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Swan Song: A Short Story

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Previously published in the print anthologies The Golden Ball and Other Stories and The Listerdale Mystery and Other Stories

A prima donna soprano is commissioned to give a command performance at a country estate. It sets off a chain of tragic events – but are they accidents or an act of revenge?

33 pages, Unknown Binding

First published November 5, 2013

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About the author

Agatha Christie

5,802 books75k followers
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)

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5 stars
68 (13%)
4 stars
123 (25%)
3 stars
208 (42%)
2 stars
66 (13%)
1 star
22 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Anne.
4,745 reviews71.3k followers
June 26, 2024
A famous opera singer gets her revenge.
It's one of those stories that men would do well to pay attention to, as it shows how long a woman will wait to get payback.
Sleep with one eye open, sir.

description

Not my personal favorite but only because
Recommended for fans of Christie.

Originally published in 1926 in Grand Magazine.
Read as part of the short story collection The Golden Ball and Other Stories.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,004 reviews630 followers
February 13, 2021
Swan Song was first published in The Grand Magazine in September 1926 (UK) and later included in the short story collection The Listerdale Mystery (1934). The story was not published in the United States until 1971 (The Golden Ball and Other Stories).

Paula Nazorkoff is difficult and egotistical....but she is also an operatic soprano of amazing skill. So her diva behavior is forgiven by those around her. She is doing a short tour in London and is invited to perform in a private home. She agrees, but only if they are allowed to perform Tosca. She is famous for her past performances as the lead in Tosca, but that night she gives a very very memorable performance.

Short, but very entertaining story! The ending of this one was a bit more obvious than most of these short stories, but I enjoyed it. The title is perfect. I listened to the audio version of this story. Hugh Fraser (played Hastings in the Poirot television series) narrated. He does such a great job! Fraser is rapidly becoming one of my favorite audio book narrators!

These early short stories were never meant to have detailed plots or fleshed out characters. Most were published early in Christie's career in magazines and then collected together in book form later. Paired with illustrations in magazines these early stories would have been great advertising for Christie's writing! Just some advice -- don't read these looking for the same detail, attention to plot and twisty surprises as in Christie's novels. These are "one minute mystery'' sort of stories with just a bit of story to set the scene, a bit of action and then the reveal. Knowing the pulp-y background of these stories and reading these early stories with that in mind will help boost a reader's enjoyment. I've seen many reviews faulting these stories with comments like "Oh, this was so short!'' and "The characters and plot weren't detailed enough...'' These stories weren't written to be detailed. They were written for pulp detective and fiction magazines. Short....a bit of a zing....and done. Barebones characters....a simple plot...and a reveal. Read the for what they are. Pure entertainment, not perfect detailed craft.

BBC4 Radio broadcast a "modernized'' version of this story in 2002 focused around a lesbian relationship. While I applaud the adaptation of Christie's work for radio or television, I don't like it when the stories are fundamentally changed or modernized, so I skipped this one. It's no longer her story if it's radically changed. The modernized versions of 12 of her stories broadcast by BBC4 in the early 2000's are available -- Agatha Christie: 12 Radio Mysteries. So far I have resisted buying this collection because I know the stories have all been altered. I might change my mind at some point....but not yet.

