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Tommy & Tuppence #1-5
Les Beresford: Mr Brown / Le crime est notre affair / N ou M? / Mon petit doigt m'a dit / Le cheval à bascule
Moins connus que ses héros légendaires, Hercule Poirot et Miss Marple, Agatha Christie a pourtant souvent confié que Tuppence, la moitié féminine du fringant duo Beresford, était son personnage favori. Créés en 1922 dans Mr Brown, les deux détectives sont, à leurs débuts, représentatifs de la jeunesse enthousiaste et libérée des années vingt. Ces fins limiers vont mûrir au fil de l'œuvre et accompagner l'auteur toute sa vie puisque son dernier roman, Le cheval à bascule (1973), leur est consacré.
1080 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2013
406 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,817 books75.4k followersAgatha 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)
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 19, 2021
2021-10: By the Pricking of my Thumbs: 4 stars. I like Tuppence and Tommy. They have a lightness and humour to their interactions, and I also like that with each story, we see the pair older but always up for something new. Or, at least Tuppence is.
After a strange interaction at the nursing home Tommy's great aunt Ada is living at, Tuppence stumbles upon nefarious dealings, all because of a painting of a house that intrigues her. She digs into matters surrounding the house, and learns of a series of murders of children in the area years earlier, while Tommy learns of a criminal gang through an acquaintance. The gang's activities eventually intersect with Tuppence's investigation, and though both are older than when we first met them, they're as sharp as ever, if a little slower physically.
I liked this book a lot. Tuppence is a terrific character, and I laughed at how her daughter really doesn't understand her mother, whom she thought should stay at home and knit or something. Ha! If she'd only seen what Tuppence and Tommy got up to in their previous adventure in 1940!
2020-05: N or M?: 4 stars. A typically fast-moving plot for Tommy and Tuppence's (T&T) current adventure. Both T&T are bored; it’s 1940, the war is on, and neither has been approved for any kind of action, as they’re middle-aged and perhaps seen as past their best before date.
Tommy is then approached to assist with an investigation into possible treasonous activities by some Brits, which is known as the Fifth Column, situated at a hotel. Unbeknownst to them, Tuppence has listened in and made her own plans to assist.
I laughed out loud when Tommy realized he’s been duped by his much smarter wife, then realizes he'd best just give in and have her involved. The two begin sleuthing together, evaluating behaviours and words of their fellow guests at the hotel, while pretending to be strangers to one another.
Tuppence shows her nerve—the best—and her smarts and deduces who is the major spy. Which I twigged to, I’m happy to say. This story was a quick read with a fun, breezy tone, much like T&T themselves, despite the serious situation at the heart of this case.
2019-11: Partners in Crime: 3.5 stars. All the short stories in Partners in Crime have a light and breezy tone, making this a pleasurable collection to read.
Tuppence is a little bored and wants some action. Enter an inspector with Scotland Yard, who wants the pair to masquerade as detectives of an agency suspected of working with the Russians. Over several successfully resolved cases, the pair thwart a variety of crimes and also come close a few times to discovering the connection to the Russians.
What's particularly amusing with each case is Tommy looks to fictional detectives for his detecting insight and behaviour (e.g., Sherlock Holmes); it turns out Poirot is a fictional detective in the Tommy and Tuppence London, and is referenced in the last of the stories. What fun!
2017-03: The Secret Adversary: 2.5 stars. I can tell this is an early work. It feels kind of all over the place, though the plot does move along pretty fast. The characterizations are kind of stereotypical (Julius!!) and I found it interesting how no one, including Tommy and Tuppence, who are pretty low on $ at the start of the book, is sympathetic to the concerns of the workers who are agitating (probably for better rights and conditions.) But there you go, no main character comes from the working class.
I did like how quick-witted Tuppence was, and how she didn't sit around while others "sleuthed".
After a strange interaction at the nursing home Tommy's great aunt Ada is living at, Tuppence stumbles upon nefarious dealings, all because of a painting of a house that intrigues her. She digs into matters surrounding the house, and learns of a series of murders of children in the area years earlier, while Tommy learns of a criminal gang through an acquaintance. The gang's activities eventually intersect with Tuppence's investigation, and though both are older than when we first met them, they're as sharp as ever, if a little slower physically.
I liked this book a lot. Tuppence is a terrific character, and I laughed at how her daughter really doesn't understand her mother, whom she thought should stay at home and knit or something. Ha! If she'd only seen what Tuppence and Tommy got up to in their previous adventure in 1940!
2020-05: N or M?: 4 stars. A typically fast-moving plot for Tommy and Tuppence's (T&T) current adventure. Both T&T are bored; it’s 1940, the war is on, and neither has been approved for any kind of action, as they’re middle-aged and perhaps seen as past their best before date.
Tommy is then approached to assist with an investigation into possible treasonous activities by some Brits, which is known as the Fifth Column, situated at a hotel. Unbeknownst to them, Tuppence has listened in and made her own plans to assist.
I laughed out loud when Tommy realized he’s been duped by his much smarter wife, then realizes he'd best just give in and have her involved. The two begin sleuthing together, evaluating behaviours and words of their fellow guests at the hotel, while pretending to be strangers to one another.
