Say what you will about the Nancy Drew books. There are many faults and in some respects, the books have not stood the test of time very well (erasureSay what you will about the Nancy Drew books. There are many faults and in some respects, the books have not stood the test of time very well (erasure of races other than whites, upper class girls zooming around in complete safety, intimate connections with the police, etc.) BUT the Stratemeyer Syndicate thought up the most exotic and interesting ideas to write stories about!
In The Hidden Window Mystery, Nancy reads about a reward for finding a stained glass window and decides to pursue it. At the same time, a new neighbour starts creating trouble for her and is in general a nuisance to everyone. Carson Drew packs off his daughter to an (obviously rich) cousin's home in Virginia to follow a trail. There, Nancy enjoys garden parties, takes stained glass painting lessons, and hunts a ghost in addition to investigating the antique window.
I enjoyed this book but I will never cease to be amazed at how bad some white people are about understanding different cultures and yet are comfortable writing about it. An Indian gentleman living in the rich neighbourhood, you say? Wow, how nice and progressive! And then you read his name is Mr Honsho ... ...more
A collection of 55 stories, not all of them feature Miss Marple, despite the title. There are only 20 Marple stories. But the collection is brilliant A collection of 55 stories, not all of them feature Miss Marple, despite the title. There are only 20 Marple stories. But the collection is brilliant with only about 4 to 5 stories that I did not enjoy. Most of the stories are mysteries, but there are a few sweet romances as well. I disliked most of the supernatural stuff, but luckily, there were just a few of them.
My favourite stories included:
Philomel Cottage: A chilling story of a couple who bought a cottage far away from the nearest neighbours. Eventually, there is a sinister plot afoot, but who wins this game? I think this has to be the scariest story of the lot.
The Rajah's Emerald: A poor man is mistreated by his date, who hangs out with the rich crowd while ignoring him, though expecting him to be at her beck and call. Quite by chance, the man's life changes when he enters the wrong cottage for changing at the beach. A fun story, rooted in a mystery.
The Tuesday Night Club: A bunch of people get together to throw real life problems at each other and see who wins each round. This is originally from the book The Thirteen Problems, and I enjoy this first story because of the way everyone underestimates Jane Marple but she goes on to solve every single problem.
The Bloodstained Pavement: This is again a part of The Thirteen Problems. Joyce Lemprière (who later becomes Joan West and marries Miss Marple's nephew, Raymond) provides this problem about a couple that Joyce meets at the seaside while on a painting mission. The female friend of the couple disappears, and Joyce discovers the solution. As does Miss Marple.
A Fruitful Sunday: A very sweet romance story. A couple wishes to be rich and while on a Sunday afternoon picnic, they buy a fruit basket and find a precious gemstone in it. Do they keep it or report it? Their problem is solved very soon but not before they find true love and good character in each other.
Accident: When Captain Haydock goes to meet his friend, a retired inspector, he discovers a woman who has been acquitted of her husband's murder and has now married again with a different name. Haydock makes it his business to meddle in her affairs. An astounding climax!
The Blue Geranium: Another Marple classic, this one is about a woman who is into fortune tellers and gets told that blue geraniums will cause her death. Her husband does not heed her terror and believes it's all bunkum. But when random flowers on the wallpaper begin to turn blue, the prediction comes true. Miss Marple finally solves the mystery with the aid of some long-forgotten high school chemistry classes.
The Companion: When the companion of a rich woman dies, nobody suspects anything. Not even when the rich woman herself commits suicide out of guilt. Except Miss Marple ...
The Affair at the Bungalow: Empty-headed actress Jane Helier stumps everyone by telling a story to which she herself does not know the solution. Except, of course, Miss Marple, who gives her some solid advice.
Tape Measure Murder: I remember reading this story as a small child and it stuck with me. A lady is discovered murdered in her living room and it is the local dressmaker who found her. A proper locked room mystery, and Miss Marple arrives at the most impossible solution quite easily!
The Case of the Perfect Maid: When a paragon of virtue is hired by the Skinner sisters after a local girl is fired whimsically, Miss Marple smells a rat. She pokes her nose in only to clear the name of the local girl, and succeeds, astounding everyone else in the process.
