Agatha Christie anyone?

[C.I.C.C.I]

Happy Birthday Dame Agatha Christie

[C.I.C.C.I]

paperback
191 pages
copyright 1940,1941

ONE, TWO, BUCKLE MY SHOE - AGATHA CHRISTIE



Why on earth would a successful and happy dentist commit suicide? Leave it to Hercule Poirot to drill the doctor's patients...and to assuage the numbing fear that another murder will follow.


[CROUCHING-TIGER-DISAPPEARING-SPOILER]
1. Mr. Morley killed by Alistair Blunt and Mr. Amberiotis
2. Real Miss Sainsbury Seale killed; face smashed to reveal identity; not Mrs. Chapman.
3. [Real Miss Sainsbury Seale able to identify face.
4. Gerda is wife of Mr. Blunt; bigamy; actress
/CROUCHING-TIGER-DISAPPEARING-SPOILER]

[Lasaro]

Agatha Christie - The Queen of Crime!

I remember, I was still in high school when I got to read my first Christie, And Then There Were None, and it spoiled things for me. It's just so good, until now I'd recommend it to friends who are non-readers, and most of them will surprise themselves by finishing the book, which is non-chicklit, non-young adult, non-pop, in one day.

After that, I got to read some of her books again, pero isa isa na lang,and after the high of ATTWN, they were, to be honest, a bit of a letdown, but still serviceable.

Last year, my interest was rekindled, what with jaw-droppingly cheap Christie mysteries I found in Booksale, eBay, National, etc etc. That's where I found three uber-cheap Avenel editions with five novels each. I even downloaded some ebooks to complete my reading of the "requisite" Christies. All in all last year, I read more than thirty Christie novels, most of them in dead tree form. Not really that hard, considering you can finish two on a lazy Sunday. I usually take time to savor a book, but with these being mysteries, and though well-written, not exactly what we would call high literary, one couldn't help but stumble headfirst into it, your curiosity spurring you like a mad stallion until the rousing finish.

What I did notice was this: after a while, you would notice a certain pattern to her mysteries. Before, when I was younger, I was just astounded by her mastery, and never would I have thought that I would ever figure out one of her books. But with the sheer volume I read, either through a direct comprehension of the underlying mechanism behind a book (as happened with me in Death Comes as The End, Five Little Pigs, etc, which of course, like a subject one aces quickly became my favorites) or through an inexplicable hunch ("basta sya un, sigurado ako dun"), it got to a point where my batting average was one out of three-point-five, which still makes her mysteries pretty darn inscrutable.

Those were not to detract on her talents at all, in fact, she's one of my favorite authors. I just noticed that, with the exception of the main detectives, which we encountered many times before, her characterizations are quite lacking. This forces us to focus on the mystery, surely, and might be beside the point for some people. But last year, I also got to read what I would consider the finest (alongside And Then There Were None) Christie I came across: Endless Night. It broke many of the conventions Christie used in her novels, but while being of the same length as a typical Christie, man, were her characters here truly memorable and utterly utterly believable! Engrossing race to the finish, given that a full quarter passed before the requisite murder was committed, and the ending: Perfect. i have read many books, and most mysteries would leave me satisfied, like a cat that just drank its milk, but that's about it. This one totally floored me. Throughout her works, I think a running thread has been Evil, which time and again she has tried to depict, with varying degrees of success. Here she pulled the shroud to lay the monster bare. At a time when her novels have begun to droop, she summoned a haunting demon. It was elegiac, authentic, and absolutely masterful.

Now, I have a personal opinion that may rile many afficionados, but I noticed that her novels tend to get stronger, at least for me,when she does away with her detectives. As I've said, I enjoyed her novels, and Poirot with her grey cells, Marple with her small village analogies, and Hastings, Battle, the Tuppences, etc would never fail to entertain me. But the most memorable for me were And Then There Were None, Endless Night, and Death Comes As The End.
Perhaps it's the thrill of having these trapped characters battle it out among themselves, with their survival as the prize?

