite a pair of lovers.
But is there more than one couple whose future hangs on Lady Luck?
The Girl in the Train
Do you believe in love at first sight?
After too many late nights spent on the town, George Rowland gets fired and cut off by his wealthy uncle. He decides to hop on a train and take a trip to Rowland Castle in the hopes that, even though he only shares a last name, they will somehow greet him with open arms.
You can clearly see why his uncle tossed him out.
Greenshaw’s Folly
Raymond West, Miss Marple's lovable nephew, brings home a mystery to his Aunt Jane.
While trying to entertain a friend from the city with the local sight of an oddly built local house, he stumbles into a family drama and a murder-to-be decades in the making.
This is a nice little smorgasbord of her shorts for anyone looking to dip their toes in the water without investing too much time.
Recommended.
February 10, 2025
This is the third of the seasonal- titled Agatha Christie collection of short stories I’ve read and it’s well worth owning. I didn’t find every story a gem in this one, but with so many that were either immensely enjoyable or truly great reads, I’m still glad I picked it up in hardcover along with the other seasons.
Here is an overview of the titles included from my perspective :
The Market Basing Mystery — An especially charming Poirot story because our favorite little Belgian is having breakfast with Hastings and Japp, who happens to be on holiday. But of course their morning is interrupted by a suicide which can’t possibly be a suicide.
The Case of the Missing Lady — A fun Tommy and Tuppence story about a missing woman which is quite amusing to all but the easily offended woke crowd, who will blow a gasket over the solution.
The Herb of Death — This is one of those Marple round table stories from The Tuesday Club where of course Miss Marple is the one up to the challenge, and figures out the mystery presented. Fun reading.
How Does Your Garden Grow — A rare Poirot with Miss Lemon, and no Hastings, who was missed by this reader. Still quite fun however.
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan — A charming one with Hastings treating his friend Poirot to a little outing, and of course a good little mystery finds them.
The Soul of the Croupier — A really special story involving Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin. The reader will have to decide if it contains two happy endings or only one. Christie at her best here.
The Girl in the Train — An utterly charming light romantic adventure, a stand-alone that is very old-fashioned and enjoyable, and humorous. Christy displays a deft touch here, reminding me of the pre-Charlie Chan stories of Earl Derr Biggers.
Ingots of Gold and Greenshaw’s Folly — Two with Miss Marple, with Folly being much more Raymond West. Ingots of Gold the better one, where Miss Marple’s having lived in a house with a garden, bringing about the solution.
Have You Got Everything You Want? — A typically enjoyable Parker Pyne story that, while nothing memorable, is nonetheless enjoyable light reading fare.
Swan Song — About a woman getting revenge. I didn’t care for Swan Song much, and with three quasi Marple stories included, replacing one of them and/or Swan Song with another Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin would have made Sinister Spring sublime rather than just very good..
The standouts for me in the Sinister Spring volume were : The Girl in the Train, The Market Basing Mystery (Poirot), The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan (Poirot), and The Soul of the Croupier (Sattethwaite and Mr. Quin). Definitely recommended for Christie fans.
Here is an overview of the titles included from my perspective :
The Market Basing Mystery — An especially charming Poirot story because our favorite little Belgian is having breakfast with Hastings and Japp, who happens to be on holiday. But of course their morning is interrupted by a suicide which can’t possibly be a suicide.
The Case of the Missing Lady — A fun Tommy and Tuppence story about a missing woman which is quite amusing to all but the easily offended woke crowd, who will blow a gasket over the solution.
The Herb of Death — This is one of those Marple round table stories from The Tuesday Club where of course Miss Marple is the one up to the challenge, and figures out the mystery presented. Fun reading.
How Does Your Garden Grow — A rare Poirot with Miss Lemon, and no Hastings, who was missed by this reader. Still quite fun however.
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan — A charming one with Hastings treating his friend Poirot to a little outing, and of course a good little mystery finds them.
The Soul of the Croupier — A really special story involving Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin. The reader will have to decide if it contains two happy endings or only one. Christie at her best here.
The Girl in the Train — An utterly charming light romantic adventure, a stand-alone that is very old-fashioned and enjoyable, and humorous. Christy displays a deft touch here, reminding me of the pre-Charlie Chan stories of Earl Derr Biggers.
Ingots of Gold and Greenshaw’s Folly — Two with Miss Marple, with Folly being much more Raymond West. Ingots of Gold the better one, where Miss Marple’s having lived in a house with a garden, bringing about the solution.
Have You Got Everything You Want? — A typically enjoyable Parker Pyne story that, while nothing memorable, is nonetheless enjoyable light reading fare.
Swan Song — About a woman getting revenge. I didn’t care for Swan Song much, and with three quasi Marple stories included, replacing one of them and/or Swan Song with another Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin would have made Sinister Spring sublime rather than just very good..
The standouts for me in the Sinister Spring volume were : The Girl in the Train, The Market Basing Mystery (Poirot), The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan (Poirot), and The Soul of the Croupier (Sattethwaite and Mr. Quin). Definitely recommended for Christie fans.
March 28, 2023
My thanks to Harper Collins UK for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Sinister Spring: Murder and Mystery from the Queen of Crime (2023) is another season themed collection of (reprinted) short stories from Christie’s pen. Like a previous volume of these I read Midsummer Mysteries (2021), we have in this collection 12 stories covering various types of crimes from murder to theft, and featuring both recurring detectives (Poirot and Marple, as also Tommy and Tuppence, Harley Quin, and Parker Pyne) as well as standalone stories. The seasonal elements are brought out by mostly by gardens and gardening, which feature in many of the stories
Opening as the previous volume did, with a short extract from Christie’s autobio, this time an episode called the Gunman, based on her childhood nightmare, we move to the first story featuring Poirot where he and Hastings, accompany Japp to Market Basing, in ‘The Market Basing Mystery’ with plans to enjoy a quiet weekend since ‘no one knows who they are’. So naturally, they are soon to be involved in a mystery, as the local constable seeks their help in investigating the death of a Mr Protheroe who was found shot but couldn’t have done so himself. Poirot reaches the answer of course, in this mystery the broad frame of which is the basis of another Christie short story as well.
‘The Case of the Missing Lady’ featuring Tommy and Tuppence was one new to me, and a rather fun story, with an adventurer who returns to England earlier than planned to find his fiancée has gone on a visit but isn’t to be found at the place she supposedly went to, nor do any friends know her whereabouts. Tommy and Tuppence get on the case to find a very unexpected answer, which leaves the reader with a smile on their face (though in the current context, perhaps not the most PC).
From The Thirteen Problems (a Marple collection in which dinner guests describe murders and mysteries they are aware of leaving it to the others to ‘solve’), we have ‘The Herb of Death’ where a young girl staying with her guardian, and on the verge of being married and starting a new life dies of poisoning when foxglove leaves are picked with the sage that is to be used for dinner. Mrs Bantry poses the problem rather simply, and it is from the other dinner guests’ questions that one gets to the nuances; but only Miss Marple sees things in the right light.