The Dressmaker's Doll: This is the only supernatural story that I enjoyed. A rag doll is suddenly noticed in a dressmaker's shop. Nobody knows how she got there but she kept being moved around. Eventually, everyone feels that the doll is rather malevolent and the owner throws it out of the window. Is the doll really out to do mischief or does it just want to be loved?
There is a section of six stories (42 to 47), which all have a supernatural theme, and I did not enjoy these. These stories include Hound of Death, Gypsy, Lamp, Sir Arthur Carmichael, Call of Wings, and In a Glass Darkly.
It's very clear that Christie often rehashed ideas and developed them into other stories, often full-length. I enjoyed coming across certain names in the short stories that the author has used to good effect in some of her other novels for some pretty interesting characters, such as Amos Perry, Miss Pebmarsh, Mr Eccles, etc. ...more
This was a weird book with made-up international politics. Nancy comes across a brother and sister duo through her dancing school. Dancers and artistsThis was a weird book with made-up international politics. Nancy comes across a brother and sister duo through her dancing school. Dancers and artists themselves, the siblings are refugees from Centrovia, a country going through political upheaval. When Nancy realises they are being threatened and need help, she takes them under her protection and tries to solve a mystery centring around red ballet slippers and a painting of the Centrovian sister.
I found this one hard to get into. The made-up country certainly contributed to this but I also felt that the plot was kind of weak and ran all over the place. There are far too many Centrovians in the small town of River Heights, which should make them rather conspicuous immediately? Similarly, there appear to be too many villains, and too many side characters to keep track of. The whole thing was too convoluted and complicated to make any sense.
I'm beginning to not like Ned; in this book, he goes around implying that Nancy is his wife to random villains. Why?! The end part of the book was rather weird too, with Nancy being dumb enough to walk into danger TWICE. The only time I found the discussion sensible was when George pointed out that maybe the siblings are not what they seem. But apparently, the other girls' "feelings" are more important than logic. Nancy had far too many feelings over the Centrovians in this book to be credible.
One of the weaker mysteries of the series. ...more
What a fun book! Nancy is now taking lessons on bareback riding in an equestrian school and has already mastered trick riding. When she receives a braWhat a fun book! Nancy is now taking lessons on bareback riding in an equestrian school and has already mastered trick riding. When she receives a bracelet with horse charms from her Aunt Eloise with a mystery behind it, Nancy is thrilled to find another problem to solve. Meanwhile, the circus is coming to town and Nancy befriends a sad aerialist, who offers her another problem to solve.
The book is a bit of a rollercoaster and we get to see the entire cast of characters including Bess, George, Hannah, as well as Carson and Eloise Drew in prominent roles. It has Nancy substituting for a stunt rider in the circus when the latter sprains her ankle. Like everything else, this is another thing at which Nancy seems to excel. But a kidnapping, jumping from a running train, thrown acid at, and being almost strangled does not deter our detective. A trip to London adds some further excitement.
The story is kind of predictable, as usual, but hangs together really well. I enjoyed the circus scenes. I always do! It's one of my favourite settings. The villain is obviously Kroon, but as the story progresses, he degenerates into near insanity, which was kind of fun, since most of the ND villains are kind of bland.
Overall, had a nice relaxing afternoon today!...more
The Women's Coffee Shop by Andriana Ierodiaconou was my read for Cyprus. It was oddly enjoyable. I am not very informed about Cyprus, but why is it a The Women's Coffee Shop by Andriana Ierodiaconou was my read for Cyprus. It was oddly enjoyable. I am not very informed about Cyprus, but why is it a separate country, when the nearby Rhodes and Crete are not? I mean, go Cyprus, but I would be interested in the history, since it is intertwined in my mind with Greece historically.
The protagonist is Angelou, who decides she is going to open a coffee shop only for women, similar to how men have their spaces. It becomes hugely popular very quickly, especially when Angelou begins to sell groceries and other household items. When the Muslim - Christian riots break out during the call for independence, this provides a space for the women to formulate their own opinions independent of the men. It is during this unstable time that most of the action takes place.
The villain of the piece is Hadjimbey, the local rich man and completely devoid of any positive behaviour. When his beloved daughter falls in love with a poor Muslim man, she is forever dead to him. The couple gives birth to a boy called Avraam Salih, around whom much of the latter part of the story concentrates. There is a lot of play around his being of both Christian and Muslim origin.
