A review by misscoffeereads
Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie

mysterious medium-paced
  • 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

3.75

Murder at the Vicarage is the first entry in Agatha Christie's Miss Marple series. The novel explores the mystery of a murdered Colonel in the neighbourhood's vicarage. There are no leads, yet plenty of individuals with a noted distaste for the Colonel - enough to be driven to murder.

A highlight of the novel was its wry, humourous tone. Having read a few Poirot's prior to this first foray into the world of Marple, it's reassuring the know that regardless of series, Christie's wit shines through. It feels as such even from the beginning, with the way Christie describes the novel's sleuth:

Miss Marple is a white-haired old lady with a gentle, appealing manner - Miss Wetherby is a mixture of vinegar and gush. Of the two, Miss Marple is much the more dangerous.

A lowlight of the novel was how little time we spend with Marple. The narrator was Vicar Clement, an everyman character who a reader could relate to with his curiosity to solve the mystery. Seeing the novel through his eyes enabled us to be introduced to the suspects closely, but it meant less time to see Marple's character and deduction skills up close. We only really see the power of her keen observation during the murderer's reveal; nevertheless it is still satisfying to see things come together how Marple sees it.

Definitely a classic mystery story that can satiate any mystery beginner or afficionado.
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