Featuring Hercule Poirot is ‘How Does Your Garden Grow’, again one I was familiar with. An old lady writes to Poirot seeking his help over a mysterious problem the details of which are not revealed in her letter, but before he can reach her, she is dead. Poirot decides to visit her home all the same and finds the police convinced it’s murder.
‘Swan Song’ is a more tragic standalone, where an opera star agrees to perform at a country house where she is invited, on condition that Tosca is what’s performed. Why, you have to read the story to find out!
‘Miss Marple Tells a Story’ sees Miss Marple tell of a case she’s personally proud of, where a lawyer Mr Pretherick approaches her to help a client who’s going to be accused of murder. The client is sceptical, but as he explains the circumstances of hs wife’s death in a hotel where they were staying, Miss Marple is on to the answer.
A recently married young woman, travelling on the Simplon express in ‘Have You Got Everything You Want’ confides her troubles to Parker Pyne, suspicious her husband is attempting to harm her in some way while she is on the train. Pyne mayn’t be a ‘detective’ in the traditional sense, but that doesn’t stop him from reaching the rather unexpected solution to this mystery.
We’re back with Poirot in ‘The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan’ where Hastings treats Poirot to a stay at the Grand Metropolitan. There they run into the Opalsens and Mrs Opalsen who is very fond of jewellery, wishes to show them her priceless pearls, but the necklace vanishes before she can.
Also from The Thirteen Problems is ‘Ingots of Gold’ where Miss Marple’s nephew Raymond West narrates an incident that occurred with him when he visited an acquaintance in Cornwall who was looking for a ship lost in the Spanish Armada. But unfriendly locals and more recent events make the trip a more dangerous one than he bargained for.
‘The Soul of the Croupier’ takes us to Monte Carlo where Mr Satherthwaite (usually seen in the Harley Quin stories) is on his annual visit. Here he runs into an old acquaintance, the Countess Czarnova whom he’s seen there for years, each time in the company of a new admirer. On this trip, it’s a young American. A girl travelling with the young man truly cares for him, and Mr Satherthwaite realises they belong. Harley Quin is also on the scene, and the two can only look on as a drama with a thread of pathos unfolds.
Agatha Christie writes a very Wodehousian tale in ‘The Girl on the Train’ which rather reminded me of A Damsel in Distress by Wodehouse (even our ‘hero’ is called George, like George Bevan in Damsel). In this George Rowland, after a night on town and arriving late for work, is turned out by his uncle. He decides to head to Rowland Castle simply because it bears his name, and on the way in the train helps a beautiful young woman who seems to be running away from some one and dives into his compartment. This turns into the adventure of a lifetime as she entrusts him with a sealed package and asks him to trail a bearded stranger.
To wrap up the collection, we return to Miss Marple as her nephew Raymond West takes a friend to visit a property in the neighbourhood with an interesting story behind it, Greenshaw’s Folly, now lived in by an old Miss Greenshaw, the last of her family. Later, Raymond’s wife’s niece takes up a job there, only to become involved in a murder. Luckily, Miss Marple is there to ensure the puzzle is pieced together.
This was an entertaining collection which covered many moods from the tragic to the humorous, and gives the reader mysteries and puzzles, as also fun, adventure and and romance. One can get a taste of the various genres Christie writes in, though of course not the depth of her full-length mysteries. I liked all the stories in the collection (many of which were revisits for me) but my particular favourites this time were two of the humorous ones, ‘The Case of the Missing Lady’ and ‘The Girl on the Train’ both new to me, and both loads of fun.
4.5 stars
Sinister Spring: Murder and Mystery from the Queen of Crime (2023) is another season themed collection of (reprinted) short stories from Christie’s pen. Like a previous volume of these I read Midsummer Mysteries (2021), we have in this collection 12 stories covering various types of crimes from murder to theft, and featuring both recurring detectives (Poirot and Marple, as also Tommy and Tuppence, Harley Quin, and Parker Pyne) as well as standalone stories. The seasonal elements are brought out by mostly by gardens and gardening, which feature in many of the stories
Opening as the previous volume did, with a short extract from Christie’s autobio, this time an episode called the Gunman, based on her childhood nightmare, we move to the first story featuring Poirot where he and Hastings, accompany Japp to Market Basing, in ‘The Market Basing Mystery’ with plans to enjoy a quiet weekend since ‘no one knows who they are’. So naturally, they are soon to be involved in a mystery, as the local constable seeks their help in investigating the death of a Mr Protheroe who was found shot but couldn’t have done so himself. Poirot reaches the answer of course, in this mystery the broad frame of which is the basis of another Christie short story as well.
‘The Case of the Missing Lady’ featuring Tommy and Tuppence was one new to me, and a rather fun story, with an adventurer who returns to England earlier than planned to find his fiancée has gone on a visit but isn’t to be found at the place she supposedly went to, nor do any friends know her whereabouts. Tommy and Tuppence get on the case to find a very unexpected answer, which leaves the reader with a smile on their face (though in the current context, perhaps not the most PC).
From The Thirteen Problems (a Marple collection in which dinner guests describe murders and mysteries they are aware of leaving it to the others to ‘solve’), we have ‘The Herb of Death’ where a young girl staying with her guardian, and on the verge of being married and starting a new life dies of poisoning when foxglove leaves are picked with the sage that is to be used for dinner. Mrs Bantry poses the problem rather simply, and it is from the other dinner guests’ questions that one gets to the nuances; but only Miss Marple sees things in the right light.
Featuring Hercule Poirot is ‘How Does Your Garden Grow’, again one I was familiar with. An old lady writes to Poirot seeking his help over a mysterious problem the details of which are not revealed in her letter, but before he can reach her, she is dead. Poirot decides to visit her home all the same and finds the police convinced it’s murder.
‘Swan Song’ is a more tragic standalone, where an opera star agrees to perform at a country house where she is invited, on condition that Tosca is what’s performed. Why, you have to read the story to find out!
‘Miss Marple Tells a Story’ sees Miss Marple tell of a case she’s personally proud of, where a lawyer Mr Pretherick approaches her to help a client who’s going to be accused of murder. The client is sceptical, but as he explains the circumstances of hs wife’s death in a hotel where they were staying, Miss Marple is on to the answer.
A recently married young woman, travelling on the Simplon express in ‘Have You Got Everything You Want’ confides her troubles to Parker Pyne, suspicious her husband is attempting to harm her in some way while she is on the train. Pyne mayn’t be a ‘detective’ in the traditional sense, but that doesn’t stop him from reaching the rather unexpected solution to this mystery.
