Five Miss Marple Mysteries

by Agatha Christie

"Agatha Christie: Five Complete Miss Marple Novels" Complete and unabridged.

The Mirror Crack'd,
A Caribbean Mystery,
Nemesis,
What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw! (aka 4:50 from Paddington), and
The Body in the Library.

Librarian's note: this entry is for the collection of five novels. Each of them individually, as well as the other seven Miss Marple novels, and the 20 short stories, can be found elsewhere on Goodreads.

Genres: Mystery, Agatha Christie, Fiction, Classics, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Detective

650 pages, Leather Bound

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Agatha Christie also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and was occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.

Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.

This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.

Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok. My personal Miss Marple favorites are The Murder at the Vicarage & Sleeping Murder.
But. I love all things Marple, and if you're a fan? Yeah. This is a nice collection.

The Mirror Crack'd
A really good Christie mystery for Marple fans.
The victim, Heather Babcock, is one of those idiots that get on everyone's nerves. You know, a pushy do-gooder that forces their help on everyone?
It's not sad when she bites it.



A Caribbean Mystery
The magical Miss Marple does it again!
Only this time she does it on a tropical vacation.



Unlike quite a few of the Marple mysteries, this one heavily features everyone's favorite little old spinster. As in, she's not just a side character in her own story. I personally just love the way her inner mind works. So proper and sweet...but not really.

Nemesis
Agatha isn't known for her sequels, but that's almost exactly what Nemisis is...in a way.
Remember A Caribbean Mystery?!
No?
Yeah, well it was somewhat forgettable. But for whatever reason, Christie decided to use one of those characters that Jane teamed up with to kick start this mystery. And while most of them have absolutely nothing to do with her current Nemesis, you do get a tiny peek at what some of those guys are up to now. <--kinda cool



What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!
This story is also known as 4:50 from Paddington.
Lucy Eyelesbarrow is the best thing about this book. Loved her. Why is she not in more books?
She and Miss Marple were just an unbeatable team!



The Body in the Library
I figured it out! I knew whodunnit!
I was smugly chuckling and congratulating myself on finally beating Agatha Christie at her own game as I listened to the end of the book drawing near, knowing that I had beaten the Queen of Mystery.



Goddammit.
She fooled me again.
I was all like, wait...whatthefuckjusthappened?! - as I listened to the actual murderer get hauled off to the pokey.
sighs

Recommended.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Marple 09 the Mirror Crack'd *****
Miss Marple 10 A Caribbean Mystery *****
Miss Marple 12 Nemesis *****
Miss Marple 08 What Mrs McGillicuddy Saw! (4:50 from Paddington) *****
Miss Marple 03 The Body in the Library *****

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.

[Jack Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars. I've done a review of these great books by Christie under each title so, before entering a rating for the collection, I just checked them. Three fours and two fives - thus closer to 4 Stars for the collection. The first of the two greats is "What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!" which I read as "4:50 from Paddington." We watch Miss Marple doing real detective work on train schedules and the timing of the murder her friend witnessed, and then directing a young woman on the scene at a nearby mansion. The other 5 Stars goes to "Nemesis" which had its origins in a "A Caribbean Mystery." "Caribbean" should be read first as we meet the crucial character for "Nemesis" in that story. Mr. Rafiel watches Miss Marple in Barbados as she works her way through a vacation mystery. He nicknames her 'nemesis.' He's not in good health and passes away on returning to England. But he leaves Miss Marple a challenge and, if successful, a substantial bequest. Can she right a wrong which occurred several years in the past? Even with very few clues, she takes up the challenge. A great collection. (April 2021)

[Rachel Gibbons · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun british murder mysteries

[Gaetano Ceneri]

I've read Nemesis and The Mirror Crack'd. I enjoyed both because I love Miss Marple. However, Nemesis for me was the darker of the two, it being the last mystery that Christie wrote while alive (she had one saved for after her death). It involved two sisters and their secrets.
The Mirror Crack'd is a lot of fun and about Hollywood. You'll enjoy both!