Tuppence shows her nerve—the best—and her smarts and deduces who is the major spy. Which I twigged to, I’m happy to say. This story was a quick read with a fun, breezy tone, much like T&T themselves, despite the serious situation at the heart of this case.
2019-11: Partners in Crime: 3.5 stars. All the short stories in Partners in Crime have a light and breezy tone, making this a pleasurable collection to read.
Tuppence is a little bored and wants some action. Enter an inspector with Scotland Yard, who wants the pair to masquerade as detectives of an agency suspected of working with the Russians. Over several successfully resolved cases, the pair thwart a variety of crimes and also come close a few times to discovering the connection to the Russians.
What's particularly amusing with each case is Tommy looks to fictional detectives for his detecting insight and behaviour (e.g., Sherlock Holmes); it turns out Poirot is a fictional detective in the Tommy and Tuppence London, and is referenced in the last of the stories. What fun!
2017-03: The Secret Adversary: 2.5 stars. I can tell this is an early work. It feels kind of all over the place, though the plot does move along pretty fast. The characterizations are kind of stereotypical (Julius!!) and I found it interesting how no one, including Tommy and Tuppence, who are pretty low on $ at the start of the book, is sympathetic to the concerns of the workers who are agitating (probably for better rights and conditions.) But there you go, no main character comes from the working class.
I did like how quick-witted Tuppence was, and how she didn't sit around while others "sleuthed".
June 6, 2020
I can’t believe I’m giving an Agatha Christie book only three stars. However, Tommy and Tuppence are not my favourite characters to say the least. They start out having run out of money and rich relatives that might support them and horror of horrors, must look for jobs. They both pretty much lack skills of any kind so they decide to start a detective agency.
All the short stories are similar in that they tend to stumble into a job, have no idea what they are doing, but still somehow solve the thing. Frankly, they drive me nuts, particularly Tuppence for her boundless, totally unfounded in any kind of reality, optimism. Of course they can solve crimes, you just go in, poke around and tada, the crime is solved. Unfortunately, that’s rather what happens, but mostly by accident.
So they make me want to pull out my hair, or kick them in the shins. Tuppence especially annoys me, she has no doubts about her (lack of) ability whatsoever and has a completely breezy attitude that everything will be just like in the detective books she’s read. Tommy is more skeptical, but is pulled along in her wake. They bumble into success by tripping and falling over it. I rolled my so eyes much I’m lucky they didn’t get stuck that way.
Other people may find this book (these short stories) very funny and fun. To me they was just annoying. I gave it 3 stars because the other characters in the stories were interesting, and because, Agatha Christie is brilliant even though I disliked these characters.
All the short stories are similar in that they tend to stumble into a job, have no idea what they are doing, but still somehow solve the thing. Frankly, they drive me nuts, particularly Tuppence for her boundless, totally unfounded in any kind of reality, optimism. Of course they can solve crimes, you just go in, poke around and tada, the crime is solved. Unfortunately, that’s rather what happens, but mostly by accident.
So they make me want to pull out my hair, or kick them in the shins. Tuppence especially annoys me, she has no doubts about her (lack of) ability whatsoever and has a completely breezy attitude that everything will be just like in the detective books she’s read. Tommy is more skeptical, but is pulled along in her wake. They bumble into success by tripping and falling over it. I rolled my so eyes much I’m lucky they didn’t get stuck that way.
Other people may find this book (these short stories) very funny and fun. To me they was just annoying. I gave it 3 stars because the other characters in the stories were interesting, and because, Agatha Christie is brilliant even though I disliked these characters.
October 20, 2023
4,5 stars - English Ebook
Review follows later
Review follows later
May 23, 2014
Loved the Complete Tommy and Tuppence Collection
I gave this collection of stories 5 stars because I really enjoyed reading all the adventures that Tommy and Tuppence had from their youth to their senior years. I only wish Agatha Christie had written more stories around them.
I gave this collection of stories 5 stars because I really enjoyed reading all the adventures that Tommy and Tuppence had from their youth to their senior years. I only wish Agatha Christie had written more stories around them.
September 21, 2017
Since Agatha Christie is dead for more than four decades, and I've read almost everything she wrote, all I could do is to fill in the gaps. And it looks like I didn't read everything she wrote that involved Tommy and Tuppence Beresford.
The first book, The Secret Adversary, is a bit naive, but a pleasant read nonetheless. I would notice an outspoken opinion about the justice system:
“You will hang if you shoot me,” muttered the Russian irresolutely.
“No, stranger, that’s where you’re wrong. You forget the dollars. A big crowd of solicitors will get busy, and they’ll get some highbrow doctors on the job, and the end of it all will be that they’ll say my brain was unhinged. I shall spend a few months in a quiet sanatorium, my mental health will improve, the doctors will declare me sane again, and all will end happily for little Julius. I guess I can bear a few months’ retirement in order to rid the world of you, but don’t you kid yourself I’ll hang for it!”
The next one, Partners in Crime, is a series of cases in which the two got involved; some of them are quite funny, and everything is very lightweight, unlike everything that involves Poirot or Miss Marple; even Parker Pyne is more serious an investigator than these two guys. This is to be read for fun, not to test the abilities of one's little gray cells.
N or M? is much more serious business. It's still a light spy thriller, a bit below Agatha Christie's customary plot level. What bothered me more than the plot was the way spying was considered a patriotic act, punishable by death, but still honourable for no matter what part:
“I’m sorry,” she said slowly.