The story starts off very slow, almost boring, then picks up pace. Avraam Salih is murdered, but the mystery isn't really why he is murdered, because the author provides multiple resolutions that could have happened at the end. The event is used to build a whole narrative about religious unity, development at the cost of nature and traditional ways of life, women's rights, and traditional arts that are going out of vogue.
I found this an interesting peek into Cypriot history and culture. The story got a bit repetitive in parts and some of the characters were basically cartoons, but I enjoyed the book thoroughly. ...more
Found this free on my kindle unlimited and it was a surprisingly relaxing cosy read! Set between the first and second world wars, the story focuses onFound this free on my kindle unlimited and it was a surprisingly relaxing cosy read! Set between the first and second world wars, the story focuses on Kitty Underhay, whose grandmother owns the Dolphin Hotel. Her mother and father both disappeared during the war, and there is a secret attached to her background, which ultimately puts her in danger.
When Kitty's grandmother gets called away to take care of her other daughter, she hires Captain Matthew Bryant to take care of Kitty. Soon enough, there are break-ins and murders, just when Kitty has arranged to put the hotel back on its feet by hiring an American jazz singer to perform for a few days. As the body count increases by the day, Kitty realises that she is in danger.
This is no Agatha Christie but it was a comfortable read when I wanted to unwind. I enjoyed the writing and the setting, as well as the characters. I am not a fan of this plot of parents disappearing in wartime with jewels, but given that this is Dixon's first book, I'm content to try again. The main character is a little insipid and her romance with the detective does not spark. Matt's whole "I have trauma" shit did not really need to be on the pages at all as it did not add to the actual story.
Overall, I would say this is an excellent cosy read, but not much more. I found it enjoyable and have already downloaded more books (also free on KU) to read when I need to wind down. ...more
My first Gervase Fen book. I intended to start with the first one but I found this book in a second-hand bookshop and just had to buy it! The story isMy first Gervase Fen book. I intended to start with the first one but I found this book in a second-hand bookshop and just had to buy it! The story is set in a theatre, where all kinds of rivalries, jealousies, and fights abound. Adam and Elizabeth are the protagonists and Adam is friends with Fen, so when an obnoxious lead singer is found hanging in his dressing room at the theatre, Fen gets roped into the investigation.
What I found most interesting was the cultural aspect of the story. The opera company is performing Die Meistersinger by Wagner, and the politics of it is strewn about casually throughout the narrative. This book was published in 1947, just two years after the end of the war, so everything German is still suspect. I did not even know that Wagner was banned during war years, because who would even think of such a thing?! He's still banned in Israel due to the belief that he was indirectly responsible for Hitler's racist ideologies.
As for the story, I found that the pace varied throughout the book. A few pages would be extremely interesting and then the next few pages would drag. Fen is a quirky character but I think he has not comfortably slid into his quirkiness. Maybe later books would see him more comfortable. I am not a fan of theatre murders as they have a tendency to "shock" with drugs and debauchery but this one narrowly escaped that stigma.
The plot was interesting but I did not quite grasp the contraption used for the first murder. I am just taking the author's word about it, but that's not helpful for getting a sense of closure for the book. There was nothing specially fun about the murderers but the final twist was interesting and one I could not predict - so, a win for the author. Would definitely read his other books....more
The story starts off with Hannah buying a piece of mink for a throwaway price, as well as buying shares. Nancy smells a rat and begins investigating, The story starts off with Hannah buying a piece of mink for a throwaway price, as well as buying shares. Nancy smells a rat and begins investigating, and soon enough finds that a number of people may have been swindled by a well-dressed couple who claim to work for a mink fur company. Nancy follows the trail to Canada where she catches the culprits as well as take part in a national skating competition!
I rather enjoyed this book. The criminals kept using Nancy's name and she's getting caught by the police each time. Luckily, she didn't get shot or anything and was able to explain herself in a rational manner and the police let her go. It's hilarious. I enjoyed the inclusion of Aunt Eloise, whose presence I rather enjoy when she makes an entrance in these books. Bess, George, and the boys were present; so it was a fun group effort, which I prefer to Nancy going off alone.