[Nicole Marino · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the stories, 5 for the collection.

[sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

mysteries and thriller. Also, the plot is unpredictable.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

The queen of the who done it. I really like the Miss Marple series.

[Byron Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beyond the canonical And Then There Were None in junior high, I had somehow avoiding crossing paths with Agatha Christie until I read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd for a detective fiction seminar in my MFA. That's a story for another review, but (even with the ending spoiled) I was blown away by the deftly crafted cozy mystery, in which every seeming motive or suspicious lie reveals another little scandal and the final reveal is as audacious as they come. I've been chasing that high ever since, but unfortunately, I've yet to encounter another Christie of the same caliber.

Five Miss Marple Mysteries is a solid introduction to Christie's second most popular "detective" for Miss Marple neophytes, as I was when I started the book. It contains five full novels: The Mirror Crack'd, A Caribbean Mystery, Nemesis, What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw! (aka The 4:50 from Paddington), and The Body in the Library.

I started the collection quite a bit before finishing it, so the first two novels aren't fresh in my mind, but I recall enjoying The Mirror Crack'd more than A Caribbean Mystery. What I do remember clearly is how tedious Nemesis was to read. Published in the last decade of Christie's life, the most surprising thing about it is how little plot it manages to contain given its length. Every chapter devotes the majority of its text to rehashing the same points already introduced, adding perhaps one detail. The mystery Miss Marple is to solve isn't even introduced until about midway through the book, which is an interesting premise for a mystery but not successful here--there is nothing really to grab the reader's attention. The actual whodunit is good, though aspects of the solution are obvious from miles away.

The final two stories are also the oldest in the collection, and they support my theory that Christie's strongest work was all written in the first half of her career. They are both entertaining to read--Christie's droll social commentary is underrated--and solid mysteries; both give readers a large cast of potential suspects on which to hang suspicion, and particularly in Mrs. McGillicuddy, I found myself forming new theories every few pages. In other words, there were enough clues (and red herrings) being dropped to engage me as an armchair sleuth, a sign of a well-written mystery.

This was a surprisingly solid collection for a used book store find, but I have one final complaint on which to end. As I read more Christie, I'm finding more and more that her greatest weakness is probably what some readers consider her greatest strength: her endings are always surprising. Of course, a mystery-writer's goal is usually to surprise the reader, but Christie often takes it too far. The pleasure of reading mystery is not just being surprised but also suspecting, weighing theories, wondering. In the last three books in this collection, as in Poirot mysteries Murder on the Links and the famous Murder on the Orient Express, go to too-great lengths to make the murderer someone the reader would NEVER have suspected, which deflates much of the experience that came before. I would much rather occasionally guess correctly than never have a chance of it.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agatha Christie : I've also read
- Murder with Mirrors
- A Caribbean Mystery
- Nemesis
- The Mirror Crack'd
- A Holiday For Murder / Hercule Poirot's Christmas
- The Pale Horse
- Postern Of Fate
- Murder at the Vicarage
- Curtain
- Hallowe'en Party
- What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw !
- The Body in the Library
- Murder on the Orient Express
- Thirteen at Dinner
- The ABC Murders
- Cards on the Table
- Death on the Nile
- Third Girl
- The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
- A Murder Is Announced
- At Bertram's Hotel
- The Moving Finger
- By The Pricking of My Thumbs
- N or M
- The Golden Ball
- The Listerdale Mystery
- The Girl in the Train
- The Manhood of Edward Robinson
- Jane in Search of a Job
- A Fruitful Sunday
- The Rajah's Emerald
- Swain Song
- The Hound of Death
- The Gipsy
- The Lamp
- The Strange Case of Sir Arthur Carmichael
- The Call of Wings
- Magnolia Blossom
- Next to a Dog
- The Seven Dials Mystery
- The Big Four
- Passenger To Frankfurt
- The Tuesday Club Murders
- The Idol House of Astarte
- Ingots of Gold
- The Blood-Stained Pavement
- Motive v. 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
- Elephants Can Remember
- Murder at Hazelmoor
- The Under Dog
- The Plymouth Express
- The Affair at the Victory Ball
- The Market Basing Mystery
- The Lemesurier Inheritance
- The King of Clubs
- The Submarine Plans
- The Adventure of the Clapham Cook
- The Regatta Mystery
- The Mystery of the Bagdad Chest
- How Does Your Garden Grow?
- Problem at Pollensa Bay
- Yellow Iris
- Miss Marple Tells a Story
- The Dream
- In a Glass Darkly
- Problems at Sea
- Double Sin
- Wasps' Nest
- The Theft of the Royal Ruby
- The Dressmaker's Doll
- Greenshaw's Folly
- The Double Club
- The Last Seance
- Sanctuary
- Murder on the Links
- The Mysterious Mr. Quin
- The Shadow on the Glass
- At the Bells and Motley
- The Sign in the Sky
- The Soul of the Croupier
- The World's End
- The Voice in the Dark
- The Face of Helen
- The Dead Harlequin
- The Bird With the Broken Wing
- The Man From the Sea
- Harlequin's Lane
- Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective
- Easy To Kill
- Endless Night
- After The Funeral
- Sparkling Cyanide / Remembered Death
- Black Coffee
- Death in the Air
- The Mysterious Affair at Styles
- Peril at End House
- Sleeping Murder
- And Then There Were None (also Ten Little Indians)