“So am I,” said Tommy. “He’s a good chap.”
Tuppence said: “You and I might be doing the same thing in Germany.”
I'm afraid the reality of WWII was far from being symmetrical. No matter how much they believed or not the official Nazi propaganda, it should have been obvious even to them that Germany was not just defending its interests, it was invading other countries, it was conquering territories not based on any kind of right, but only in the quest of Lebensraum and of removing "inferior people" (Untermenschen) such as the Jews, the Slavic nations, and so on. If spying for one's country was probably patriotism on both sides between the USSR and NATO countries during the Cold War, one cannot say the same about the Nazi spies during WWII.
I found the fourth book, By the Pricking of My Thumb, to be so-so. With an air of Midsomer Murders, this was adapted by ITV Granada in the form of a stupid Miss Marple episode (yes, they added Miss Marple to Tommy and Tuppence). Both the book and the film are mediocre, although still OK-ish.
Postern of Fate is, unfortunately, the worst book Agatha Christie ever wrote (it was her last one too). It's actually depressing. Her being in her eighties and in a rather poor health might have played a role, but the book is not a typical one. As John Curran writes in "Tommy and Tuppence: An Introduction", "the bulk of the book is a series of nostalgic conversations. It is, in reality, a journey into the past both for the writer and the reader. Many elements from Christie’s happy childhood in her family home, Ashfield, appear in barely disguised form—the books she read, her rocking horse, the monkey-puzzle tree in the garden, the greenhouse—but the arch-plotter of yesteryear is little in evidence." Yes, it's old age, nostalgia, decrepitude and it smells of people waiting to die. Even the "Oxford or Cambridge" trick is so thick that I wondered how could they even publish such a horrible novel.
The first book, The Secret Adversary, is a bit naive, but a pleasant read nonetheless. I would notice an outspoken opinion about the justice system:
“You will hang if you shoot me,” muttered the Russian irresolutely.
“No, stranger, that’s where you’re wrong. You forget the dollars. A big crowd of solicitors will get busy, and they’ll get some highbrow doctors on the job, and the end of it all will be that they’ll say my brain was unhinged. I shall spend a few months in a quiet sanatorium, my mental health will improve, the doctors will declare me sane again, and all will end happily for little Julius. I guess I can bear a few months’ retirement in order to rid the world of you, but don’t you kid yourself I’ll hang for it!”
The next one, Partners in Crime, is a series of cases in which the two got involved; some of them are quite funny, and everything is very lightweight, unlike everything that involves Poirot or Miss Marple; even Parker Pyne is more serious an investigator than these two guys. This is to be read for fun, not to test the abilities of one's little gray cells.
N or M? is much more serious business. It's still a light spy thriller, a bit below Agatha Christie's customary plot level. What bothered me more than the plot was the way spying was considered a patriotic act, punishable by death, but still honourable for no matter what part:
“I’m sorry,” she said slowly.
“So am I,” said Tommy. “He’s a good chap.”
Tuppence said: “You and I might be doing the same thing in Germany.”
I'm afraid the reality of WWII was far from being symmetrical. No matter how much they believed or not the official Nazi propaganda, it should have been obvious even to them that Germany was not just defending its interests, it was invading other countries, it was conquering territories not based on any kind of right, but only in the quest of Lebensraum and of removing "inferior people" (Untermenschen) such as the Jews, the Slavic nations, and so on. If spying for one's country was probably patriotism on both sides between the USSR and NATO countries during the Cold War, one cannot say the same about the Nazi spies during WWII.
I found the fourth book, By the Pricking of My Thumb, to be so-so. With an air of Midsomer Murders, this was adapted by ITV Granada in the form of a stupid Miss Marple episode (yes, they added Miss Marple to Tommy and Tuppence). Both the book and the film are mediocre, although still OK-ish.
Postern of Fate is, unfortunately, the worst book Agatha Christie ever wrote (it was her last one too). It's actually depressing. Her being in her eighties and in a rather poor health might have played a role, but the book is not a typical one. As John Curran writes in "Tommy and Tuppence: An Introduction", "the bulk of the book is a series of nostalgic conversations. It is, in reality, a journey into the past both for the writer and the reader. Many elements from Christie’s happy childhood in her family home, Ashfield, appear in barely disguised form—the books she read, her rocking horse, the monkey-puzzle tree in the garden, the greenhouse—but the arch-plotter of yesteryear is little in evidence." Yes, it's old age, nostalgia, decrepitude and it smells of people waiting to die. Even the "Oxford or Cambridge" trick is so thick that I wondered how could they even publish such a horrible novel.
August 20, 2021
I loved all of these, except the last one, Postern of Fate.
These are fun to read, fun to figure out, and fun to finish. They are easy reads as well.
Postern of Fate was written in a different style and drags on. It is almost like suddenly she was being paid by the word rather than by publishing. It is very wordy for the amount of content, and the ending is not very satisfactory. There are too many questions left open and to many ambiguities.
These are fun to read, fun to figure out, and fun to finish. They are easy reads as well.
Postern of Fate was written in a different style and drags on. It is almost like suddenly she was being paid by the word rather than by publishing. It is very wordy for the amount of content, and the ending is not very satisfactory. There are too many questions left open and to many ambiguities.