The whole premise for the book is so outdated. Mink is banned in many countries nowadays and there is enough shaming of people who otherwise wear such things. In the book, it is presented as just a normal profession and the mink trapper is a good guy. How the times change! Nancy even gets presented with mink fur and Ned with a deer's head. SMH!
Yet another boat mystery! Nancy's writers seemed to love captains, boats, and seagoing. In The Secret of the Wooden Lady, Nancy's father is called to Yet another boat mystery! Nancy's writers seemed to love captains, boats, and seagoing. In The Secret of the Wooden Lady, Nancy's father is called to help out with finding the real ownership of a ship that a certain Captain Easterly wanted to buy. Nancy and her friends drag along and get involved in a pretty crazy drama. The title refers to the lost figurehead of the ship, which Nancy had to find to solve one of the mysteries.
The plot involves a slew of thefts, including several on the Bonny Scot. The plot held together a little loosely and I didn't quite figure out the connection between Flip Fay's burgling of the Marvin residence and the whole Bonny Scot stuff. Of course, there are treasures to be found so a few incidents like fires, theft, being knocked out, and burgled, not to mention, attempted murder, don't really matter much for our girls. It was a fun read!
Ned, usually a good sport, shows his true colours in this one. Nancy, do NOT marry this chap! Deep inside, all he wants is for you to settle down and cook for him! Grrrr!...more
This is, and always has been, my favourite Nancy Drew. It was the first one I ever read and was a bit of a reading milestone. My dad got it for me, toThis is, and always has been, my favourite Nancy Drew. It was the first one I ever read and was a bit of a reading milestone. My dad got it for me, told me to try it out, and see if I want to read more such "advanced" books, and I was hooked! It felt very therapeutic reading this once again weeks after my dad passed away suddenly, and I felt such a connection and so much comfort! He's gone, but still around in so many ways.
I love the way the book starts. Nancy and Bess are passing through some woods and come across a stranger who runs away on seeing them. They realise that he has dropped a bundle, which contained a Chinese-style vase. What's the secrecy surrounding it? It is then discovered that there is a gang out there selling fake Chinese vases. A separate mystery also falls into Nancy's lap, when a Chinese professor asks her help to find his missing friends, who had set out from China years ago but had disappeared. The solving of both mysteries depend on Nancy finding a leaning chimney.
For a Nancy Drew, this dealt with a very sensitive and interesting topic: human trafficking. I didn't really realise it as a child, but the bleakness I felt at times, and the sense of urgency that these people should be rescued at any cost, is something I understand better now. A large number of Chinese immigrants moved to the US in the 1800s and quickly ended up in pretty bad situations. Some of it is depicted in this book, though very lightly.
I enjoyed the story, the characters, and even the villains. The atmosphere was very engrossing and the whole 'enclosure in the woods' stuff was rather creepy. The Chinese characters were also quite interesting with decent backgrounds. There were fun scenes of investigating the enclosure, reunion between the Chinese friends, and the confrontation with the criminals. I think this is probably one of the best Nancy Drew books....more
Ooh, this was my second Perveen Mistry book and it was a fabulous read. The first one was brilliant, and Massey managed to keep the streak going. ThisOoh, this was my second Perveen Mistry book and it was a fabulous read. The first one was brilliant, and Massey managed to keep the streak going. This was my vacation (anniversary celebration) read in Mahabaleshwar, and I can't say I regretted choosing it at all. In The Satapur Moonstone, Perveen Mistry now has an established practice. She is suddenly offered a specific task by her British friend's father, and finds herself in the middle of the Sahyadris, dealing with royal intrigues.
All the male members of the Satapur royal family are dead, except for the crown prince, who is still a child. His mother, the queen, wants him sent off to England for both education and safety. Meanwhile, his grandmother, the dowager queen, is convinced that the old ways and the old tutors are the best. Secondary characters include a few royal servants, a princess, an uncle who acts as regent, a British agent, some locals and a court jester. At first, Perveen is sent to decide on and negotiate for the prince's education, but very soon finds herself embroiled in a very dangerous situation when she stumbles on a plot to snatch the throne.
Massey expertly weaves history into a fictional setting once more. The theme of women's oppression runs through the whole story in the background, and it is not just Perveen who faces blocks frequently due to her gender. The main character is likeable, and the other characters are VERY interesting and realistic, even the ones I did not like. The dowager queen was my favourite, and Perveen's discomfort in being around her was humorous, but also realistic. The servants, usually almost always nameless in most stories, have been given their own background in The Satapur Moonstone, which adds a lot of depth.