[brrrrr!!!]

Hi guys what novels do you suggest for a first-timer? I'm fairly literate with stuff by Arthur Conan Doyle, and perhaps it's about time that I try the female version. Thank you!

[nozmail]

my first agatha christie

[C.I.C.C.I]

paperback
263 pages
copyright 1939
ISBN 0-425-06785-8

THE LABORS OF HERCULES - AGATHA CHRISTIE



Hercule Poirot is rumored to be on the verge of retirement. Yet how can the brilliant Belgian sleuth resists the most intricate and clever criminal challenges of his career? Quite simply, he can't. And so, from the apparently innocent matter of a lost Pekinese to a gentleman whose reputation is poisoned by gossip, from a magnificent specimen of a man spiraling inexplicable into madness to a Russian Countess who blinds the detective's reason with love --- Poirot follows the lure of a seemingly unsolvable series of ingenious crimes.

1. The Nemean Lion - dognapper Amy Carnaby.

2. The Lernean Hydra - rumormonger Nurse Harrison.

‎3. The Arcadian Deer - Katrina Samoushenka aka Nita

4. The Erymanthian Boar - killer Marrascaud is waiter Gustave.

5. The Augean Stables - discrediting X-Ray News with sex angle stories against PM's wife amid political corruption.

‎6. The Stymphalean Birds - Blackmailers Mrs. Rice and daughter Elsie Clayton.

7. The Cretan Bull - Hugh Chandler is the son of Colonel George Frobisher; ; Admiral Charles Chandler revenge to drive Hugh Chandler to insanity.

8. The Horse of Diomedes - Colonel Grant is a drug peddler together with is 4 daughters.

9. The Girdle of Hyppolyta - missing schoolgirl Winnie King; impostor smuggled stolen Rubens painting in her luggage.

10. The Flock of Geryon - Amy Carnaby assists Hercule Poirot; Dr. Anderson and his The Flock of the Shepherd; older women living their properties to the sect.

11. The Apples of Hesperides - goblet of Pope Borgia found in a nunnery.

12. The Capture of Cerberus - return of Countess Vera Rossakoff; dog named Cerberus trained to keep an article in his mouth until commanded to loose it (dope); pockets of Alice Cunningham to carry drugs and take away jewels.

[C.I.C.C.I]

MOUSETRAP the name of the Agatha Christie murder-mystery play that opened at the Ambassadors Theater in London on November 25, 1952 that later became the longest continuously running play in history.

[C.I.C.C.I]

hardback
large print
345 pages
copyright 1955
ISBN 0-7089-1637-6

HICKORY DICKORY DOCK - AGATHA CHRISTIE



Mrs. Nicoletis runs a student's hostel. Grasping and sly, she is about to become a very frightened woman. Celia Austin is a nice enough girl --- if mildly kleptomaniac. Love is doing wonders for her. Miss Lemon is a secretary. she functions like a formidable machine --- never ill, never tired, never inaccurate. So when Hercule Poirot finds three mistakes in one of her letters he knows something is amiss. Then comes murder number one.

1. Celia Austin - kleptomaniac; morphia poisoning in her coffee.

2. Valerie Hobhouse; runs a smuggling racket put Celia into pinching things.

3. Valerie switched diamond ring to zircon

4. Mrs. Nicoleti found dead

5. Patricia Lane switched morphia with bicarbonate of soda; found dead with a marble paperweight slipped in a woolen sock belonging to Nigel.

