Reading the Detectives discussion

This is the main February book for the Miss Marple challenge. Published in 1942 this actually follows the second published Miss Marple book, "The Thirteen Problems," which is a collection of short stories. We will have a discussion thread for "The Thirteen Problems," as an 'extra' read.

Please avoid posting spoilers in this thread. Thank you.

I remember reading that Agatha Christie thought The Body In The Library was the best opening she'd ever wrote. What do you guys think? Are there other openings from Christie's books that you believe top that?

I believe the opening from "Library" is very memorable and who can forget that line from the maid, "Oh ma'am, ma'am, there's a body in the library!" (which I believe was perfectly executed in the 1985 Joan Hickson version, whereas, in the McEwan version this line wasn't said at all -- the maid just screamed when she found the body and that's about it).

I do enjoy that yes :D It seems to sum up the fun that Christie could have with murder!

I read this several years ago, and re-read this month. Both times it was very enjoyable. The opening scene is perfect. If you were just awakening, would you believe there was a body in your home?

Deborah wrote: "I read this several years ago, and re-read this month. Both times it was very enjoyable. The opening scene is perfect. If you were just awakening, would you believe there was a body in your home?"

I like how Christie takes something normal and ordinary and mixes it up with something unusual and completely unexpected!

I agree it's a fantastic opening - the way she isn't sure if it's a dream or not is so well done.

It seems that Christie had lots of fun writing this book, particularly (1) the opening scene, (2) taking a device of a body in a library which at the time she wrote it has become a cliche, (3) and the scene when Peter Carmody speaks to Colonel Melchett and Superintendent Harper and Peter says, "Do you like detective stories? I do. I read them all and I've got autographs from Dorothy Sayers and AGATHA CHRISTIE and Dickson Carr and H. C. Bailey. Will the murder be in the papers?" Funny how Christie mentions herself here!

Has anyone seen the Joan Hickson and the Geraldine McEwan adaptations of The Body In The Library? Which actress who played Dolly Bantry do you prefer: Gwen Watford or Joanna Lumley?

I can't see Joanna Lumley as Dolly Bantry somehow. Although I like her as an actress, I just see Dolly Bantry as very sensible and tweedy.

LovesMysteries wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I read this several years ago, and re-read this month. Both times it was very enjoyable. The opening scene is perfect. If you were just awakening, would you believe there was a body..."

I agree. Plus it smacks a bit at the upper classes. What do you mean you don't know what's going on in your own home?

Well, if I had a library, I wouldn't expect to wake up and find a body in it either to be fair.

I did love Joanna Lumley as Mrs. Bantry, but then again, so did I with Gwen Watford. Two different portrayals, but both good. Both seemed to portray the relish with which Mrs. B (I know she hates being called that) enjoys the sleuthing, in such a different fashion.

I love the opening - seems like a dream - and how Dolly starts out by assuming they can all enjoy the murder while making fun of the cliche "a beautiful blonde. like the books again"

Also love the intro to Miss Marple - the phone is ringing but not at a normal time, so worrisome!

Jackie wrote: "I love the opening - seems like a dream - and how Dolly starts out by assuming they can all enjoy the murder while making fun of the cliche "a beautiful blonde. like the books again"

Also love the..."


We've probably all had that phone call at a worrisome time, along with the ensuing adrenaline rush

Interestingly, in The Thirteen Problems, Dolly Bantry is disbelieving when Sir Henry Clithering asks for Miss Marple to be included in a dinner party but, by this novel she is the woman that Dolly Bantry turns to. This turnabout probably makes more sense to readers who read the earlier short stories and it seems that Christie did quite a lot of thinking about these characters before she settled on them.

Susan wrote: "Interestingly, in The Thirteen Problems, Dolly Bantry is disbelieving when Sir Henry Clithering asks for Miss Marple to be included in a dinner party but, by this novel she is the woman that Dolly ..."

That's the interesting thing about reading the books in order isn't it. I've assumed before now that there's no character development but subtle changes can already be seen from Miss Marple's first appearance.

I read The Body In The Library just before 13 Problems (currently reading that) and it actually refers to one of the short stories! It might be worth mentioning that you do need to read the short stories first!

I will start reading The Body in the Library. I changed my mind, reading the messages. I will start yet with the short stories. Sound the right path.

I read the 13 problems first and it definitely builds the characters for the following books

I don't think it is essential to have read the short stories first. They do build the characters, but we opted to do that as an 'extra' book as, with the Wimsey challenge, not many people actually read the volumes of short stories. Novels are certainly more popular, but we did mention that the short stories come first in the challenge thread.

I finished The Thirteen Problems yesterday, and read the first quarter of The Body in the Library today.

It would be good to read the short stories first, to make one understand the attitudes of Mrs Bantry and the retired commissioner. But not vital.

I don't usually read short stories, but this lot make a very coherent, puzzling and funny whole. I laughed a lot!

It is in the short stories that we first are aware that Mrs. Bantry hates to be called Mrs. B.!

I think the opening is brilliant. Just waking up, expecting to have tea brought in, but instead having a distraught Mary announcing a body in the library - a blonde woman! A reluctant Colonel Bantry as opposed to his wife, Dolly, eager to do some sleuthing and seek Miss Marple's help. Quite a change of attitude from when we first meet Mrs Bantry in Thirteen Problems.