We’re back with Poirot in ‘The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan’ where Hastings treats Poirot to a stay at the Grand Metropolitan. There they run into the Opalsens and Mrs Opalsen who is very fond of jewellery, wishes to show them her priceless pearls, but the necklace vanishes before she can.
Also from The Thirteen Problems is ‘Ingots of Gold’ where Miss Marple’s nephew Raymond West narrates an incident that occurred with him when he visited an acquaintance in Cornwall who was looking for a ship lost in the Spanish Armada. But unfriendly locals and more recent events make the trip a more dangerous one than he bargained for.
‘The Soul of the Croupier’ takes us to Monte Carlo where Mr Satherthwaite (usually seen in the Harley Quin stories) is on his annual visit. Here he runs into an old acquaintance, the Countess Czarnova whom he’s seen there for years, each time in the company of a new admirer. On this trip, it’s a young American. A girl travelling with the young man truly cares for him, and Mr Satherthwaite realises they belong. Harley Quin is also on the scene, and the two can only look on as a drama with a thread of pathos unfolds.
Agatha Christie writes a very Wodehousian tale in ‘The Girl on the Train’ which rather reminded me of A Damsel in Distress by Wodehouse (even our ‘hero’ is called George, like George Bevan in Damsel). In this George Rowland, after a night on town and arriving late for work, is turned out by his uncle. He decides to head to Rowland Castle simply because it bears his name, and on the way in the train helps a beautiful young woman who seems to be running away from some one and dives into his compartment. This turns into the adventure of a lifetime as she entrusts him with a sealed package and asks him to trail a bearded stranger.
To wrap up the collection, we return to Miss Marple as her nephew Raymond West takes a friend to visit a property in the neighbourhood with an interesting story behind it, Greenshaw’s Folly, now lived in by an old Miss Greenshaw, the last of her family. Later, Raymond’s wife’s niece takes up a job there, only to become involved in a murder. Luckily, Miss Marple is there to ensure the puzzle is pieced together.
This was an entertaining collection which covered many moods from the tragic to the humorous, and gives the reader mysteries and puzzles, as also fun, adventure and and romance. One can get a taste of the various genres Christie writes in, though of course not the depth of her full-length mysteries. I liked all the stories in the collection (many of which were revisits for me) but my particular favourites this time were two of the humorous ones, ‘The Case of the Missing Lady’ and ‘The Girl on the Train’ both new to me, and both loads of fun.
4.5 stars
April 12, 2023
Here's a nice collection of short stories from the Queen of Crime, featuring many of her most well known characters. It's odd writing this review when outside it is cold, raining & there are gales force winds. I thought April was a spring month in England!
Although I favoured the Hercule Poirot stories above most of the others I thought that her tale of an opera singer, titled Swan Song, was a little gem. This was certainly an improvement on the Midwinter Murder collecti0n of stories. As the seasons change it looks like I'll be buying Midsummer Mysteries & Autumn Chills to complete the collection.
Although I favoured the Hercule Poirot stories above most of the others I thought that her tale of an opera singer, titled Swan Song, was a little gem. This was certainly an improvement on the Midwinter Murder collecti0n of stories. As the seasons change it looks like I'll be buying Midsummer Mysteries & Autumn Chills to complete the collection.
June 21, 2023
I knew most of the stories, but they are still a pleasure to read.
March 19, 2023
This collection of twelve spring-themed short stories by Agatha Christie is introduced by her own account of her first real experience of fear, aged six, while out primrosing with Nursie, and her description of a different figure, the image in her nightmares she calls The Gunman.
The Market Basing Mystery has Hercule Poirot on vacation with Japp and Hastings when they are called to an apparent suicide inside a locked room, except that it looks staged. Are the victim’s unsavoury visitors responsible?
The Case of the missing Lady has Tommy and Tuppence Blunt tracking down the missing fiancée of a polar explorer, to the grand house of a dubious doctor in a little village. Might she be suffering at his hands?
The Herb of Death has a gathering telling mysteries. One lady gives only the bare bones and questions from the rest reveal the detail, but only Jane Marple guesses the truth.
How Does Your Garden Grow? Hercule Poirot asks for Miss Lemon’s opinion about a request for help, but before he can decide, the woman suddenly dies. That intrigues him sufficiently to investigate, and a clue in the woman’s garden leads him to the murderer.
Swan Song: many years after the precipitating event, a demanding Italian prima donna with a Russian name gets her revenge.
Miss Marple Tells a Story: asked to consult on what is apparently a locked-room murder mystery, Jane Marple solves the crime at a far remove.
Have You Got Everything You Want? A young wife confesses her worries to a proclaimed fixit man on the Orient Express. And then her jewels are stolen…
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan: on vacation in Brighton, Hercule Poirot solves the impossible theft of a pearl necklace from a hotel room where the French maid maintains watch.
Ingots of Gold: Jane Marple’s nephew Raymond West recalls, some two years later, an unsolved incident on Cornwall’s wrecking coast in which he encounters a policeman looking into smuggled gold off a recent wreck. Inexplicably, Raymond’s host was kidnapped but later found unharmed. Miss Marple easily deduces the truth of the matter.
The Soul of the Croupier: an English gentleman on vacation in Monte Carlo watches the interplay between energetic young things and an ageing Countess. The action of the croupier at the roulette table reveals a tragic tale, but does it have a happy ending?
The Girl in the Train: a somewhat dissolute and (temporarily?) disinherited young man takes the train to a promising destination but is distracted by a young woman wanting to hide in his first-class carriage. He obliges, and intrigue in the form of a secret parcel, a surveillance mission, and false names culminates in an encounter with a police detective. Are things quite what they seem?
Greenshaw’s Folly: A will in favour of the housekeeper is witnessed by incidental visitors; a woman is killed by arrow; potential suspects have strong alibis. Miss Marple figures it out.
Both of her most well-known detectives, Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot star in several of the stories. Tommy and Tuppence Blunt make an appearance, and there are several stand-alones, some of which feature Christie characters from other tales. There’s lots of variety, but the standard is high. Very entertaining.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK
The Market Basing Mystery has Hercule Poirot on vacation with Japp and Hastings when they are called to an apparent suicide inside a locked room, except that it looks staged. Are the victim’s unsavoury visitors responsible?
The Case of the missing Lady has Tommy and Tuppence Blunt tracking down the missing fiancée of a polar explorer, to the grand house of a dubious doctor in a little village. Might she be suffering at his hands?
The Herb of Death has a gathering telling mysteries. One lady gives only the bare bones and questions from the rest reveal the detail, but only Jane Marple guesses the truth.
How Does Your Garden Grow? Hercule Poirot asks for Miss Lemon’s opinion about a request for help, but before he can decide, the woman suddenly dies. That intrigues him sufficiently to investigate, and a clue in the woman’s garden leads him to the murderer.
Swan Song: many years after the precipitating event, a demanding Italian prima donna with a Russian name gets her revenge.