March 6, 2022
#1: THE SECRET ADVERSARY
This was fantastic. This mystery was strong and had me guessing with all the twists and turns and drama. I didn't see it coming. Well written, fast paced and humorous. The characters - wow. I LOVED Tommy and Tuppence. Tommy is down to earth, logical and calm. Tuppence is headstrong, quickwitted and severe. I loved how practical and honest Tuppence is - and she has such a sense of adventure. Afterall their inital partnership is thus named The Young Adventurers, Ltd - ‘Two young adventurers for hire. Willing to do anything, go anywhere. Pay must be good. No unreasonable offer refused.’
The banter between them is adorable. They've known each other since childhood and are great friends and it's clear in every interaction that they have a long history and feel comfortable around one another. Tuppence may be strong willed and imaginative but Tommy is no push over - he's more than willing to call Tuppence out on her crap.
“There wouldn’t be the least difference if you were caught!”
“Perhaps not. But I shouldn’t be caught. I’m so clever.”
“Modesty always was your besetting sin,” remarked Tommy.
Together they make one hell of a team.
The romance is very abrupt and somewhat disjointed but the friendship between them is really special and makes it easier to ignore. The other characters were interesting but my favourite was Albert.
Overall a solid read. 4.5 stars, rounded to 5.
#2: PARTNERS IN CRIME
I loved the first book and I enjoyed the second although I was kind of sad they were no longer the Young Adventurers. Tommy and Tuppence are the best. I love them separately and I adore them together. I really like that marriage hasn't changed the banter and friendship between them. Or dulled Tuppence's thirst for adventure, quick wits or sass. Not that any books with married couples actually comes to mind. I'm not sure I've read any others - romance is always the end goal rather than the starting point.
So the second book is about Tommy and Tuppence taking over a detective agency. The format of this is kind of unique though because it's a short story collection - just all the stories revolve around the detective agency - each one being a case. I thought the general premise being the detective agency gave it a more cohesive feel and allowed for a depth that tends to be missing in short stories. I don't usually enjoy short story collections - too often half of them suck - but I loved this.
I liked that each story tackled different cases and that Tommy and Tuppence both played equal roles in solving them. I really liked getting to see the different cases they worked and how they solved them. Particularly when they emulate famous detectives.
I love how into it Tommy, Tuppence and Albert get. Each of them give 110% to their parts. And it amuses me how much of a production it all is. Typewriter to be typing when someone comes in. Albert to deny access to the boss because he's 'on the phone with Scotland Yard' and his quiet remarks about secret official business. It was hilarious.
Overall a solid read. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. I can't wait to read the next step in their journey.
2.1: A FAIRY IN THE FLAT: Six years later, Tommy is working for the Secret Service (office work though) and Tuppence is stuck buying hats because she might have money but she's bored and itching for adventure. Mr Carter comes to the rescue when he suggests that Tommy take a leave of absence and become a manager of a suspect detective agency, taking on the name of Theodore Blunt. Tuppence jumps at the chance to investigate. I liked that Albert is still around. And that he goes to the movies and then emulates what he sees.
2.2: A POT OF TEA: Their first major case involves an Earl who is in love with a shop girl that disappears and he want her found. God I love Tuppence. She's freaking hilarious. Albert would be a close second. They're both so utterly dramatic and it's perfection. Tommy is the perfect foil to their craziness. This one was brilliant.
2.3: THE AFFAIR OF THE PINK PEARL: Being amateurs to detecting, Tommy comes up with a plan to get some technique by trying out different fictional detective styles just as they get a new case. A pink pearl has gone missing and they're hired to find it. Lol they're so full of shit. They bluff their way through before Tommy brilliantly solves the case.
2.4: THE ADVENTURE OF THE SINISTER STRANGER: Ooh spies! Someone has caught on that something is not right at the International Detective Agency and they send some people to check. I didn't like this as much as the others. Although it was kind of funny .
2.5: FINESSING THE KING: Tommy and Tuppence decide to branch out with the detective skills - choosing to emulate some American detective styles. They end up following a newspaper ad to a ball where a woman winds up dead. Just before she dies though she says Bingo. This case continues in The Gentleman Dressed in Newspaper.
2.6: THE GENTLEMAN DRESSED IN NEWSPAPER: Inspector Marriot arrives with the husband of the dead woman, Sir Arthur. He is unconvinced that Bingo Hale could have murdered his wife. Tuppence manages to solve the case when Tommy makes an offhand remark that sparks her little grey cells. I didn't really like this one.
2.7: THE CASE OF THE MISSING LADY: A fiancee returns for his beloved only to find she's nowhere to be found. He hires Tommy and Tuppence to find her.
2.8: BLINDMAN'S BUFF: In this one they're busy practising their detective skills by pretending to be blind and making deductions. When they go for lunch they are accosted by the mysterious ham merchant they've been on the lookout for. They manage to escape and catch the bad guys. It was amusing to see them play the detective games - I liked how into they all got.
2.9: THE MAN IN THE MIST: Tommy and Tuppence meet an actress who asks for their help. When they go to meet her they find her dead. For all it was longer I didn't really like this one all that much. And I think I've read something very similar before - not that I can remember where but still.