6. Nigel killed Patricia and Mrs. Nicoletis - mother of Valerie

7. Nigel fell into a smuggling racket; hacked the rucksack; witnessed by Celia; he also removed electric light bulbs

8. Nigel murdered his mother with medinal; signed confession by Nigel found in the papers/will of his father.


[/B]

[C.I.C.C.I]

paperback
234 pages
copyright 1956
ISBN 0-425-17473-5

DEAD MAN'S FOLLY - AGATHA CHRISTIE



At the reqeust of his fried Ariadne Oliver (an eccentric mystery lover based on Christie herself), Hercule Poirot arrives at a sprawling Devon estate to partake in a weekend game of mock murder. But as the festivities get under way, the players start acting a little too suspicious. What's worse, the victim appears far too dead. now Poirot and Oliver must find the real clues among the fake ones, discover the true motives among the false ones, and play detective to the very end --- before someone else loses more than the game.

1. Marlene Tucker is found dead (strangled).

2. Death of old Merdell was no accident.

3. Marlene Tucker is the granddaughter of Merdell.

4. Merdell and Marlene knew that Sir George Stubbs is the son of Mrs. Folliat.

5. Body of real Hattie is found in the Folly.

6. "Lady Stubbs" was the real Italian wife of Sir George Stubbs.

[C.I.C.C.I]

hardback
297 pages
copyright 1959
ISBN 13:978-1-57912-733-6

CAT AMONG PIGEONS - AGATHA CHRISTIE



Another term has begun at Meadowbank, a prestigious, well-respected British girls' school. The indomitable headmistress is preparing to retire and name her successor. There is a disconcertingly mature Middle Eastern princess among the students and several new staff members in residence. And a brand-new sports pavilion is the pride of the campus.

But the school year suddenly takes a deadly turn when one of the teachers is found shot to death. As the investigation ensues, it becomes clear that the killer was not an outsider --- and equally clear that no one at Meadowbank is who he or she seems to be. It is up to Hercule Poirto to determine who is who --- and, more importantly, what has drawn the killer to the school -- before anyone else falls victim to the cat among pigeons.

1. Stone Jewels hid in a tennis racquet

2. Ann Shapland killed Miss Springer and Angele Blanch (a blackmailer)

3. Miss Vansittart was killed by Miss Chadwick.

[C.I.C.C.I]

hardback
256 pages
1st published 1960

THE ADVENTURE OF THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING AND A SELECTION OF ENTREES - AGATHA CHRISTIE

[maharlikansun]

first time to read an agatha christie. Ordeal by Innocence. although not my usual read (medyo focus na ako sa human condition), i find it satisfying and quite engaging. haha. stupid me, binasa ko nga lang ang last page nalaman ko tuloy yata kung sino ang culprit (yes, curiosity was too strong; but i can be wrong).

[C.I.C.C.I]

hardback
large print
306 pages
1st published 1942
ISBN 0-7089-2282-1

POIROT INVESTIGATES - AGATHA CHRISTIE

THE ADVENTURE OF THE WESTERN STAR - blackmailer Gregory Rolf

THE TRAGEDY AT MARSDON MANOR - Mrs. Maltravers beneficiary of dead husbands insurance; she killed him[

THE ADVENTURE OF THE CHEAP FLAT- spies posing as Mr and Mrs. Robinson; Elsa Hardt stole Naval plans from Luigi Valdarno

THE MYSTERY OF HUNTER'S LODGE - Mr. Roger Havering and his wife and Mrs. Zoe Havering killed Mr. Harrington Pace; Zoe impersonated the housekeeper.

THE MILLION DOLLAR BOND ROBBERY - Mr. Shaw mastermind; sealed packet a dummy ; Bond traveled by the Gigantic which arrived a day before the Olympia.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE EGYPTIAN TOMB - Dr. Robert Ames killed Mr. Bliebner; told Rupert Bliebner he contacted Leprosy, Rupert kills himself; Older Bleibner's fortune would pass to nephew and from him to the nephew.

THE JEWEL ROBBERT AT THE GRAND METROPOLITAN - valet and chambermaid well-known jewel thieves

THE KIDNAPPED PRIME MINISTER - Captain Daniels, secretary of the Prime Minister masterminded the kidnapping

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF MR. DAVENHEIM - Davenheim gone bank bankrupt ; made and took the identity of Billy Kellett who was in prison thus Mr. Davenheim was never missing.

