Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (February 2010)
275 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.59)
Book Rating: 4 Stars
This edition contains all fourteen short stories featuring Mr. Parker Pyne, the man who advertises in the personals: "Are you happy? If not, consult Mr. Parker Pyne. 17 Richmond Street." The first six stories, as well as the last story, feature Mr. Pyne helping clients that respond to his ad. I wouldn't really call them detective mysteries, he's kind of a psychologist/sociologist independent contractor that assesses the reason for people's unhappiness (which he claims nearly always fall into one of five categories), then attempts to remedy the situation through clever manipulation of some sort. The remaining seven stories feature Mr. Pyne on vacation and getting unwillingly roped into the role of detective. Many of the tales in this collection have to do with relationship troubles between spouses and/or paste replica jewelry switches. Given I was expecting these stories to be detective mysteries, I was pleasantly surprised by the little twist in Mr. Pyne's goals and occupation, and found the stories very entertaining. Great collection!
- The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife
- The Case of the Discontented Soldier
- The Case of the Distressed Lady
- The Case of the Discontented Husband
- The Case of the City Clerk
- The Case of the Rich Woman
- Have You Got Everything You Want?
- The Gate of Baghdad
- The House at Shiraz
- The Pearl of Price
- Death on the Nile
- The Oracle at Delphi
- Problem at Pollensa Bay
- The Regatta Mystery
No comments:
Post a Comment