2.10: THE CRACKLER: Inspector Marriot needs some help. One of his cases involves counterfeit money and the people he needs to get close to are friends of friends of Tommy and Tuppence. So he sends them in undercover.
2.11: THE SUNNINGDALE MYSTERY: Tommy and Tuppence discuss a man who was murdered on a golf course by a woman with a hatpin. I liked the creativity of this one. It sounded like a pretty clever way of murdering someone.
2.12: THE HOUSE OF THE LURKING DEATH: Lois Hargreaves comes to see them when she suspects a member of her household is trying to kill her. This was alright, not my favourite though.
2.13: THE UNBREAKABLE ALIBI: A woman (an Australian!) makes a bet that she can construct a perfect alibi and the man she bet needs help to break it. I loved this one. I guessed the solution pretty quickly but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
2.14: THE CLERGYMAN'S DAUGHTER: A clergyman's daughter inherits a haunted house. She hires Tuppence and Tommy to get to the bottom of it. Case continued in The Red House.
2.15: THE RED HOUSE: Tommy and Tuppence visit the Red House and figure out why someone would want to make everyone believe it's haunted.
2.16: THE AMBASSADOR'S BOOTS: The ambassador asks Tommy and Tuppence to investigate a small puzzle - why someone would want to steal his kitbag and then return it.
2.17: THE MAN WHO WAS NO. 16: The Russian superspy No. 16 makes an appearance. Or appearances as the case may be.
#3: N OR M?
I adore Tommy and Tuppence. They're freaking hilarious. Tuppence in particular is a legend.
“You know,” said the young man with enthusiasm, “I think you’re splendid, simply splendid.” “Cut out the compliments,” said Tuppence. “I’m admiring myself a good deal, so there’s no need for you to chime in.
I love that they're both still happily married and as in love as they ever were. You don't really see many books about happily married couples where their falling in love is the beginning of the story - not the end. Plus they're still full of snark and banter and it was perfection. I also adore that Tuppence hasn't lost her thirst for adventure or her tendency for mischief.
And that Tommy is still as supportive of her as ever. They have such a great relationship and I love that give and take between them - they're a real partnership. And Tommy recognises it and endorses it.
That was what his life with Tuppence had been and would always be—a Joint Venture. . . .
The mystery was fantastic. I loved the twists and turns and the doubts and the clues. I enjoyed finding out who was N and M and how they went about it. It amused me how they were dismissed for being too old (at forty six) but totally went ahead and foiled a major national security plot. And Albert makes an appearance!
Overall 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
#4: BY THE PRICKING OF MY THUMBS
I love Tommy and Tuppence. How could I not? Together, apart, they come off the page. I wasn't sure at first about a series where the main characters significantly age with each book - a series where marriage is the beginning of the story, rather than the end. But it works.
And I mean, the mysteries are great but the relationship between them is truly something special.
“All right, all right,” said Tommy, “be realistic. But if you really want to be noble and come with me—” “I want to come with you,” said Tuppence. “After all, I married you for better or for worse and Aunt Ada is decidedly the worse. So I shall go with you hand in hand.
I love that they're always so supportive of one another and that the love and affection between them is so readily apparent. I love that they're not just husband and wife but best friends too. Plus they're hilarious - the snark, the banter it's perfection. And Tuppence is such a drama queen and I totally rate it.
“All the same—” said Tommy. “I know,” said Tuppence, “I know. All the same you feel it’s your duty and so you’ve got to go.” “Don’t you think I’m right?” “Unfortunately,” said Tuppence, “I do think you’re right. Absolutely right. And I’ll come too,” she added, with a slight note of heroism in her voice. “No,” said Tommy. “Why should you? She’s not your aunt. No, I’ll go.” “Not at all,” said Mrs. Beresford. “I like to suffer too. We’ll suffer together. You won’t enjoy it and I shan’t enjoy it and I don’t think for one moment that Aunt Ada will enjoy it. But I quite see it is one of those things that has got to be done.”
The only one who cracks me up more than Tuppence is Albert. They really are quite a pair with their mysteries and clues and adventures. Well and their sneaking and snooping.
“And now, I suppose,” said Tommy, “you want to hear everything.” “Matter of fact, sir,” said Albert in a slightly apologetic tone, “I know most of it. You see, seeing as it was a question of the missus and all that, I took the liberty of lifting up the extension in the bedroom. I didn’t think you’d mind, sir, not as it was the missus.”
Overall another strong addition to the series. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
#5: POSTERN OF FATE
This is either pure genius or total insanity. And I honestly don't know which one I'm leaning towards.
I've loved all four of the Tommy and Tuppence novels. They've been well written, hilarious, strong mysteries and I've adored every minute. This one had moments of that but it was also fairly scattered.
Did Christie plan that? It was apparently the last book she wrote. She would've been 82 years at the time and she was experiencing dementia. Tommy and Tuppence are also of advanced age and experiencing dementia. Did Christie get confused while writing? Or did she plan for the writing to emulate the behaviour of herself and her characters?
It made it hard to follow but it also accurately captured the forgetfulness that plagues the elderly.
I'm sad that there weren't more Tommy and Tuppence because they were terrific - smart, brave, funny and with a knack for solving crimes. They were supportive of one another and were still as in love by the end as they were from the very start.