Miss Marple Tells a Story: asked to consult on what is apparently a locked-room murder mystery, Jane Marple solves the crime at a far remove.
Have You Got Everything You Want? A young wife confesses her worries to a proclaimed fixit man on the Orient Express. And then her jewels are stolen…
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan: on vacation in Brighton, Hercule Poirot solves the impossible theft of a pearl necklace from a hotel room where the French maid maintains watch.
Ingots of Gold: Jane Marple’s nephew Raymond West recalls, some two years later, an unsolved incident on Cornwall’s wrecking coast in which he encounters a policeman looking into smuggled gold off a recent wreck. Inexplicably, Raymond’s host was kidnapped but later found unharmed. Miss Marple easily deduces the truth of the matter.
The Soul of the Croupier: an English gentleman on vacation in Monte Carlo watches the interplay between energetic young things and an ageing Countess. The action of the croupier at the roulette table reveals a tragic tale, but does it have a happy ending?
The Girl in the Train: a somewhat dissolute and (temporarily?) disinherited young man takes the train to a promising destination but is distracted by a young woman wanting to hide in his first-class carriage. He obliges, and intrigue in the form of a secret parcel, a surveillance mission, and false names culminates in an encounter with a police detective. Are things quite what they seem?
Greenshaw’s Folly: A will in favour of the housekeeper is witnessed by incidental visitors; a woman is killed by arrow; potential suspects have strong alibis. Miss Marple figures it out.
Both of her most well-known detectives, Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot star in several of the stories. Tommy and Tuppence Blunt make an appearance, and there are several stand-alones, some of which feature Christie characters from other tales. There’s lots of variety, but the standard is high. Very entertaining.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK
April 7, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐
Bardzo przyjemny zbiór opowiadań na wiosnę, wybrane opowiadania szybko się czyta, są intrygujące
Bardzo przyjemny zbiór opowiadań na wiosnę, wybrane opowiadania szybko się czyta, są intrygujące
April 28, 2024
3,5
Połówkę odejmuje za jedno przedziwnie głupkowate opowiadanie i drugie króciutkie z dość typowa dla Christie zagadka. Poza tym całkiem niezłe opowiadania, najbardziej podobały mi się z tradycyjnie z Panną Marple.
Połówkę odejmuje za jedno przedziwnie głupkowate opowiadanie i drugie króciutkie z dość typowa dla Christie zagadka. Poza tym całkiem niezłe opowiadania, najbardziej podobały mi się z tradycyjnie z Panną Marple.
May 7, 2025
A collection of spring-themed mysteries from Agatha Christie
The narrators: David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Isla Blair, Juliet Stevenson
1. The Market Basing Mystery - read by David Suchet. (20 mins) This story features Inspector Jap and we learn that he is an avid botanist in his spare time. Jap, Poirot and Hastings are on a weekend getaway together in a market town in the country. Upon being offered seconds at breakfast, Poirot responds, “One must not so replenish the stomach that the brain refuses to function.” They may be miles from anywhere having a break from murder, however a case that is just too intriguing to pass up finds its way to them.
2. The Case of the Missing Lady - read by Hugh Fraser. (24 mins) A famous Arctic explorer hires Tommy and Tuppence to discover the whereabouts of his elusive fiancé. Their search leads them to a sinister clinic. Favorite quote: "Tuppence," he said affectionately, "Your idea is not so dusty."
3. The Herb of Death - read by Juliet Stevenson (36 mins) A gathering of friends, including Miss Marple, telling each other stories. Favorite quote: Dolly Bantry: "I never can tell a story properly, ask Arthur if you don't believe me." Response: "You're quite good at the facts, Dolly," said Colonel Bantry, "But, poor at the embroidery."
4. How Does Your Garden Grow - read by David Suchet (33 mins) An elderly lady reaches out to Hercule Poirot for assistance via letter. Poirot arrives at her home to discover that she has been poisoned. He discovers the means in her well-maintained garden.
5. Swan Song - read by Hugh Fraser (33 mins) I loved the drama of it and made a mental note to see a production of Tosca soon! A description of the prima donna, a world famous operatic singer: "She had the laugh of a child, the digestion of an ostrich, and the temper of a fiend."
6. Miss Marple Tells a Story - read by Juliet Stevenson (23 mins) Miss Marple was making conversation with her visitors over some cherry brandy when, "The poor man gave a most dreadful laugh. He said, "I expect to die of a broken neck in a few months time." He has been accused of murdering his wife and will be hung unless Miss Marple can help him.
7. Have You Got Everything You Want? - read by Hugh Fraser (28 mins) Elsie Jefferies is traveling on an overnight train to meet her husband. The action picks up when Elsie confides in Mr. Parker Pyne that she discovered some cryptic lines in the blotter on her husband's desk, including: "just before Venice would be the best time." Mr. Parker Pyne is none the wiser and says that they will have to wait and see what happens when they get nearer to Venice.
8. The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan - read by David Suchet (34 mins) Hastings suggests that Poirot would benefit from a change of air, so they take a trip to the seaside town of Brighton. "All the world and his wife seemed to be at Brighton. The dresses were marvelous and the jewels worn sometimes with more love of display than good taste were something magnificent."
9. Ingots of Gold - read by Juliet Stevenson (29 mins) One of my favorite stories. Although it stars Miss Marple, the story is actually told by her nephew, Raymond West. It's a story of shipwrecks set in Cornwall and Raymond warns the gathered group of listeners that he doesn't have a solution to the mystery. Of course, Miss Marple works it out.
10. The Soul of the Croupier - read by Hugh Fraser (36 mins) This story is set in Monte Carlo where Mr. Satterthwaite laments the way society is changing. He "was an earnest student of the drama called life, but he liked his material to be highly colored" - meaning he preferred the beautifully dressed ladies and rich grand dukes, rather than the ordinary people who can now afford to travel.
11. The Girl in the Train - read by Hugh Fraser (39 mins) George Rowland is a young man who at first glance appears to be a bit of a bounder. He relies on the good will of his uncle and when he arrives about three hours late for work, they quarrel. George leaves the family home and takes a train to a location he picked on a whimsy. The story becomes intriguing when a girl enters his compartment on the train and asks him to hide something for her, and ultimately, follow the person pursuing her.
12. Greenshaw's Folly - read by Isla Blair (55 minutes) This is a Miss Marple story about a house owner who gets their comeuppance after a mean act. This was one of my favorites with interesting unlikeable characters and the mystery was intriguing, and cold blooded. Everyone is baffled except Miss Marple.
The narrators: David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Isla Blair, Juliet Stevenson
1. The Market Basing Mystery - read by David Suchet. (20 mins) This story features Inspector Jap and we learn that he is an avid botanist in his spare time. Jap, Poirot and Hastings are on a weekend getaway together in a market town in the country. Upon being offered seconds at breakfast, Poirot responds, “One must not so replenish the stomach that the brain refuses to function.” They may be miles from anywhere having a break from murder, however a case that is just too intriguing to pass up finds its way to them.