I rather like that I've read Thirteen Problems first and have been introduced to future characters. It will be nice to watch their development along with Miss Marple's character through to the lady we know now. Although, I think Miss Marple is probably just about complete as she's already getting that little sting in the tail with some of her vague, benign comments.

The next novel, The Moving Finger, was published the same time as The Body in the Library (both in 1942) so that will be interesting, as Miss Marple should be much more defined by the next book.

Jill wrote: "I read the 13 problems first and it definitely builds the characters for the following books"

One feels much more like one knows the characters when one reads this after the short stories.

Pghfan wrote: "I did love Joanna Lumley as Mrs. Bantry, but then again, so did I with Gwen Watford. Two different portrayals, but both good. "

I've just watched the more recent version and thought Joanna Lumley was great - I'd like to see the earlier version too, though. Hopefully it will turn up on TV before too long!

Ella's Gran wrote: "I think the opening is brilliant. Just waking up, expecting to have tea brought in, but instead having a distraught Mary announcing a body in the library - a blonde woman! A reluctant Colonel Bantr..."

I agree with you. It's beautifully written and totally realistic.

I believe Christie said this was one of the best openings of all of her books.

It is wonderfully done and introduces the mystery perfectly.

Pghfan wrote: "I believe Christie said this was one of the best openings of all of her books."

She did say that and it's definitely unforgettable too! I think another memorable one, though there are many Christie fans that may disagree is Destination Unknown. It's a unique kind of story, including the opening.

LovesMysteries wrote: "Pghfan wrote: "I believe Christie said this was one of the best openings of all of her books."

She did say that and it's definitely unforgettable too! I think another memorable one, though there a..."
Destination Unknown has grown on me- I didn't enjoy it that much the first time I read it, but have enjoyed re-reads - especially because of the plot twists.

The only AC I have never been able to enjoy is The Big Four.

I have been waiting for the audiobook at my library but there are still 2 people ahead of my in the queue so I have decided to just reread my old paperback edition. I actually remember this one fairly clearly (or at least I think I do - maybe I will find out differently!).

I read Thirteen Clues for Miss Marple several years ago -- is this the same as The Thirteen Problems? I guess I should really ask over in the other thread...

I think it is a different book, Leslie. I found a book called Thirteen Clues and the stories were listed as:

Tape-Measure Murder
- Strange Jest
- Sanctuary
- Greenshaw's Folly
- The Case of the Perfect Maid
- The Case of the Caretaker
- The Blue Geranium
- The Companion
- The Four Suspects
- Motive v. Opportunity
- The Thumbmark of St. Peter
- The Bloodstained Pavement
- The Herb of Death
Is that the same as your copy?

The stories in The Thirteen Problems are:

The Tuesday Night Club
The Idol House of Astarte
Ingots of Gold
The Bloodstained Pavement
Motive vs. Opportunity
The Thumb Mark of St. Peter
The Blue Geranium
The Companion
The Four Suspects
A Christmas Tragedy
The Herb of Death
The Affair at the Bungalow
Death by Drowning

I found I have the 13 Clues book but still haven't been able to locate 13 Problems. I know I have read it before. But maybe they have it over at the library. I have been stalling on buying any new books (physical) this year. Not sure how much longer I can hold out. So I may look for it at one of the online stores I frequent.

Jan, in the US The Thirteen Problems is called The Tuesday Night Murder Club (or something like that)

I haven't been able to find it under either title.

There are two Miss Marple short story omnibuses (that I know of), that way you'll also be set for the second short story collection later this year.

- Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories, ISBN 978-0062073716
- Miss Marple and Mystery, over 50 Stories.
That one has other (Non-Miss Marple) short stories as well, but they're all given in chronological order and equally fun! Also, that edition is available on amazon for kindle download!

I will make sure I list the story titles for anyone that is reading from a collection and who wishes to join in.

I'll sort you out Jan. PM incoming.

Simone wrote: "There are two Miss Marple short story omnibuses (that I know of), that way you'll also be set for the second short story collection later this year.

- Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories, ISBN..."

Thanks for that -- our library didn't have the Thirteen Problems, but they DO have The Complete Short stories, so I put it on hold and can participate in the discussion after all!

The stories in this volume are listed above, Everyman, as well as in the Miss Marple Challenge thread.

Susan wrote: "The stories in this volume are listed above, Everyman, as well as in the Miss Marple Challenge thread."

Thanks. That will be helpful.

Welcome, Everyman.

As we near the end of the month, just a reminder that the next read will be, "The Moving Finger."

Susan wrote: "As we near the end of the month, just a reminder that the next read will be, "The Moving Finger.""

Already reading it- enjoying it so far and have forgotten the details so all the more fun. Great character study.

Already reading it- enjoying it so far and have forgotten the details so all the mo..."

I just finished it last night and really enjoyed it. I had seen the TV episode many years ago and so I had a vague recollection of whodunnit, but the writing was so wonderful that I still loved it.

I have finished it too and I think there will be lots to discuss!

I got a bit carried away and have just finished The Moving Finger as well. All 4 books have been excellent so far including the short stories.

Adrian wrote: "I got a bit carried away and have just finished The Moving Finger as well. All 4 books have been excellent so far including the short stories."

You're just in time for the discussion.

Glad you are enjoying them, Adrian :)