Colin Sandringham was not my favourite character, but he really works well as a love interest for Perveen. I am wondering if there will be more of him, and whether it could really lead to a closer relationship. I am as eager to learn more about Perveen's personal life (very rare for me!) as about her next mystery. It was interesting to see how different communities interacted in British India, especially when thrown together in a remote area.
A wonderful and fun book, and I look forward to more! ...more
Nancy stumbles into a new mystery when she is consulted by a woman who needs help in recovering her stolen jewellery. Mrs. Putney appears to be in theNancy stumbles into a new mystery when she is consulted by a woman who needs help in recovering her stolen jewellery. Mrs. Putney appears to be in the clutches of scamsters but refuses to see it. When Bess brings another victim to Nancy's notice, the pieces begin to fall together. The trail leads to an abandoned mansion called Blackwood Hall, and a ghost which appears to reside there. And then there are the seances ...
All the cast is fully present in this one. Bess and George are centre stage and go exploring with Nancy all the time. Ned steps up and saves the day more than once. And as for daddy Drew, he is ever present and brings in crucial information just in time, but also hangs around a lot more than he usually does.
First, I am unable to understand how a grown woman like Mrs. Putney could be so dumb as to believe that her dead husband is actually speaking to her. There are also a slew of young women who are being cheated out of their hard-earned money through seances and ghostly instructions. I found this part weak because why would any young woman randomly donate money in such a suspicious fashion, whether or not they believe in ghostly voices? There is also a level of sexism in this plot because none of those scammed are male. So only women are dumb enough to fall for this?
I am afraid the story itself did not make sense to me, in addition to the general behaviour of the victims. Maybe the rewriting was bad. I still don't understand how the gang found their victims and why they agreed to donate money! But I enjoyed some of the scenes, especially the ones with the ghostly seances and the adventurous findings in Blackwood Hall. A pretty okay book, looking forward to the next one!...more
Nancy encounters yet another mystery when she witnesses a purse snatching and manages to restore the purse to the rightful owner. The elderly lady turNancy encounters yet another mystery when she witnesses a purse snatching and manages to restore the purse to the rightful owner. The elderly lady turns out to be a doll collector and invites Nancy to come solve a mystery. There is a bratty granddaughter, a missing violinist, a stolen doll, and a gypsy 'cartel' to complicate matters.
The plot was rather convoluted, but fun. Obscure poisons hidden inside old dolls is the kind of stuff that make mediocre books rather fun and worth reading. It was rather weird that people could not distinguish between a human-sized doll and ... well, a human! Rose was too bratty for my taste, but because she was rich, she 'only needed some guidance'. But that apart, I quite enjoyed the mystery and it was a satisfying read.
Gypsy stereotypes are alive and well in this book, so if that would make you uncomfortable, give this one a skip. I found the whole gypsy cartel business rather far-fetched and ridiculous. I was also stunned that Nancy (and her lawyer father) simply overlooked a 13 year old minor girl being married off to an older man in an actual ceremony they attended! Because culture? Where's your white saviour complex when you need it?
Despite all this, I found the story rather different and enjoyed the mystery as well as the setting. I'd say it's worth a read. ...more
When Tintin comes in contact with Professor Alembick, a researcher of wax seals, he is drawn into yet another mystery. He realises that the professor When Tintin comes in contact with Professor Alembick, a researcher of wax seals, he is drawn into yet another mystery. He realises that the professor is being spied upon and begins to investigate. The trail leads to a Syldavian restaurant, and ultimately to the fictional country of Syldavia where a rebellion is underway and a plan is underfoot to make the king abdicate by stealing his sceptre. Tintin intervenes and saves the day, and is given a knighthood in return.
I found King Ottokar's Sceptre forgettable. The story is based on the late 1930s European drama unfolding, and both Syldavia and Borduria are names taken from a hypothetical analysis of European politics of the time. Despite all this, the fun element was missing. Or maybe because of this? Can't have been fun with all the WW2 stuff actually happening in real time! I did giggle at the villain being called Müsstler, a wonderful amalgamation of the names of everyone's two favourite dictators.