This might not have been the best Agatha Christie novel but it wasn't a terrible read - just not quite up to the high standards she'd set for the majority of her career. 3 stars.
NOTE: All references refer to the following omnibus edition. Christie, Agatha. The Complete Tommy & Tuppence Collection (Tommy & Tuppence Mysteries) . William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.
This was fantastic. This mystery was strong and had me guessing with all the twists and turns and drama. I didn't see it coming. Well written, fast paced and humorous. The characters - wow. I LOVED Tommy and Tuppence. Tommy is down to earth, logical and calm. Tuppence is headstrong, quickwitted and severe. I loved how practical and honest Tuppence is - and she has such a sense of adventure. Afterall their inital partnership is thus named The Young Adventurers, Ltd - ‘Two young adventurers for hire. Willing to do anything, go anywhere. Pay must be good. No unreasonable offer refused.’
The banter between them is adorable. They've known each other since childhood and are great friends and it's clear in every interaction that they have a long history and feel comfortable around one another. Tuppence may be strong willed and imaginative but Tommy is no push over - he's more than willing to call Tuppence out on her crap.
“There wouldn’t be the least difference if you were caught!”
“Perhaps not. But I shouldn’t be caught. I’m so clever.”
“Modesty always was your besetting sin,” remarked Tommy.
Together they make one hell of a team.
The romance is very abrupt and somewhat disjointed but the friendship between them is really special and makes it easier to ignore. The other characters were interesting but my favourite was Albert.
Overall a solid read. 4.5 stars, rounded to 5.
#2: PARTNERS IN CRIME
I loved the first book and I enjoyed the second although I was kind of sad they were no longer the Young Adventurers. Tommy and Tuppence are the best. I love them separately and I adore them together. I really like that marriage hasn't changed the banter and friendship between them. Or dulled Tuppence's thirst for adventure, quick wits or sass. Not that any books with married couples actually comes to mind. I'm not sure I've read any others - romance is always the end goal rather than the starting point.
So the second book is about Tommy and Tuppence taking over a detective agency. The format of this is kind of unique though because it's a short story collection - just all the stories revolve around the detective agency - each one being a case. I thought the general premise being the detective agency gave it a more cohesive feel and allowed for a depth that tends to be missing in short stories. I don't usually enjoy short story collections - too often half of them suck - but I loved this.
I liked that each story tackled different cases and that Tommy and Tuppence both played equal roles in solving them. I really liked getting to see the different cases they worked and how they solved them. Particularly when they emulate famous detectives.
I love how into it Tommy, Tuppence and Albert get. Each of them give 110% to their parts. And it amuses me how much of a production it all is. Typewriter to be typing when someone comes in. Albert to deny access to the boss because he's 'on the phone with Scotland Yard' and his quiet remarks about secret official business. It was hilarious.
Overall a solid read. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. I can't wait to read the next step in their journey.
2.1: A FAIRY IN THE FLAT: Six years later, Tommy is working for the Secret Service (office work though) and Tuppence is stuck buying hats because she might have money but she's bored and itching for adventure. Mr Carter comes to the rescue when he suggests that Tommy take a leave of absence and become a manager of a suspect detective agency, taking on the name of Theodore Blunt. Tuppence jumps at the chance to investigate. I liked that Albert is still around. And that he goes to the movies and then emulates what he sees.
2.2: A POT OF TEA: Their first major case involves an Earl who is in love with a shop girl that disappears and he want her found. God I love Tuppence. She's freaking hilarious. Albert would be a close second. They're both so utterly dramatic and it's perfection. Tommy is the perfect foil to their craziness. This one was brilliant.
2.3: THE AFFAIR OF THE PINK PEARL: Being amateurs to detecting, Tommy comes up with a plan to get some technique by trying out different fictional detective styles just as they get a new case. A pink pearl has gone missing and they're hired to find it. Lol they're so full of shit. They bluff their way through before Tommy brilliantly solves the case.
2.4: THE ADVENTURE OF THE SINISTER STRANGER: Ooh spies! Someone has caught on that something is not right at the International Detective Agency and they send some people to check. I didn't like this as much as the others. Although it was kind of funny .
2.5: FINESSING THE KING: Tommy and Tuppence decide to branch out with the detective skills - choosing to emulate some American detective styles. They end up following a newspaper ad to a ball where a woman winds up dead. Just before she dies though she says Bingo. This case continues in The Gentleman Dressed in Newspaper.
2.6: THE GENTLEMAN DRESSED IN NEWSPAPER: Inspector Marriot arrives with the husband of the dead woman, Sir Arthur. He is unconvinced that Bingo Hale could have murdered his wife. Tuppence manages to solve the case when Tommy makes an offhand remark that sparks her little grey cells. I didn't really like this one.
2.7: THE CASE OF THE MISSING LADY: A fiancee returns for his beloved only to find she's nowhere to be found. He hires Tommy and Tuppence to find her.
2.8: BLINDMAN'S BUFF: In this one they're busy practising their detective skills by pretending to be blind and making deductions. When they go for lunch they are accosted by the mysterious ham merchant they've been on the lookout for. They manage to escape and catch the bad guys. It was amusing to see them play the detective games - I liked how into they all got.