On to the next!
Profile Image for Sepide.
83 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2025
۳.۵ 🌟
کتاب خیلی جذابی بود من تا به حال داستان کوتاه های آگاتا کریستی رو نخونده بودم و فکر نمی‌کردم این سبک داستان رو هم داشته باشه . جالب بود
اگر بخوام به طور کلی نقد کنم داستان ها هر کدوم متفاوت از دیگری و به خاص خودشون بودن . شخصیت ها متنوع ولی جالبی داستان بود که هر کدوم کاملا با دیگری فرق میکرد. اما عیبی که برای من تو ذوق میزد تم رمانتیک اکثر داستان ها بود که مرد داستان عاشق یک زن به شدت زیبا میشه هر چند توی همه شون این طور نبود اما عشق و معما رو همشون داشتن که تا یه جایی خوب بود و بعدش دل رو می زد .
همچنان داستان محبوبم داستان دوم یعنی کلبه فیلومل هستش اما در رتبه دوم داستان آواز قو رو دوست دارم که اسمش روی جلد هم اومده
اکثر داستان ها غیر قابل پیش بینی بودن و جذاب مثل همه ی کارهای ایشون کتاب از دستم نیوفتاد
بعد از این کتاب می‌خوام کتاب دختر سوم رو بخونم امیدوارم اونم به همین خوبی باشه
1404.08.29
22.05
شب خوش
Profile Image for Atefeh.
101 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2025
کتاب خوبی بود، در واقع اولین کتابی بود که انتخاب کردم تا از آگاتا کریستی بخونم. انتظار یک داستان طولانی رو داشتم با حال و هوای کارآگاهی، اما این کتاب از تعدادی داستان کوتاه تشکیل شده که می‌تونم بگم عنصر عشق و علاقه توشون پررنگ تره، مثلا شخصیت پسر داستان بخاطر دختره توی یک ماجرای جنایی/ کارآگاهی قرار می‌گرفت یا برعکس، و یا حتی بخاطر اثبات خودشون به همدیگه، یه همچنین فضایی داشت کتاب، ولی احساس میکنم سرم کلاه رفته، چی می‌خواستم و چی خوندم! XD
اما خب، داستان ها جالب بودن و سرگرم کننده.
می‌تونم بگم شیوه روایتشون واقعا خوب بود چون من به ندرت از کتابی که داستان های کوتاه کوتاه داره خوشم میاد.
Profile Image for PETRONELA ATOMEI .
563 reviews38 followers
February 19, 2021
Cu parere de rau nu am savurat deloc lectura acestei carti
Practic e o carte care cuprinde mai multe povestioare,m.am pierdut in personaje, actiunea nu m.a tinut in suspans asa cum eram obisnuita ca voi gasi in cartile Agathei Cristie.
Cred ca una din cele mai slabe carti citite a autoarei.
Ce sa mai spun ca , cantecul lebedei are doar cateva pagini, o cantareata care ucide.
Nu o recomand.
Profile Image for Whitney (The Cover Collector).
615 reviews29 followers
August 7, 2022
Had so many restarts with this one, as it was really hard to get into. It was well done though. This is a case of Agatha Christie’s music hobby mixing into her writing, which is an interesting idea. Works well as a short story, so I’m relieved she didn’t extend it to a dull, padded book.
Profile Image for Jess.
260 reviews13 followers
August 18, 2021
Very predictable story about a singer that performs on an aristocrat's mansion and demands to play a certain part. When her partner in the play gets sick, they find a replacement for him, a retired singer that was a mentor to a young girl once. When this girl's boyfriend gets arrested, she had asked for her mentor's help but he refuses. And so her boyfriend got executed.
During the play, the singer gets to have revenge as the characters in the play, and kills her old mentor both in and out of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sahar keshmiri.
52 reviews29 followers
April 2, 2016
بدترین کتابی بود که در زندگیم از آگاتا کریستی خوندم!
داستان ها نپخته بود. شخصیت های دستان اکثرا ادم های ساده لوحی بودن و از هوش و ذکاوت معمول در رمان های آگاتا کریستی هیچ اثری توش دیده نمی شد.
بع غیر از یکی از داستان های به اسم "تصادف" تقریبا همه باقی داستان ها با یک پایان خوش اغراق امیز تموم شدند که هر جا می شد یک رومانس همبه این پایان پیوست شده بود.
خلاصه اینکه نخونید!
چقدرم تموم کردنش طول کشید.
Profile Image for Saravanan Mani.
403 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2017
Stunning and operatic - the epic scale of this short story is impressive.
Profile Image for Susy.
1,350 reviews162 followers
December 18, 2021
3 stars
Though the ending is not very surprising, I liked this short story. Still, I prefer the regular Poirot and Marple stories.
Profile Image for Erik.
572 reviews17 followers
November 11, 2025
Exciting story about revenge. Recommended!
Profile Image for Hanie sedaghat nia.
8 reviews
May 29, 2022
یکی ازخوبای داستان های جنایی ترکیب شده باعاشقانه ها
وجمله انتهایی بینظیر
“نمایش به پایان رسیده است”
Profile Image for Joop.
925 reviews8 followers
August 5, 2023
Alhoewel het slot niet onverwacht was, toch leuk neergezet.
Profile Image for Selah.
1,302 reviews
July 24, 2016
Bwahaha - she wasn't a young woman, 40 at least - bwahaha.
Profile Image for Socrate.
6,745 reviews270 followers
February 27, 2022
Era ora 11 într‑o zi de mai la Londra. Domnul Cowan se uita pe fereastră; în spatele său se întindea, în toată splendoarea sa, salonul unui apartament din hotelul Ritz. Apartamentul respectiv fusese rezervat pentru doamna Paula Nazorkoff, faimoasa cântăreaţă de operă, care tocmai sosise în metropolă. Domnul Cowan, care era impresarul doamnei, aştepta să poarte o discuţie cu aceasta, întoarse capul deodată, când uşa se deschise, dar era numai domnişoara Read, secretara doamnei Nazorkoff, o fată palidă, harnică din fire.
– O, iată‑te, draga mea, zise domnul Cowan. Doamna nu s‑a trezit încă?
Domnişoara dădu din cap că nu.
– Mi‑a spus să vin în jur de zece, îi explică domnul Cowan. Aştept de o oră.
Nu manifesta nici supărare, nici surpriză. Domnul Cowan era prea bine obişnuit cu capriciile temperamentului artistic. Era un bărbat înalt, proaspăt bărbierit, cu o constituţie prea plină şi haine cu totul impecabile. Avea părul negru, strălucitor şi dentiţia de un alb de invidiat. Când vorbea, rostea neclar, oarecum legat pe „ses” din „se spune”, ceea ce nu părea a fi o bâlbâială, dar nici prea departe nu era. În clipa aceea, o uşă din partea cealaltă a camerei se deschise şi o cameristă franţuzoaică îngrijită intră grăbită.
– Doamna s‑a trezit? întrebă Cowan înviorat. Spune‑i noutăţile, Elise.
Imediat, aceasta îşi ridică braţele spre cer.
– Madame e ca şaptesprezece draci în dimineaţa asta, nimic nu‑i place! Frumoşii trandafiri galbeni pe care monsieur i‑a trimis aseară spune că sunt foarte buni pentru New York, dar că este imbècile să‑i fie trimişi la Londra.
Profile Image for Selina.
86 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2025
"Swan Song" is a short story with an intriguing blend of opera, drama, and crime. The story took me around 40 minutes to read. It was first published in the Grand Magazine in 1926. The story follows Madame Paula Nazorkoff, a renowned but temperamental operatic soprano, as she prepares for a series of performances in London.

