The Thirteen Problems - Book Review

The Thirteen Problems (Miss Marple #2)
by Agatha Christie

What is it about:
One Tuesday evening a group gathers at Miss Marple’s house and the conversation turns to unsolved crimes…

The case of the disappearing bloodstains; the thief who committed his crime twice over; the message on the death-bed of a poisoned man which read ‘heap of fish’; the strange case of the invisible will; a spiritualist who warned that ‘Blue Geranium’ meant death…

What did I think of it:
This is yet another very enjoyable Miss Marple book.

In this one there are thirteen mysteries for Miss Marple to solve, and solve them she does! It's fun to try and guess along with the gathered people in this book, and see if you can get close to the solution of these murders and mysteries. As always these aren't your average murders, but cleverly constructed like a puzzle box waiting for the right combination.

This book is a great place to start to see if you like Miss Marple and her sharp mind if you're new to these books.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and clever Mystery read.


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A Caribbean Mystery - Book Review

A Caribbean Mystery (Miss Marple #10)
by Agatha Christie

What is it about:
As Jane Marple sat basking in the Caribbean sunshine she felt mildly discontented with life. True, the warmth eased her rheumatism, but here in paradise nothing ever happened.

Eventually, her interest was aroused by an old soldier's yarn about a strange coincidence. Infuriatingly, just as he was about to show her an astonishing photograph, the Major's attention wandered. He never did finished the story...

What did I think of it:
We were rewatching the Marple seasons with Geraldine McEwan (my favorite Miss Marple) and that made me want to reread some of the Marple books that haven't been used in those three glorious seasons.

This is a very enjoyable read. Miss Marple is on holiday and isn't really paying attention to a story she is being told until the man who told her the story ends up dead the next day. From thereon she starts digging as only Miss Marple can: using her innocent old lady act to fret out secrets.

This book has everything I love about the Miss Marple books: lots of secrets, sneaky murders, misdirection, and Miss Marple on the hunt. I like how she seeks help when needed, but also isn't afraid to step into danger if it means solving the case. It's stories like this one that make me think McEwan's portrayal is perfect and why she will always be my Marple.

I can advice the Miss Marple books to anyone who loves a (cozy) mystery.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable murder mystery.


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