[Charlotte Ehney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Agatha Chistie. Her character Miss Marple is a gem who solves mysteries by her knowledge of human nature. In this collection of 5 Miss Marple mysteries, Jane Marple proves that an old spinster from a small village can hold her own with both murderers and the police investigating the crimes.

This collection consists of The Mirror Crack'd, A Caribbean Mystery, Nemesis, What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw! and The Body in the Library. Unfortunately, the books order in the collection is not how they were originally released, so some references in the first novel in this collection actually occurred in the last novel included.

Agatha Christie presents a good study of human nature. Some of the slang used was confusing as it was used in England over 70 years ago, but not so much that the reader doesn't get the intention. The only downside to reading these 5 novels back-to-back in one volume is that the rigid gender and class beliefs of that time period really stand out. It is a look into history and can show how much change has taken place within the equivalent of a lifetime.

I definitely recommend Agatha Christie's work. It is a different pacing and cadence than a contemporarily written novel but definitely shows that some themes are timeless.

[Sherri Rabinowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I had read all the Miss Marple books in this volume before, but the first thing that struck me was that the order of the books made no sense. The Mirror Crack'd first, makes no sense at all, since the volume includes The Body in the Library which came first. What Mrs. McGillicudy Saw was also set and written before the first book. I am not sure what the publishers were thinking.

The stories are all brilliant and I enjoyed re-reading the books. I always enjoy Miss Marple and reading these books I found I forgotten parts or replaced them in my mind with adaptions in TV or movies.

The one I enjoyed a lot and forgotten the most was Nemesis. I think I had read the book once or twice but I had completely replaced it in my mind with the adaptions which all have a nephew accompanying her but in the book she went alone. And the Professor was far more involved in the story then in the adaptions.

I know that one stop shops are not really that popular because of the order the books are placed but it is also a way to have several of one of your favorite authors at your fingertips. So I do recommend it.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mirror Crack'd -- very satisfying! Ms Christie presents a whole cast of characters as possible villains, but none quite fit the bill. Then, when Miss Marple presents the solution, it seems so obvious. I always wonder why I didn't see it before.

A Caribbean Mystery -- very interesting! The author had me convinced of who the murderer was, and then convinced again that an entirely different person was the culprit. She even cast doubts about the most innocent characters. What a puzzle! Of course, I was wrong all along.

Nemesis -- an impossible puzzle! With no information at all, still, Miss Marple is able to solve the mystery. I almost solved it - so close! Only near the end did all become clear.

What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw -- As usual, a surprising villain. Christie is a master!