One of the highlights of the novel is the depth of its characters. Madame Nazorkoff is portrayed with a mix of fragility and strength, bringing a level of complexity to the role of a diva that makes her both relatable and enigmatic. The supporting characters, including her manager Mr. Cowan and Lord and Lady Rustonbury, contribute to the rich tapestry of the story. I particularly enjoyed the backstory of Edouard Bréon, the retired baritone, who reminisces about the enigmatic Bianca Capelli—a narrative thread that adds a layer of mystery to the plot.

The climax, involving a sudden illness of a singer and a dramatic twist during the performance of "Tosca," does provide the suspense one expects from Christie. However, the resolution felt somewhat rushed.

Overall “Swan Song" offers a delightful peek into the world of opera while weaving in a mystery that keeps you guessing. While it may not be Christie’s most thrilling work, it’s still an enjoyable read for fans of her writing and opera enthusiasts alike. With its mix of glamour and intrigue, it's a worthwhile addition to her vast collection, earning a solid three stars for its character depth and atmosphere.
Profile Image for Watchdogg.
210 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2024
Swan Song: A Short Story by Agatha Christie
First published in the Grand Magazine in September 1926.

Thumbnail -
A prima donna soprano is commissioned to give a command performance at a country estate. It sets off a chain of tragic events – but are they accidents or an act of revenge?
The prestigious soprano Paula Nazorkoff is hired for a private performance of Madam Butterfly. Nazorkoff accepts but, with one unavoidable condition: the opera must be Tosca. While the staging is taking place in Lady Rustonbury's castle, an accident occurs. One of the protagonists of the opera is killed and only diving into the past the truth will emerge.

My thoughts -
An easy to read and follow short story where in the end a surprise twist reveals a long simmering affront. A good story and well deserving of my 3-star rating which means Good - better than average as per my rating system. Recommended.
Profile Image for Meg.
2,461 reviews36 followers
March 13, 2021
This one is very opera heavy and you really need to have a sense of Tosca to truly understand the story. An opera singer agrees to do a private show at a county house but insists that it has to be Tosca. The night of the performance, the male lead gets sick and cannot take the stage. A nearby neighbor is asked to step in since he is a retired opera singer. He does and tells the story of how he betrayed a young, up and coming opera singer back in the day by refusing to help her lover. During the performance, the female lead stabs him during the penultimate scene in the opera and kills him. In the end, we learn that she was the young star that he betrayed and she wanted many years for her revenge. I saw the whole thing coming so it wasn’t very suspenseful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for A.M..
Author 7 books58 followers
August 3, 2019
A famous soprano is asked to do one last performance of Tosca for a Lady.
Lady Rustonbury was both an ambitious and an artistic woman, she ran the two qualities in harness with complete success. She had the good fortune to have a husband who cared for neither ambition nor art and who therefore did not hamper her in any way.

She agrees only after she learns the name of her Scarpia.
[she drives a Hispano Suiza – shades of Miss Fisher…]
Profile Image for Marie.
914 reviews17 followers
February 23, 2021
This half hour adaptation of the Christie tale of operatic revenge will keep you guessing - or will it... The story centres around the great conflict between Tosca and Scarpia in the masterpiece of Puccini. The players are almost as monumental as their operatic counterparts. Performed with panache and flair, complete with musical highlights and great mellifluous accents.
Profile Image for Katerina.
35 reviews
January 7, 2022
Though utterly predictable, "Swan Song", due to its plot centering around one of my favourite Operas, will always be as close to my heart as a short story can be. I had chills while reading some parts and it made me want to rewatch Tosca the moment I finished it. To some it may appear weak, but to me, it's an artistic masterpiece
Profile Image for Ange.
521 reviews41 followers
November 26, 2017
3.5
Buena historia corta, si te mantiene leyendo hasta que la terminás
¿El único problema? Predecible, y quizás demasiado corta, especialmente para una amante de los misterios de Agatha Christie como yo.
Profile Image for Abeer Albossany.
410 reviews11 followers
July 4, 2017
The whole "Tosca " thing was too much for me, maybe because am not that into opera's and theater! I don't know I just felt it a bit forced.
Profile Image for Tegan Thompson.
14 reviews
May 11, 2018
My Heart Broke. I just. It was so sad. AND THERE WAS NO BURY YOUR GAYS! I was shocked. In a good way.
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