awebofstories's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I started this almost immediately upon finishing the Hercule Poirot collection, so I tend to think of the two in comparison with each other. While you can see the evolution of Agatha Christie's writing the Poirot collection, this collection is more uniform in style. There are no clunky early stories, and there are no later stories that put the rest of the collection to shame. These are well-polished stories from an author who has come into her own voice.
There are more fundamental differences, too. While both Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple fall under the detective umbrella, they are each unique creatures. Poirot is an actual detective and comes to his mysteries in a defined role. While clearly the smartest person in the room, Miss Marple is an older woman to whom limited regard is given. In many of these stories, she isn't even involved in the central crime but is the only one able to put the pieces together to solve it.
Some say that the Miss Marple stories (and novels) are cozy, but I don't ascribe to that opinion. Yes, you have the village setting, and the crimes are usually relayed in less graphic terms. But Miss Marple definitely has a harsh undertone that is oddly delightful.
If you are looking for a short story collection and not necessarily trying to read everything Agatha Christie has written (as I am), I would recommend this. It's a delightful way to make the acquaintance of Miss Jane Marple.
There are more fundamental differences, too. While both Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple fall under the detective umbrella, they are each unique creatures. Poirot is an actual detective and comes to his mysteries in a defined role. While clearly the smartest person in the room, Miss Marple is an older woman to whom limited regard is given. In many of these stories, she isn't even involved in the central crime but is the only one able to put the pieces together to solve it.
Some say that the Miss Marple stories (and novels) are cozy, but I don't ascribe to that opinion. Yes, you have the village setting, and the crimes are usually relayed in less graphic terms. But Miss Marple definitely has a harsh undertone that is oddly delightful.
If you are looking for a short story collection and not necessarily trying to read everything Agatha Christie has written (as I am), I would recommend this. It's a delightful way to make the acquaintance of Miss Jane Marple.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
questingnotcoasting's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I've only read a couple of Miss Marple books because I much prefer Poirot and Christie's standalone novels but I did enjoy these stories. I've been reading one a day for most of November and it's been a fun reading experience. It became slightly repetitive when no one ever believed Miss Marple could solve the crime (even though several stories are told at the same dinner party), however I enjoyed the interconnectedness and there are some really clever mysteries in the collection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
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