The Body in the Library -- What a clever author! She make you suspect everyone except the real villain.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Agatha Christie was the greatest exponent of the classical detective story. Her unique literary talents have crossed every boundary of age, race, class, geography and education. While she refined the template for a fictional form, the reading of her books became an international pastime." John Curran

I started reading and collecting Agatha Christie books when I was 9 years old. I adored her books and still do. There is a great comfort, as an adult, in reading her books and acute observations of people that favours style over the penny horrors of sadism, torture, and graphic violence favoured by some authors.

[Kirsten Simkiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have published reviews for each of these books under their respective titles, and therefore will not repeat them here. That being said, I think this is a great collection of stories and I found it to be a great decision to have Nemesis directly follow A Caribbean Mystery as the characters first meet in ACM. All in all, great classic Marple mysteries. I must admit my favorite is The Body in the Library, closely followed by Mrs. McGillicuddy (also known at 4:50 from Paddington if my memory serves me correctly). My least favorite of the bunch, actually, was Nemesis because I thought the culprit was markedly obvious.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the 4th book in this collection: "What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!" I really enjoyed it and there were tons of characters and details for me to sort out. I never would have guessed the actual person. I am currently reading the last book in this treasury. I love Miss Marple mysteries. However this particular version of these books by this publisher is not edited very well. There are many typos and wrong words In the middle of sentences. The books themselves are great stories though!!!

[Prakash Murthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Agatha Christie mysteries. Enjoyed reading all 5 novels included in this collection. Quick and easy read as well. `Nemesis` is quite likely my favorite among all the Agatha Christie novels/stories I have read so far. Very interesting fact that it was the last book she wrote before her death.

This edition of the book is poorly edited with many typos - which seem to break the reading rhythm regularly. Also, the order of novels is messed up. `The body in the library` should be first, but is included last.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.5

And then there were none...

Glad to have finally read this, as I've been saying for a couple of years now that I would pick it up. I quite liked the fact that each story was so unique in it's formula and it's characters, although not having read much Miss Marple before, I did find it a little odd just how little she featured in the stories sometimes.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have wanted to read some Agatha Christie for a long while and thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns that each story had. I was taken off guard quite a bit, which I loved! My only problem was with the portrayal of people being incapacitated or lacking due to their ages. I had to allow that the stories were in a very different time frame than now. Worth a read.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again - I've read every mystery I could get my hands on from Agatha Christie so I'll just give a general review. Her books are timeless and amazing. I even own a few - since I have the happy problem of never remembering "whodunit" it's new every time!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good anthology, although the order of the books is confusing. They are not in chronological order nor published order and they are not five books in the Miss Marple series in a row, they jump around. However, they are all good novels.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked The Mirror Cracked, A Caribbean Mystery, and Nemesis. the other two stories were okay, but not as interesting. I was disappointed by the character development in What Mrs. Mcgillicuddy Saw. It was weak.

[Mark]

Christie deserves her fame. That's how you tightly structure a novel without seeming to. And I just like the idea of this old lady connecting all the dots while the young folks run around in an exitless maze.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? It's an Agatha Christie mystery and not just one but 5, if you've never read one then its time. Miss Marple is so much more fun than Sherlock, after all, who can resist a fluffy little old lady who solves everything by just using her common sense and knowledge of human nature.

[Ellen Dark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a re-read. I kept picturing Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson as the Hollywood couple. Not sure how the husband who was so ugly in the book, turned into Rock Hudson in the movie. But that's Hollywood.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting how dated some of the stories are. Didn't mean I didn't enjoy them, just that slang, in particular, was noticeable because of its outdatedness.

[Liz V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poorly proofed but good choices for collection.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely fun. The mysteries were not predictable and I found the character of Miss. Marple to be an enjoyable one. I would read the others in the series.

[Zoey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is specifically for What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!, because it's only in collections. So far, I liked it best of these five Miss Marple novels, but I still have one left!

[Sharon Beers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of five very good Agatha Christie novels; The Mirror Crack'd, A Carribean Mystery, Nemesis, What Mrs.
McGillicuddy Saw, and The Body in the Library.