cepbreed's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Of Christie's books that I've read, this is one of my least favorites. I am surprised by this because I heard such high praise for this book. I have a taste for more dynamic mysteries I guess and this was more feel-good in a way. I also found it extremely difficult to remember the names and roles of the characters. It took two months of off-and-on reading to finish this book which means my own memory is definitely to blame. To make myself feel better I'd like to think that the amount of
Spoiler
secret identity revealsGraphic: Death, Gun violence, and Murder
Minor: Xenophobia
eve81's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Graphic: Terminal illness, Murder, Gun violence, Chronic illness, and Violence
Moderate: Classism, War, and Xenophobia
megelizabeth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
The one thing I didn't like about this book was how much casual xenophobia there is. Part of the ending sort of redeems some of this, but not in a way that goes far enough or that truly criticises the xenophobia that is prevalent throughout much of the rest of the book. I of course appreciate the time in which this was written, but it still makes for uncomfortable reading and of course is still worth viewing critically. I did really enjoy the book overall, but it would've just been so much better if these attitudes had been more thoroughly addressed.
Graphic: Xenophobia, Death, Murder, and Racism
Moderate: Blood
Minor: War
theliterarylemen's review against another edition
3.0
Moderate: Xenophobia
heatherb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
Graphic: Xenophobia and Murder
Minor: Car accident
bonsai_delores's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Spoiler
The use of the “silly old lady” trope helps heighten tension in some places and highlights one of the key turning points of the mystery. It helps that Agatha Christie was good at distinguishing the different types of silly old ladies, and making each of them endearing in their own way. The reveal was shocking enough to be a surprise, but believable enough to make sense during the detective’s synopsis. The only thing that was a little too rushed was the triple reveal at the end.Moderate: Murder, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Death, Xenophobia, Grief, Gaslighting, War, and Terminal illness
Minor: Stalking, Blood, Violence, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Body shaming, and Alcohol
franciannalena's review against another edition
3.25
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Chronic illness
trekkifulshay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Sexism and Xenophobia
Minor: Blood
boekiemonster's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Graphic: Xenophobia and Misogyny
sunny_not's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Spoiler
the pip and Emma storyline was interesting and I enjoyed itGraphic: Xenophobia, Medical content, Blood, Dementia, Murder, Ableism, Toxic friendship, Terminal illness, Injury/Injury detail, and Death