Literally Dead Book Club discussion
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Agatha Christie what to read in bleak November
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4. Mrs. McGinty’s DeadUnlike other victims that appear in Christie’s work, Mrs. McGinty wasn’t some wealthy woman living in a mansion. She was an ordinary woman who worked as a cleaning lady for several families in the area. Unlike other suspects James Bentley is quite unremarkable young man, unlikable, dull, who might as well killed her for a few pounds. He is convinced and to be executed for the crime. But there’s still a chance that James Bentley is innocent.
3. The Hollow
Dr. John Christow is shot and is dying. His wife Gerda is standing next to him with a revolver in her hand. Christow’s last word is “Henrietta”, the name of his ex-fling. It seams that that everything is clear, but it wouldn’t be Agatha Christie if things were that simple.
2. Three Act Tragedy
I’m not going to describe the synopsis of this book. It features my favourite character: Mr. Satterthwaithe and very deep dive into the character of Hercule Poirot and that’s why I love this book. WARNING! Us and uk editions of this book are different from each other – the difference is the motive of the killer. I recommend the uk edition.
1. Endless Night
Some are born to sweet delight, some are born to endless night… Not really a detective mystery, it is rather story of Michael, an unruly young man who shifts from job to job, before he meets Ellie, before he has a chance to build the house of his dreams designed by his brilliant friend.
Bonus: Absent in the Spring
Published under the pen name Mary Westmacott. Joan Scudamore gets stranded in the desert and is forced to reflect upon her life and finally come to grips with the uncomfortable truths about her life – and when one has lived their life in constant denial, the truths might get rather terrifying.
10. Destination Unknown
And let’t start things with a spy thriller. Hilary Craven feel like her life is over – her child died, her husband left her and she just wants to end it. But then she get’s recruited to dangerous spy game that involves disappearing scientists. I admit I’m not a fan of Christie’s spy thrillers, but this one I enjoyed.
9. Sparkling Cyanide (uk)/Remembered Death(us)
Rosemary Barton had everything – money, beauty, loving husband and passionate love affair. And yet she took her own life. Or did she? A year after Rosemary’s tragic death six people that were present at the time she died think about Rosemary, remember the time they spend with her and all are realising how much is it better that Rosemary died.
8. Sad Cypress
Elianor Carlisle is arrested for murder. After all she had a motive and opportunity. Enter Hercule Poirot. He knows where to look for the truth – and this time his clues are all the lies he’s told by everyone, including the innocent.
7. Taken at the Flood (uk)/There is a Tide…(us)
Life in a post-war Britain is not easy – the Cloade family aren’t the only ones to struggle. They all relied on their rich uncle Gordon to help them with their finances. Maybe one day Gordon will die and his wealth get’s divided to his family. Allas! Shortly before his death Gordon married an young actress and his wast wealth goes to this fresh widow. What is the Cloade family supposed to do now?
6. Ordeal by Innocence
Jacko Argyle got convicted of killing his mother – due to Jacko’s character, noone doubted he did it. He didn’t have an alibi and was in a desperate need of money. In prison he dies of pneumonia. Two years after the murder Jacko’s family get’s un unexpected visitor – Arthur Calgary, who admits that he was the one who could provide Jacko’s alibi since he was the one that gave him a lift at the time of the murder. But if Jacko’s innocent – who killed Rachel Argyle?
5. Crooked House
Charles Hayward is engaged to Sophia Leonides, but the pair has to put of the wedding until the murder of Sophia’s grandfather get’s resolved. All three generations of the family lived together in one house, everyone had a motive and noone had an alibi.