2. The Case of the Missing Lady - read by Hugh Fraser. (24 mins) A famous Arctic explorer hires Tommy and Tuppence to discover the whereabouts of his elusive fiancé. Their search leads them to a sinister clinic. Favorite quote: "Tuppence," he said affectionately, "Your idea is not so dusty."
3. The Herb of Death - read by Juliet Stevenson (36 mins) A gathering of friends, including Miss Marple, telling each other stories. Favorite quote: Dolly Bantry: "I never can tell a story properly, ask Arthur if you don't believe me." Response: "You're quite good at the facts, Dolly," said Colonel Bantry, "But, poor at the embroidery."
4. How Does Your Garden Grow - read by David Suchet (33 mins) An elderly lady reaches out to Hercule Poirot for assistance via letter. Poirot arrives at her home to discover that she has been poisoned. He discovers the means in her well-maintained garden.
5. Swan Song - read by Hugh Fraser (33 mins) I loved the drama of it and made a mental note to see a production of Tosca soon! A description of the prima donna, a world famous operatic singer: "She had the laugh of a child, the digestion of an ostrich, and the temper of a fiend."
6. Miss Marple Tells a Story - read by Juliet Stevenson (23 mins) Miss Marple was making conversation with her visitors over some cherry brandy when, "The poor man gave a most dreadful laugh. He said, "I expect to die of a broken neck in a few months time." He has been accused of murdering his wife and will be hung unless Miss Marple can help him.
7. Have You Got Everything You Want? - read by Hugh Fraser (28 mins) Elsie Jefferies is traveling on an overnight train to meet her husband. The action picks up when Elsie confides in Mr. Parker Pyne that she discovered some cryptic lines in the blotter on her husband's desk, including: "just before Venice would be the best time." Mr. Parker Pyne is none the wiser and says that they will have to wait and see what happens when they get nearer to Venice.
8. The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan - read by David Suchet (34 mins) Hastings suggests that Poirot would benefit from a change of air, so they take a trip to the seaside town of Brighton. "All the world and his wife seemed to be at Brighton. The dresses were marvelous and the jewels worn sometimes with more love of display than good taste were something magnificent."
9. Ingots of Gold - read by Juliet Stevenson (29 mins) One of my favorite stories. Although it stars Miss Marple, the story is actually told by her nephew, Raymond West. It's a story of shipwrecks set in Cornwall and Raymond warns the gathered group of listeners that he doesn't have a solution to the mystery. Of course, Miss Marple works it out.
10. The Soul of the Croupier - read by Hugh Fraser (36 mins) This story is set in Monte Carlo where Mr. Satterthwaite laments the way society is changing. He "was an earnest student of the drama called life, but he liked his material to be highly colored" - meaning he preferred the beautifully dressed ladies and rich grand dukes, rather than the ordinary people who can now afford to travel.
11. The Girl in the Train - read by Hugh Fraser (39 mins) George Rowland is a young man who at first glance appears to be a bit of a bounder. He relies on the good will of his uncle and when he arrives about three hours late for work, they quarrel. George leaves the family home and takes a train to a location he picked on a whimsy. The story becomes intriguing when a girl enters his compartment on the train and asks him to hide something for her, and ultimately, follow the person pursuing her.
12. Greenshaw's Folly - read by Isla Blair (55 minutes) This is a Miss Marple story about a house owner who gets their comeuppance after a mean act. This was one of my favorites with interesting unlikeable characters and the mystery was intriguing, and cold blooded. Everyone is baffled except Miss Marple.
June 8, 2025
Całkiem przyjemny zbiór opowiadań. Dobrze się je czytać, czasami jest zabawnie, postaci są urozmaicone (trochę Poirota, trochę panny Marple, trochę innych detektywów), ale jak to w opowiadaniach bywa, rozwiązania wydają się zbyt łatwe i naciągane. Ale to Agatha Christie, więc trzeba się do tego przyzwyczaić.
May 10, 2025
Brian finally just read the last short story to me and my parents! So fun to have a bunch of mini mysteries on the coffee table!
October 21, 2023
This is a collection of short stories that all revolve around some murder or mystery. Some stories include Pirout and some include others like Miss Marple. I've actually never read any of the Miss Marple stories before. The stories all have some mention of Spring or gardening in them.
I always find Agatha Christie's writing to be delightful.
I always find Agatha Christie's writing to be delightful.
April 22, 2023
A fun selection of stories from the genius mind of Christie. Some were much better than others, but most were clever.
A slightly weird selection of stories in general though, and I feel like the previous two collections in this series did a better job at collating seasonal stories that all worked together as a collection.
A slightly weird selection of stories in general though, and I feel like the previous two collections in this series did a better job at collating seasonal stories that all worked together as a collection.
March 27, 2024
Oceniła bym wyżej, ale to w końcu opowiadania. Jedne kocham, drugie są dla mnie obojętne, jeszcze inne po prostu okej. Bardzo zależy, ale Christie nigdy nie zawodzi, fajnie widzieć w akcji tyle jej bohaterów, oczywiście ja sercem jestem za detektywem Poirotem 👊
April 23, 2024
respect for agatha christie, disrespect for this book
April 4, 2024
Ocena: 4,5/5⭐️
{#współpracareklamowa z @wydawnictwo_dolnoslaskie
@agathachristiepolska }
🌷Twórczość Agathy Christie jest mi już znana i udało mi się przeczytać do tej pory 5 z jej książek (w skali wszystkich wydanych to jak kropelka w morzu).
Jej pomysły na fabułę, styl pisania i sposób w jaki potrafi zaangazować czytelnika są niesamowite. Nigdy nie jestem zawiedziona, a wręcz przeciwnie.
☀️"Zło rozkwita wiosną" jest jednak formą, z którą, w przypadku Christie nie miałam wcześniej do czynienia.
Książka zawiera kilka krótkich opowiadań z innych zbiorów, gdzie możemy spotkać Herkulesa Poirot, Pannę Marple, czy Tommy i Tupence.
Dobrze, że na początku każdego opowiadania zostało opisane, z którego zbioru ono pochodzi, dzięki czemu możecie sprawdzić, czy coś wam się nie zduplikuje w Waszej biblioteczce.
🌷"Zło rozkwita wiosną" jak sam tytuł mówi, stanowi idealny tytuł na wiosenne dni.
W kwitnacych ogrodach, skąpanych w promieniach słońca, pomiędzy krokusami i wychodzącymi tulipanami, czai się zło, które tylko czeka, by jeszcze bardziej rozwinąć swoje macki i pochłonąć więcej ofiar.
Każdy kwiat widział to zło i kr@w na rękach tych, którzy o nie dbają każdego dnia.