THE ADVENTURE OF THE ITALIAN NOBLEMAN - Mr. Graves, Count Foscatini's man killed the Count; black coffee which the Count doesn't drink since he had pearly white teeth; and the drawn curtains; no dinner and dinner guests actually happened.

THE CASE OF THE MISSING WILL - Intention of testator for Violet Marsh to inherit ; 2 wills were made; blind ruse for the Baker's and the real one signed by Albert and Jessie Pike - dirty envelope with a key attached

[C.I.C.C.I]

hardback
large print
310 pages
Copyright 1975
ISBN 0-8161-4539 3

CURTAIN - AGATHA CHRISTIE



Styles Court is the scene of the last reunion between Arthur Hastings and supersleuth Hercule Poirot, who join forces to crack five “open and shut” murder cases at a vacation guest house. As far as Poirot can see, the only thing the murders have in common is that, for each murder, there is only one obvious and probable suspect. But wait – there is one other connection: person X, who not only knew the victims, but was also near the scene of their murders.

The case grows increasingly ominous, as each new clue in any given murder implicates yet another of the guests at Styles Court, it’s up to Hastings and Poirot, in his last case ever, to learn the identity of person X before he or she takes any more victims.

1. Stephen Norton is X

2. Judith Hastings is in love with John Franklin and not Major Allerton

3. What Stephen Norton saw with his field glasses was Judith and Allerton; confusing him.

4. Major Hastings killed Barbara Franklin; swapped the coffee cups containing poison intended for Dr. Franklin.

5. Hercule Poirot dies but not after killing Stephen Norton.

[Econ_major]

i love her crime novels esp Miss Marple.

[C.I.C.C.I]

paperback
224 pages
copyright 1952
ISBN 0-451-19990-1

THEY DO IT WITH MIRRORS - AGATHA CHRISTIE



Responding to her friend Carrie's urgent invitation, Miss Jane Marple has arrived at her sprawling estate. To Miss Marple's surprise, Carrie's remote "Gothic monstrosity has been turned into a home for delinquent boys. What's more, Carrie's own children and grandchildren have taken up residence --- and a few of them are thrilled at how mother is squandering the family fortune. Then a brutal murder proves that philantrophy is the least of Carrie's problems --- and Miss Marple finds that where there's smoke, there's mirrors.

1. Christian Guldbrandsen shot and killed.

2. Alex Restarick bashed with a stone.

3. Lewis Serrocold (Perpetrator; embezzling Trust money) is the father of Edgar Lawson

4. Lewis Serrocold and Edgar dies in a lake accident.

[C.I.C.C.I]

hardback
174 pages
copyright 1953
ISBN 0-396-08019-7

A POCKET FULL OF RYE - AGATHA CHRISTIE

Inspector Neel wasn't doing very well with his poison case at Yewtree Lode. Someone had obviously finished off rich Rex Fortescue with a does of taxine, a lethal alkaloid obtained from yewberries. no one could explain the handful of rye in his coat pocket or the sinister joke referring to blackbirds in a pie, but there were plenty of suspects to consider. Fortescue had been a ruthless entrepreneur who had made many enemies. It seemed more probable to Inspector Neel, however, that the guilty person was a member of the dead man's large and greedy family. Fortescue's young second wife, Adele, wanted to marry her lover, Vivian Dubois. He, however, was more interested in the hundred thousand pounds she would inherit than in Adele herself. And there were Fortescue's daughter and his two sons and their wives. Each of them had a reason to be glad the old man was dead.

The killer soon claimed more victims, and because Miss Marple knew one of them, she arrived on the scene. The appearance of the vinegary little spinster was at once acclaimed by Inspector Neele. It was not long before the and Scotland Yard were comparing notes, and the cunning and duplicity of the guilty one became dramatically apparent.