The characters and even villains are mostly forgettable. The only one that stands out for me was Professor Alembick. The plot device concerning him was predictable but I still enjoyed it. However, this story shines in one respect: the introduction of Bianca Castafiore, my favourite ever character in these comics! ...more
This time Tintin makes a trip to England to bust a counterfeiting gang. The story begins with a plane crash and Tintin being shot at. Once he discoverThis time Tintin makes a trip to England to bust a counterfeiting gang. The story begins with a plane crash and Tintin being shot at. Once he discovers a mystery is afoot, he leaves the hospital and goes to England. So do Thompson and Thomson, lol! With a lot of drama, Tintin finally manages to capture all the villains. The book also introduces Dr Müller, a villain that Tintin encounters more than once in the series.
There is a lot of action in this one, and Snowy shines for a change. I enjoyed the presence of the chimp, and how Tintin finally befriends him. A massive, massive change from the earlier books where Tintin couldn't be bothered with any animal other than his dog. Another favourite of mine was the Thompson & Thomson duo winning the aerobatics competition! This book was funnier than usual.
The action doesn't always make logical sense, but I don't really care. The humour was fantastic, and the characters were well-built. The fake mental asylum, the 'ferocious' beast, etc. all added to the charm. Not the best in the series, but well worth a read!...more
Yet another Mrs Oliver mystery. This is her second last book, written just before she wrote the absolutely meandering and uncoherent Postern of Fate. Yet another Mrs Oliver mystery. This is her second last book, written just before she wrote the absolutely meandering and uncoherent Postern of Fate. That one just did not make any sense. But you can see Christie heading towards that in Elephants Can Remember. It has a coherent and good plot and decent characters, but the writing has begun to deteriorate. I genuinely enjoyed this despite everything, but would never recommend it to a beginner.
Once again Mrs. Oliver brings a mystery for Poirot to solve. Except it's not really a mystery. She is accosted by a stranger at a party and asked information about a double suicide tragedy, simply because the daughter of the victims was Mrs Oliver's goddaughter. Mrs Olive is indignant and refuses to pry, yet sets out to contact the young woman and find out things. I am a little confused in this part because she keeps insisting she doesn't even want to know anything about it, yet she kept pursuing this issue. Half of the book is just everyone insisting not to rake shit up, but doing it anyway. Things only get interesting in the second half once Poirot gathers the facts and begins his deductions.
In a way, it was a rather tedious book to read. Apart from all the faffing around, Christie appears to be vehemently against adoption for some odd reason. She has based entire books on the theory that adopted children can never be your own, but in this book, it just comes out of nowhere and serves no real purpose other than as an author statement of her personal beliefs. It was weird, and absolutely pointless.
But it's an interesting plot. Easily deductible, yet enjoyable. And worth a read, simply because it's the last Poirot mystery she wrote. And also, I think, the last coherent book. She died a couple of years later....more
I skipped Third Girl because once is enough for that clusterfuck. But Christie gets better with Hallowe'en Party. Very creepy! This is yet another booI skipped Third Girl because once is enough for that clusterfuck. But Christie gets better with Hallowe'en Party. Very creepy! This is yet another book with Mrs Oliver, a character that Christie appears to have taken to later in her career. I enjoyed this book and the plot was well-developed, but the kids were all annoying in different ways.
Mrs Oliver attends a Halloween party for children whilst staying with a friend. An attention-seeking girl boasts of having seen a murder and is dismissed lightly. Within hours, she is dead. An unseen hand had held her head in water while she bobbed for apples. Who could possibly have done it? Mrs Oliver goes off eating apples and begins to chew gum instead. She also reaches out to Poirot to help solve the mystery.
The solution completely depends on the character of the victim, and Poirot explores it thoroughly. The story had a slew of fun characters, a beautiful but eerie garden, and an interesting community. As always, Poirot goes around talking to people and eventually gathers sufficient information to solve the puzzle.
I did not really enjoy the character of Miranda. Poirot calls her wise and good, but I didn't think she had these qualities. I think Christie was trying to imprint some classical character on Miranda, but she was just too dumb enough to willingly accept to die for no reason. The murderer was chilling, it was one of the creepiest. It was interesting to see premarital sex, children born out of wedlock, etc. becoming so common that nobody is poking their noses into this business. The tone of the Poirot books change gradually over the years, and this is just one glaring example.