Każdy kwiat wie, jakie tajemnice są skrywane pomiędzy grządkami.
☀️Jest to tytuł, który pochłonęłam na jednym posiedzeniu w fotelu na tarasie, w towarzystwie kawy i kwitnących już kwiatów na drzewach owocowych, a kartki oswietlane były przez pierwsze promienie wiosennego słońca.
🌷W tym zbiorze myślę, że każdy znajdzie coś dla siebie. Od opowiadań humorystycznych, po te bardziej trzymające w napięciu.
Śmiem twierdzić, że Christie jest królową kryminałów i w tym wydaniu widać to bardzo dobrze. Każda historia jest zupełnie inna, a jednocześnie tworzą spójną całość, przez którą się płynie i pragnie się tylko więcej.
{#współpracareklamowa z @wydawnictwo_dolnoslaskie
@agathachristiepolska }
🌷Twórczość Agathy Christie jest mi już znana i udało mi się przeczytać do tej pory 5 z jej książek (w skali wszystkich wydanych to jak kropelka w morzu).
Jej pomysły na fabułę, styl pisania i sposób w jaki potrafi zaangazować czytelnika są niesamowite. Nigdy nie jestem zawiedziona, a wręcz przeciwnie.
☀️"Zło rozkwita wiosną" jest jednak formą, z którą, w przypadku Christie nie miałam wcześniej do czynienia.
Książka zawiera kilka krótkich opowiadań z innych zbiorów, gdzie możemy spotkać Herkulesa Poirot, Pannę Marple, czy Tommy i Tupence.
Dobrze, że na początku każdego opowiadania zostało opisane, z którego zbioru ono pochodzi, dzięki czemu możecie sprawdzić, czy coś wam się nie zduplikuje w Waszej biblioteczce.
🌷"Zło rozkwita wiosną" jak sam tytuł mówi, stanowi idealny tytuł na wiosenne dni.
W kwitnacych ogrodach, skąpanych w promieniach słońca, pomiędzy krokusami i wychodzącymi tulipanami, czai się zło, które tylko czeka, by jeszcze bardziej rozwinąć swoje macki i pochłonąć więcej ofiar.
Każdy kwiat widział to zło i kr@w na rękach tych, którzy o nie dbają każdego dnia.
Każdy kwiat wie, jakie tajemnice są skrywane pomiędzy grządkami.
☀️Jest to tytuł, który pochłonęłam na jednym posiedzeniu w fotelu na tarasie, w towarzystwie kawy i kwitnących już kwiatów na drzewach owocowych, a kartki oswietlane były przez pierwsze promienie wiosennego słońca.
🌷W tym zbiorze myślę, że każdy znajdzie coś dla siebie. Od opowiadań humorystycznych, po te bardziej trzymające w napięciu.
Śmiem twierdzić, że Christie jest królową kryminałów i w tym wydaniu widać to bardzo dobrze. Każda historia jest zupełnie inna, a jednocześnie tworzą spójną całość, przez którą się płynie i pragnie się tylko więcej.
March 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this set of short mystery stories by Agatha Christie. They were fun to read, each story giving a different flavour to enjoy.
Featuring our loved ones Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, we have the following treats to brighten up spring time:
The Market Basing Mystery
The Case of the Missing Lady
The Herb of Death
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Swan Song
Miss Marple Tells a Story
Have You Got Everything You Want?
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan
Ingots of Gold
The Soul of the Croupier
The Girl in the Train
Greenshaw’s Folly
This is a great book, which I highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Featuring our loved ones Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, we have the following treats to brighten up spring time:
The Market Basing Mystery
The Case of the Missing Lady
The Herb of Death
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Swan Song
Miss Marple Tells a Story
Have You Got Everything You Want?
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan
Ingots of Gold
The Soul of the Croupier
The Girl in the Train
Greenshaw’s Folly
This is a great book, which I highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
April 3, 2024
✿ Nikogo to nie zdziwi jeśli napiszę, że Christie to moja ulubiona autorka. Dzięki jej historiom mogę się przenieść w ich miejsce i stać obok Panny Marple lub Herkulesa, a to jest niemały zaszczyt!
Opowiadania tkające zalążek wiosny, słowa w których kryje się rozwiązanie i emocje wielkie jak słońce w południe. „Zło rozkwita wiosna” przedstawia naprawdę pokaźne opowiadania dające vibe wiosny, gdzie możemy zapoznać się z ogrodami i bujnymi kwiatami czy rozmaitymi roślinami. Między krokusami, a przebiśniegami czai się ogromne zło, którego przeciwstawić się potrafi tylko Panna Marple i Herkules.
✿ Każdy ogródek skrywa tajemnicę, każdy kwiat widział plamy krwi na rękach ich gospodarzy. Wiosna rządzi się własnymi prawami tak jak historię i tajemnice kradzieży. Czy dacie radę odkryć kto stoi za każdym złym czynem?
Opowiadania tkające zalążek wiosny, słowa w których kryje się rozwiązanie i emocje wielkie jak słońce w południe. „Zło rozkwita wiosna” przedstawia naprawdę pokaźne opowiadania dające vibe wiosny, gdzie możemy zapoznać się z ogrodami i bujnymi kwiatami czy rozmaitymi roślinami. Między krokusami, a przebiśniegami czai się ogromne zło, którego przeciwstawić się potrafi tylko Panna Marple i Herkules.
✿ Każdy ogródek skrywa tajemnicę, każdy kwiat widział plamy krwi na rękach ich gospodarzy. Wiosna rządzi się własnymi prawami tak jak historię i tajemnice kradzieży. Czy dacie radę odkryć kto stoi za każdym złym czynem?
April 24, 2024
3.5
Ciekawie było poznać historie z innymi detektywami niż Poirot lub całkowicie bez nich, jednak te ostatnie w ogóle nie przypadły mi do gustu. Ocene podnoszą głównie te z Poirot i Panną Marple, chociaż Tommy i Tuppence to też ciekawa para, swoją drogą przed czytaniem myślałam, że to dwójka mężczyzn, a to małżeństwo XD
Najbardziej jednak przeszkadzała mi długość historii, opowiadania w kryminałach to dla mnie zbyt krótka forma.
Jednak miło było przypomnieć sobie o Christie, bo mam ochotę na kolejnego Poirot 👨🏻
Ciekawie było poznać historie z innymi detektywami niż Poirot lub całkowicie bez nich, jednak te ostatnie w ogóle nie przypadły mi do gustu. Ocene podnoszą głównie te z Poirot i Panną Marple, chociaż Tommy i Tuppence to też ciekawa para, swoją drogą przed czytaniem myślałam, że to dwójka mężczyzn, a to małżeństwo XD
Najbardziej jednak przeszkadzała mi długość historii, opowiadania w kryminałach to dla mnie zbyt krótka forma.