1. Gladys Martin was talked into placing poison in Rex Fortescue's marmalade..."truth drug".

2. Albert Evans, friend of Gladys , is really Lancelot Fortescue...responsible for killing Gladys and Adele.

3. Wife of Percival is daughter of Mrs. MacKenzie.

[C.I.C.C.I]

hardback
282 pages
copyright 1957
renewed copyright 1985
ISBN 10:1-57912-793-6

4:50 FROM PADDINGTON - AGATHA CHRISTIE



On her way home from London, Elspeth McGillicuddy is shocked to witness a brutal crime. As her train runs alongside another, she observes, through the window of the neighboring carriage, a woman being mercilessly strangled. Thought the murderer's face is in shadow, Miss McGillicuddy sees the woman's body crumple to the floor just as the two trains go their separate ways. The strangling, however, goes unreported. When no other witness --- and no corpse --- can be found, who will believe Miss McGillicuddy's story? Who, except Miss Jane Marple>

Intrigued by her friend's account, Miss Marple, with the help of a young sleuth, Lucy Eyelesbarrow, launches her own clever investigation that leads to Rutherford Hall. The Rutherford clan provides an intriguing cast of suspect, including a cantankerous father, a spinster daughter, and three unusual sons. Lucy and Miss Marple must wend their way through the roots of this family tree in order to finally unmask a dangerous killer.

1. Alexander killed = arsenic poison

2. Harold killed = aconite

3. Lady Stoddart-West is Martine...mother of James

4. killer is Dr. Quimper, victim is his wife....so he can marry a rich Emma Crackenthorpe

[C.I.C.C.I]

paperback
216 pages
copyright 1962
copyright renewed 1990
ISBN 0-415-19989-8

THE MIRROR CRACK'D - AGATHA CHRISTIE



The quaint village of St. Mary Mead has been glamorized by screen queen Marina Greg, who's taken up residence in preparation for her comeback. But when a local fan is poisoned, Marina finds herself starring in a real-life mystery --- supported with a scene-stealing aplomb by Miss Jane Marple, who suspects that the lethal cocktail was intended for someone else. But who? It it was meant for Marina, then why? And before the final fade-out, who else from St. Mary Mead's cast of seemingly innocent characters is going to be eliminated.

1. Heather Badcock poisoned with Calmo by Marina Greg.

2. Heather was sick with German measles when she met Marina Greg for an autograph.

3. German measles were fatal to the first four months of a pregnancy.

4. Arthur Badcock was once married to Marina Greg.

5. Ella Zielinsky killed with cyanide placed in her atomizer .

6. Butler Giuseppe , a blackmailer, killed with a gunshot.

7. Marina, dead in her sleep, overdose of sleeping stuff.

[C.I.C.C.I]

paperback
216 pages
copyright 1964
ISBN 0-451-19992-8

A CARIBBEAN MYSTERY - AGATHA CHRISTIE





"Would you like to see a picture of a murderer?" So asks a stranger of Miss Jane Marple while she is vacationing on luxurious St. Honore. Before she has a chance to answer, the mystery man vanishes, only to be found dead the following day. Now Miss marple is asking the questions: What happened to the curious photo? Why is the hotelier prone to nightmares/ Why doesn't the most-talked-about guest, a reclusive millionaire, ever leave his room? And why is Miss Marple fearing for her own life.

1. Major Palgrave dead allegedly due to his blood pressure.

2. Victoria is found stabbed and dead...she knew that the bottle of Serenite was owned by Gregory Dyson

3. Molly hallucinations were induced by her husband, Tim Kendall.

3. Comment of Senora de Caspearo about Major Palgrave having the Evil Eye....actually a glass eye....

4. Lucky Dyson found dead...drowned in the creek....mistaken identity.

5. Tim Kendall was the murderer (wife-killer) ....he and Esther Walters were romantically involved...Esther was to inherit a fat lot of money from Mr. Rafiel.

6. Tim Kendall killed Victoria because she saw him putting bottle of tablets in the Major's room.