Overall, a pretty decent book, and I am almost at the end of my Poirot journey!...more
Did you know there's a random castle in Nancy's vicinity within driving distance? But it all starts when a rosebush is stolen from her garden. She traDid you know there's a random castle in Nancy's vicinity within driving distance? But it all starts when a rosebush is stolen from her garden. She traces it back to a young delinquent, Joan Fenimore. Her case worker reveals to Nancy that she may be helped if only someone is able to find her aunt, a dancer who is to receive an inheritance from her late lover. Nancy sets out to find this long-lost woman before time runs out and the castle could revert to the local government.
I rather enjoyed this book. The castle was both pretty and creepy. Carson Drew brings another mystery to the table, which Nancy once again neatly ties up to her mystery. I also enjoyed the father-daughter moments because the two actually do some sleuthing together. The crooked lawyer character was actually rather fun, because most of the villains in the ND books are rather dumb!
Ned is not around in this one, though he is mentioned as being in South America. Like, really? Ned was a daredevil or something to go to South America in the 1970s? Bess and George are however available and the trio have a lot of fun exploring the Heath Castle and finding clues. They also get a kick out of helping the deserving poor, aka the Fenimores.
The dancer is finally united with her family and she uses her inheritance to help disabled children. All well and good, but I just found the woman rather stupid to disappear just because she had an accident. If I were Joan's mother, I wouldn't have her back after she disappeared on me!!! The absolute cheek of this woman to just disregard everyone's feelings and throw a pity party for YEARS!
Still, a decent read and there are a lot of fun moments!...more
This was a brilliant book and one I have always enjoyed. Despite the dated politics and the red herrings scattered throughout, I think this one has chThis was a brilliant book and one I have always enjoyed. Despite the dated politics and the red herrings scattered throughout, I think this one has character and beautifully encapsulates the times. I really disliked how the David Suchet version butchered the story taking out all the fun elements. No Cold War references (?!), no Colin Lamb (who t f wants Colonel Race?), and the quirky fun characters on Wilbraham Crescent all changed. Also disliked the casting.
So, the fun part? The characters. There were so many neighbours and they all were interesting. I love the drama going on in the neighbourhood. It was interesting to see the Cold War references butting in randomly. But why not? It must have been pretty intense in the mid 60s. I liked the child characters, who were fun and actually helped the mystery along. Colin Lamb was a fantastic character, and maybe should have been in other books. I enjoyed the depiction of a very 60s style typing agency filled with young girls.
The mystery itself is rather hard to crack. I knew who the killer was but each time I read this, it takes effort to connect the dots. Cheating by Christie? Perhaps, but maybe I just need to think outside the box! She does provide all the information, it just doesn't jump to the eye. I found it brilliant. And ruthless!
Poirot is not the star of this show. In fact, he barely makes an appearance. But the other characters are interesting enough not to miss him. He shows up like the cherry on the cake, and you are satisfied. He does pull his 'sitting in a chair and dreaming up the solution' bit through 'conversations', which seems to have become a habit with him in his later books. Christie bored with him?
A fun and quirky book that I will read again and again. ...more
Nancy is asked for help by an old man, Philip March, who believes that his late son has hidden the clue to some money in love letters. Nancy agrees toNancy is asked for help by an old man, Philip March, who believes that his late son has hidden the clue to some money in love letters. Nancy agrees to help and visits Mr March along with Bess and George. She discovers that he lives in an old run-down, spooky mansion with his granddaughter. The mansion forms the background for the adventure, and is a wonderful setting. The attic is a treasure trove, and I enjoyed the scenes of Nancy and her friends rummaging through it.
Other connected mysteries include a stolen formula for silk textiles, in which Carson Drew is trying to gain evidence. Nancy helps in this too since it turns out she has a school connection! And then, there is the stolen music, which have become hits. Who stole them, and how?
I really enjoyed this one. Effie is also featured in this book, which is always enjoyable. Nancy ends up solving all the mysteries and in return, gets a gorgeous yellow gossamer dress. As a child, I craved this dress, lol! And thought it was unfair nobody else got anything similar!
A great ND, overall. And nostalgic as well! ...more