Jednak miło było przypomnieć sobie o Christie, bo mam ochotę na kolejnego Poirot 👨🏻
February 24, 2025
This wonderful compendium of short stories from Agatha Christie features Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple solving crimes in their own inimitable style. The stories are as fiendishly clever as the longer stories and feature the “ locked room “ scenario that are a trademark in Agatha Christie stories .There is a new genre of crime books called cosy crime but Agatha Christie’s approach and devilishly seemingly simple but complex tales remove her from this world with a darkness that just stirs the surface. Even within this collection she effortlessly manages to pull us into her web of human deception and evil intentions .In some ways this a ‘fun collection’ that could be read in one sitting or gradually over the next few months as summer approaches….Spring is arriving and it is certainly sinister. A great read for lovers of traditional period crime and detective novels .
May 17, 2023
I think this is a 3.5 star collection. Some of it is quite good, some of it is forgettable, and rather little of it has anything to do with spring.
It's a nice assortment of short stories, with appearances from Poirot, Marple, Quin, and Tommy and Tuppence. I generally prefer Christie's novels to her short stories -- I like more time to build the mystery, as well as to piece together the clues as best as I can, and short stories always feel like they resolve too quickly.
However, I did enjoy these. Especially fun were the Poirot short, "How Does Your Garden Grow?" and the Quin tale, "The Soul of the Croupier".
It's a nice assortment of short stories, with appearances from Poirot, Marple, Quin, and Tommy and Tuppence. I generally prefer Christie's novels to her short stories -- I like more time to build the mystery, as well as to piece together the clues as best as I can, and short stories always feel like they resolve too quickly.
However, I did enjoy these. Especially fun were the Poirot short, "How Does Your Garden Grow?" and the Quin tale, "The Soul of the Croupier".
March 25, 2023
I can admire Agatha Christie's writing style and mastery of the crime genre whilst also acknowledging that these short stories are fatphobic, anti-semitic, racist, xenophobic, classist and sexist at times.
June 18, 2023
4 stars.
A great little collection, a good place to start of you aren't sure where to begin with Christies huge list of works.
This gave a good feel for each of the detectives.
A great little collection, a good place to start of you aren't sure where to begin with Christies huge list of works.
This gave a good feel for each of the detectives.
March 31, 2023
Watching the detectives…
Over the last few years, HarperCollins have been bringing out a series of lovely hardback collections of Agatha Christie short stories. Some have been reprints of existing collections, like The Tuesday Club Murders (aka The Thirteen Problems) or The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, while others are a mix of stories culled from various collections and put together to create a seasonal theme, such as Midsummer Mysteries and Midwinter Murder. This is their latest and, as you can tell from the title, it’s perfect for this time of year (unless you’re on the upside down half of the world!). If you’ve read a lot of Christie collections you may well find you’ve come across most of the stories before, but I always enjoy reading them again anyway and there are usually two or three in each collection that are new to me. Because these are taken from various other collections, there’s a real mix of detectives – Poirot and Miss Marple, of course, but also Tommy and Tuppence, Parker Pyne and Harley Quin, plus a couple of stories that don’t star one of her recurring ‘tecs.
There are twelve stories in this one, and since regular Christie readers might want to know whether there are enough unfamiliar stories to tempt them, here’s a list of all twelve with tiny synopses that hopefully will be enough to let you know if it rings bells. My rating is in brackets:
The Market Basing Mystery (4) – Poirot, Hastings and Japp are on a little break in Market Basing when a man is found dead. It looks like he’s shot himself, but the doctor thinks this isn’t possible. A man is arrested and it’s up to our three sleuths to determine whether he is guilty or innocent.
The Case of the Missing Lady (5) – A Tommy and Tuppence story from Partners in Crime. In this one, Tommy is playing Holmes. An adventurer returns from the North Pole to find that his fiancée is missing. Can T&T track her down? Manages to be both tense and humorous – delightful twist!
The Herb of Death (4½) – One from The Tuesday Club Murders, I think. (I'm basing all these references to original sources on my unreliable memory, so forgive errors and omissions!) Mrs Bantry tells of a house party where foxglove got mixed in with the sage. All the guests recovered but one – a young girl called Sylvia. Was it bad luck or deliberate murder, and if so, why? Miss Marple will soon tell us…
How Does Your Garden Grow? (4) – Poirot receives a letter from an old lady requesting his help in an unspecified matter, but before he sees her, she dies. With the help of Miss Lemon, he starts quietly investigating her household to see if her death was suspicious or merely convenient. Rather reminiscent of the plot of one of her novels.
Swan Song (4) – An unexpected death during a performance of Tosca kicks off this dark and well-told revenge tragedy – a standalone with none of the usual ‘tecs.
Miss Marple Tells a Story (5) – From Miss Marple’s Final Cases. A woman is murdered while sleeping in a hotel bedroom. Her husband is accused, and his lawyer turns to his old friend Miss M for help. She soon works out why it seems no one noticed the murderer enter the room. An excellent howdunit!
Have You Got Everything You Want? (5) – Parker Pyne is on a train journey to Venice when a fellow passenger asks for his advice. She is travelling to meet her husband, but before she left she saw a message on his blotting pad which has left her fearful that something is planned to happen just before they reach Venice. Well-told and quite humorous, especially the ending!
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan (4) – A howdunit about a woman whose priceless necklace is stolen while she and her husband are dining with Poirot. Another one where the plot is overly familiar to provide much in the way of surprise.
Ingots of Gold (4½) – Another Tuesday Club one, I think, this time told by Miss Marple’s nephew Raymond. It’s quite convoluted for a short story, involving two lots of missing bullion – one from Spanish Armada days, and one from a recent shipwreck. Set in Cornwall, it’s well told and entertaining.
The Soul of the Croupier (5) – The story of an ageing Countess, past lover of many rich men who showered her with jewels. But now her charms are beginning to fade, and she’s desperate for money, having long ago turned all those jewels to paste. While there is a mystery starring Harley Quin, it’s really the oddly sympathetic depiction of the Countess that raises this one above the average.
The Girl in the Train (5) – Light Wodehousian romp as our young hero, George Rowland, gets mixed up in the elopement of a Balkan Princess, plus a spy ring, and falls in love. Silly, but fun!
Greenshaw's Folly (5) - Greenshaw’s Folly is a house built by a rich man, long dead. His elderly granddaughter now owns the place, and she has been dropping hints to various people that she intends to leave them the house in her will. When the old lady is murdered, Miss Marple becomes involved! An excellent story, taken from The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding.
As you can see, all the stories rated between 4 and 5 for me – it is Christie after all! So unless you’re already familiar with most of the stories, this would be a great way to sample her range of detectives. And the hardback editions all have lovely bright designs which make them an attractive gift idea for the Christie fan in your life!
