Dead Man’s Folly by Agatha Christie

Dead Man’s Folly by Agatha Christie

A Hercule Poirot Mystery

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (July 2005)

240 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $6.64)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Ariadne Oliver is organizing a “murder hunt” (a treasure hunt of sorts in which clues are given with the object of solving a fictional murder) as part of a fete at a large manor house, but she feels an ominous sense that perhaps someone is planning a real murder at the same time and she has called in Poirot to see what he thinks. There are a lot of people involved in the planning of this “fete” (which is basically a village carnival), so there are many things going on all at the same time and a variety of relationships making themselves known between people, as Poirot makes his observations. The story has a bit of a house party feel, with all the people and visitors to the house. Poirot is assisted by Inspector Bland and Constable Hoskins, as he makes his inquiries  . . . and Ms. Oliver helps as well in an unconscious kind of way. I will admit I was led completely astray on this one, and the reveal was quite unexpected. Entertaining murder mystery!

Movie Adaptations:

Agatha Christie’s Poirot (TV Series 1989-)

Dead Man's Folly (Season 13, Episode 3)

David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson

Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie

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!

Collection Includes:

1. The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife
2. The Case of the Discontented Soldier
3. The Case of the Distressed Lady
4. The Case of the Discontented Husband
5. The Case of the City Clerk
6. The Case of the Rich Woman
7. Have You Got Everything You Want?
8. The Gate of Baghdad
9. The House at Shiraz
10. The Pearl of Price
11. Death on the Nile
12. The Oracle at Delphi
13. Problem at Pollensa Bay
14. The Regatta Mystery