2.9: THE MAN IN THE MIST: Tommy and Tuppence meet an actress who asks for their help. When they go to meet her they find her dead. For all it was longer I didn't really like this one all that much. And I think I've read something very similar before - not that I can remember where but still.
2.10: THE CRACKLER: Inspector Marriot needs some help. One of his cases involves counterfeit money and the people he needs to get close to are friends of friends of Tommy and Tuppence. So he sends them in undercover.
2.11: THE SUNNINGDALE MYSTERY: Tommy and Tuppence discuss a man who was murdered on a golf course by a woman with a hatpin. I liked the creativity of this one. It sounded like a pretty clever way of murdering someone.
2.12: THE HOUSE OF THE LURKING DEATH: Lois Hargreaves comes to see them when she suspects a member of her household is trying to kill her. This was alright, not my favourite though.
2.13: THE UNBREAKABLE ALIBI: A woman (an Australian!) makes a bet that she can construct a perfect alibi and the man she bet needs help to break it. I loved this one. I guessed the solution pretty quickly but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
2.14: THE CLERGYMAN'S DAUGHTER: A clergyman's daughter inherits a haunted house. She hires Tuppence and Tommy to get to the bottom of it. Case continued in The Red House.
2.15: THE RED HOUSE: Tommy and Tuppence visit the Red House and figure out why someone would want to make everyone believe it's haunted.
2.16: THE AMBASSADOR'S BOOTS: The ambassador asks Tommy and Tuppence to investigate a small puzzle - why someone would want to steal his kitbag and then return it.
2.17: THE MAN WHO WAS NO. 16: The Russian superspy No. 16 makes an appearance. Or appearances as the case may be.
#3: N OR M?
I adore Tommy and Tuppence. They're freaking hilarious. Tuppence in particular is a legend.
“You know,” said the young man with enthusiasm, “I think you’re splendid, simply splendid.” “Cut out the compliments,” said Tuppence. “I’m admiring myself a good deal, so there’s no need for you to chime in.
I love that they're both still happily married and as in love as they ever were. You don't really see many books about happily married couples where their falling in love is the beginning of the story - not the end. Plus they're still full of snark and banter and it was perfection. I also adore that Tuppence hasn't lost her thirst for adventure or her tendency for mischief.
And that Tommy is still as supportive of her as ever. They have such a great relationship and I love that give and take between them - they're a real partnership. And Tommy recognises it and endorses it.
That was what his life with Tuppence had been and would always be—a Joint Venture. . . .
The mystery was fantastic. I loved the twists and turns and the doubts and the clues. I enjoyed finding out who was N and M and how they went about it. It amused me how they were dismissed for being too old (at forty six) but totally went ahead and foiled a major national security plot. And Albert makes an appearance!
Overall 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
#4: BY THE PRICKING OF MY THUMBS
I love Tommy and Tuppence. How could I not? Together, apart, they come off the page. I wasn't sure at first about a series where the main characters significantly age with each book - a series where marriage is the beginning of the story, rather than the end. But it works.
And I mean, the mysteries are great but the relationship between them is truly something special.
“All right, all right,” said Tommy, “be realistic. But if you really want to be noble and come with me—” “I want to come with you,” said Tuppence. “After all, I married you for better or for worse and Aunt Ada is decidedly the worse. So I shall go with you hand in hand.
I love that they're always so supportive of one another and that the love and affection between them is so readily apparent. I love that they're not just husband and wife but best friends too. Plus they're hilarious - the snark, the banter it's perfection. And Tuppence is such a drama queen and I totally rate it.
“All the same—” said Tommy. “I know,” said Tuppence, “I know. All the same you feel it’s your duty and so you’ve got to go.” “Don’t you think I’m right?” “Unfortunately,” said Tuppence, “I do think you’re right. Absolutely right. And I’ll come too,” she added, with a slight note of heroism in her voice. “No,” said Tommy. “Why should you? She’s not your aunt. No, I’ll go.” “Not at all,” said Mrs. Beresford. “I like to suffer too. We’ll suffer together. You won’t enjoy it and I shan’t enjoy it and I don’t think for one moment that Aunt Ada will enjoy it. But I quite see it is one of those things that has got to be done.”
The only one who cracks me up more than Tuppence is Albert. They really are quite a pair with their mysteries and clues and adventures. Well and their sneaking and snooping.
“And now, I suppose,” said Tommy, “you want to hear everything.” “Matter of fact, sir,” said Albert in a slightly apologetic tone, “I know most of it. You see, seeing as it was a question of the missus and all that, I took the liberty of lifting up the extension in the bedroom. I didn’t think you’d mind, sir, not as it was the missus.”
Overall another strong addition to the series. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
#5: POSTERN OF FATE
This is either pure genius or total insanity. And I honestly don't know which one I'm leaning towards.
I've loved all four of the Tommy and Tuppence novels. They've been well written, hilarious, strong mysteries and I've adored every minute. This one had moments of that but it was also fairly scattered.
Did Christie plan that? It was apparently the last book she wrote. She would've been 82 years at the time and she was experiencing dementia. Tommy and Tuppence are also of advanced age and experiencing dementia. Did Christie get confused while writing? Or did she plan for the writing to emulate the behaviour of herself and her characters?
It made it hard to follow but it also accurately captured the forgetfulness that plagues the elderly.