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
Over the last few years, HarperCollins have been bringing out a series of lovely hardback collections of Agatha Christie short stories. Some have been reprints of existing collections, like The Tuesday Club Murders (aka The Thirteen Problems) or The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, while others are a mix of stories culled from various collections and put together to create a seasonal theme, such as Midsummer Mysteries and Midwinter Murder. This is their latest and, as you can tell from the title, it’s perfect for this time of year (unless you’re on the upside down half of the world!). If you’ve read a lot of Christie collections you may well find you’ve come across most of the stories before, but I always enjoy reading them again anyway and there are usually two or three in each collection that are new to me. Because these are taken from various other collections, there’s a real mix of detectives – Poirot and Miss Marple, of course, but also Tommy and Tuppence, Parker Pyne and Harley Quin, plus a couple of stories that don’t star one of her recurring ‘tecs.
There are twelve stories in this one, and since regular Christie readers might want to know whether there are enough unfamiliar stories to tempt them, here’s a list of all twelve with tiny synopses that hopefully will be enough to let you know if it rings bells. My rating is in brackets:
The Market Basing Mystery (4) – Poirot, Hastings and Japp are on a little break in Market Basing when a man is found dead. It looks like he’s shot himself, but the doctor thinks this isn’t possible. A man is arrested and it’s up to our three sleuths to determine whether he is guilty or innocent.
The Case of the Missing Lady (5) – A Tommy and Tuppence story from Partners in Crime. In this one, Tommy is playing Holmes. An adventurer returns from the North Pole to find that his fiancée is missing. Can T&T track her down? Manages to be both tense and humorous – delightful twist!
The Herb of Death (4½) – One from The Tuesday Club Murders, I think. (I'm basing all these references to original sources on my unreliable memory, so forgive errors and omissions!) Mrs Bantry tells of a house party where foxglove got mixed in with the sage. All the guests recovered but one – a young girl called Sylvia. Was it bad luck or deliberate murder, and if so, why? Miss Marple will soon tell us…
How Does Your Garden Grow? (4) – Poirot receives a letter from an old lady requesting his help in an unspecified matter, but before he sees her, she dies. With the help of Miss Lemon, he starts quietly investigating her household to see if her death was suspicious or merely convenient. Rather reminiscent of the plot of one of her novels.
Swan Song (4) – An unexpected death during a performance of Tosca kicks off this dark and well-told revenge tragedy – a standalone with none of the usual ‘tecs.
Miss Marple Tells a Story (5) – From Miss Marple’s Final Cases. A woman is murdered while sleeping in a hotel bedroom. Her husband is accused, and his lawyer turns to his old friend Miss M for help. She soon works out why it seems no one noticed the murderer enter the room. An excellent howdunit!
Have You Got Everything You Want? (5) – Parker Pyne is on a train journey to Venice when a fellow passenger asks for his advice. She is travelling to meet her husband, but before she left she saw a message on his blotting pad which has left her fearful that something is planned to happen just before they reach Venice. Well-told and quite humorous, especially the ending!
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan (4) – A howdunit about a woman whose priceless necklace is stolen while she and her husband are dining with Poirot. Another one where the plot is overly familiar to provide much in the way of surprise.
Ingots of Gold (4½) – Another Tuesday Club one, I think, this time told by Miss Marple’s nephew Raymond. It’s quite convoluted for a short story, involving two lots of missing bullion – one from Spanish Armada days, and one from a recent shipwreck. Set in Cornwall, it’s well told and entertaining.
The Soul of the Croupier (5) – The story of an ageing Countess, past lover of many rich men who showered her with jewels. But now her charms are beginning to fade, and she’s desperate for money, having long ago turned all those jewels to paste. While there is a mystery starring Harley Quin, it’s really the oddly sympathetic depiction of the Countess that raises this one above the average.
The Girl in the Train (5) – Light Wodehousian romp as our young hero, George Rowland, gets mixed up in the elopement of a Balkan Princess, plus a spy ring, and falls in love. Silly, but fun!
Greenshaw's Folly (5) - Greenshaw’s Folly is a house built by a rich man, long dead. His elderly granddaughter now owns the place, and she has been dropping hints to various people that she intends to leave them the house in her will. When the old lady is murdered, Miss Marple becomes involved! An excellent story, taken from The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding.
As you can see, all the stories rated between 4 and 5 for me – it is Christie after all! So unless you’re already familiar with most of the stories, this would be a great way to sample her range of detectives. And the hardback editions all have lovely bright designs which make them an attractive gift idea for the Christie fan in your life!
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
April 2, 2024
Hej wam! Dzisiaj porozmawiamy o książce Agathy, która jak każda zachwyca mnie coraz bardziej. Jest to już druga książka tej autorki i napewno nie ostatnia. Jestem pod ogromnym wrażeniem, jakie plot twisty występują na końcach opowiadań.
„Zło rozkwita wiosną” - zawiera zbiór opowiadań idealnych na wiosenne wieczory. Są one krótkie a zarazem wciągające i zmuszają czytelnika do głębszych analiz oraz refleksji. Każdy rozdział jest przepiękne oznaczony- uwielbiam piękne wykończenia, dlatego przyciągnęło to moją uwagę.
Jak to zawsze, próbuje odgadnąć końcowe wydarzenia, jednak nigdy mi się to nie udaje. Wszystko jest dopracowane, spójne i logiczne dlatego przyjemnie się to czyta.
Bardzo cieszę się, że mogłam przeczytać tą książkę i czekam na kolejne historie, które będę mogła poznać w najbliższym czasie. 4/5 ⭐️
„Zło rozkwita wiosną” - zawiera zbiór opowiadań idealnych na wiosenne wieczory. Są one krótkie a zarazem wciągające i zmuszają czytelnika do głębszych analiz oraz refleksji. Każdy rozdział jest przepiękne oznaczony- uwielbiam piękne wykończenia, dlatego przyciągnęło to moją uwagę.
Jak to zawsze, próbuje odgadnąć końcowe wydarzenia, jednak nigdy mi się to nie udaje. Wszystko jest dopracowane, spójne i logiczne dlatego przyjemnie się to czyta.
Bardzo cieszę się, że mogłam przeczytać tą książkę i czekam na kolejne historie, które będę mogła poznać w najbliższym czasie. 4/5 ⭐️
April 1, 2025
CAWPILE 5.43
3 STARS
A quick start to the Spring Equinox of Aledia 2025!
I do enjoy Agatha Christie's writing, I've read quite a few of her books but the little short stories are glimpses into the Poirot and Marple series.
A quick but interesting read but marked down because I prefer longer content and not short story collections.
3 STARS
A quick start to the Spring Equinox of Aledia 2025!
I do enjoy Agatha Christie's writing, I've read quite a few of her books but the little short stories are glimpses into the Poirot and Marple series.
A quick but interesting read but marked down because I prefer longer content and not short story collections.
March 7, 2024
Splendid book!
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