|
As I work my way through Peter Robinson's Aftermath, I caught up with Agatha Christie's first collection of Hercule Poirot short stories, Poirot Investigates. These 11 stories were collected together for the UK edition in 1924; the US edition added three more tales (which I have not read). By this date, numerous writers -- GK Chesterton and Conan Doyle being among two still read enthusiastically today -- had "perfected" the detective short story. I found this collection a bit hit and miss although a pleasing diversion. I think I really prefer the pacing of the novels.
No such qualms for Agatha Christie's first Miss Marple novel, The Murder at the Vicarage which has long been a favourite. Between various TV and radio productions, I can "hear" the voices of the characters, particularly the Vicar (Paul Eddington in a BBC TV edition) and Miss Marple (June Whitfield being an ideal "voice" in the BBC radio productions). The story is narrated by the Vicar, a classic "locked room" murder, and the parish of St Mary Mead filled with delightful eccentrics. It's a wonderful summer (or anytime) diversion.
|