Agatha Christie Collection #1

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

I should start at the beginning. And here I am introduced for the 1st time to Hercule Poirot. And later on to what for now anyway, his turned sidekick Arthur Hastings.

I have read other Poirot books before. But comparing them to her 1st, seeing that raw talent of her path for her detective to solve a case was a bit weak. Then again it is her first book.

She has Poirot going here and there to solve who killed the heiress. Where later Poirot seems more confident more organized in himself. She over does how much Poirot knows to the extent that he calls Hastings not intelligent. Although later on she keeps him knowing all.

Many characters. Family, friends all are under Poirot's microscope. And all may just be a suspect. To the end no one even Hercule had his doubts who the killer was. Keeping in mind that his dear old friend has helped the Belgium's get settled. That is why he decided to help Hastings.

I didn't like the character Arthur Hastings. He was very annoying. Almost childlike. I realize that Hastings wanted to solve the case as much as Hercule. Every time he suggested something Hercule had a point why he was wrong. But Hastings took it that Poirot just didn't like him.

As usual Poirot puts things together (not as smoothly) and finds the killer. Step by step he takes everyone through what he did. Including the Inspectors that came from Scotland Yards. Enough to have the Inspectors looking toward Poirot to solve the case.

A little shaky but a good story. I also agree not nessasary for a trail at the end. I didn't see Hercule Poirot as that famous detective in this story as he is in others.

The Secret Adversary

I think the main characters Tuppance and Tommy were not my cup of tea. Which made the story a bit bland.

For starters they are young and go about getting a "just so happen" job working for the government. Especially to find these important documents and the girl who carried them. 

Ad who is this Mr. Brown? that was a question through out. Even though I try not to look for the killer,(culprit) I found him. I know Christie wanted us to think one suspect but then it's another. Sadly I found out on my own.

Tuppance and Tommy are likable characters. Sometimes it's too good to be true.

Glad I got to read Agatha Christie once again. I do give The Mysterious Affair at Styles and The Secret Adversary 4------>

Onward with some more Agatha Christie!