I'm sad that there weren't more Tommy and Tuppence because they were terrific - smart, brave, funny and with a knack for solving crimes. They were supportive of one another and were still as in love by the end as they were from the very start.
This might not have been the best Agatha Christie novel but it wasn't a terrible read - just not quite up to the high standards she'd set for the majority of her career. 3 stars.
NOTE: All references refer to the following omnibus edition. Christie, Agatha. The Complete Tommy & Tuppence Collection (Tommy & Tuppence Mysteries) . William Morrow Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.
July 24, 2020
N of M gelezen, staat niet apart op Goodreads. Ik hou van verhalen over Tommy en Tuppence.
January 5, 2020
Adorei, Tommy e Tuppence não me desiludiram. Uma leitura muito agradável da excelente autora Agatha Christie.
February 25, 2022
I am a big fan of Agatha Christie. and this was remarkably good. I liked it very much.
July 13, 2021
Christie's Unique Contribution to the Detective RomCom
While it might not be to everyone's taste, I enjoy the playful banter coupled with international intrigue in this series. I also appreciate the historical commentary or perspective regarding what her own generation has experienced and observed firsthand which is sprinkled throughout these stories. However, if you are particularly a fan of Christie's cheeky humor, you have no better example than in Prudence Cowley, aka, Tuppence Beresford.
While it might not be to everyone's taste, I enjoy the playful banter coupled with international intrigue in this series. I also appreciate the historical commentary or perspective regarding what her own generation has experienced and observed firsthand which is sprinkled throughout these stories. However, if you are particularly a fan of Christie's cheeky humor, you have no better example than in Prudence Cowley, aka, Tuppence Beresford.
May 8, 2018
Postern of Fate was my introduction to the Tommy-Tuppence duo. It was hilarious, their relationship was so real, so comfortable to visualise and just too funny. And that led me to read all the other mysteries in the series. Even today I am reading it for the hundredth time. It will always be among the first books I would pick to read.
March 8, 2016
Tommy & Tuppence just might be my favorite Agatha Christie sleuths.
August 26, 2021
I really love Tommy and Tuppence as characters.
September 8, 2020
My favorite book that AC ever wrote is The Secret Adversary. It and N or M are excellent books. Partners in Crime are short stories. Pricking is an Ok book, but Postern of Fate is just absolutely boring, which is the reason for my rating. One of the last books she ever wrote, and you can tell her writing had gone downhill for some reason. This collection is still great and Tommy & Tuppence will always be my favorite AC characters.
March 13, 2025
Enjoyable until the last
Very much enjoyed the adventures of Tommy and Tuppence. The final book of the five, however, was rather rambling and tedious. It consisted mostly of meandering dialog that ran in circles until tying up neatly at the end. Hannibal, the faithful Manchester Terrior was a bright spot. The first four book were engaging and I enjoyed following the characters from first love to retirement.
Very much enjoyed the adventures of Tommy and Tuppence. The final book of the five, however, was rather rambling and tedious. It consisted mostly of meandering dialog that ran in circles until tying up neatly at the end. Hannibal, the faithful Manchester Terrior was a bright spot. The first four book were engaging and I enjoyed following the characters from first love to retirement.
August 7, 2021
It started weakly with The Secret Adversary, but allowances can be made as it was only her second novel. It picked up steam with Partners in Crime and reached its apex with N or M?. By the Pricking of My Thumbs had an interesting twist at the end. The much maligned Postern of Fate was enjoyable if not what one would expect from a typical Agatha Christie mystery.
October 12, 2020
Overall I adore Tommy & Tuppence and they are the best of Agatha Christie ... but Postern of Fate is so sadly terrible that it brings down the whole collection. It makes me sad that someone let her publish that when she was clearly in decline.
December 17, 2022
Always love Agatha Christie stories
Tuppence and Tommy are great characters. Tuppance was written as a respected and capable woman at a time when women did not have the same opportunities in the world as we do today. Agatha Christie was a forward thinker in many ways.
Tuppence and Tommy are great characters. Tuppance was written as a respected and capable woman at a time when women did not have the same opportunities in the world as we do today. Agatha Christie was a forward thinker in many ways.
June 28, 2023
a splendid series….highly recommend
Saw a television series of Agatha Christie’s works, one was Tommy and Tuppence, that started it.
A full battery from the end of the Great War through post Second World War and into the 1960’s.
A true pair of sleuths.
Saw a television series of Agatha Christie’s works, one was Tommy and Tuppence, that started it.
A full battery from the end of the Great War through post Second World War and into the 1960’s.
A true pair of sleuths.
December 26, 2024
3.5 stars
Here's my ranking order of the books in the series from my least enjoyed(5) to my favourite(1):
1. N or M?
2. By the Pricking of My Thumbs
3. Postern of Fate
4. Partners in Crime
5. The Secret Adversary
Here's my ranking order of the books in the series from my least enjoyed(5) to my favourite(1):
1. N or M?
2. By the Pricking of My Thumbs
3. Postern of Fate
4. Partners in Crime
5. The Secret Adversary
February 6, 2018
I adore the characters but the stories are lacking. Stick with the short stories and maybe the first book. Then go read the best Agatha Christie, And Then There Were None.
June 28, 2019
A good reread of the whole Tommy and Tuppence series. My favorite stories are By the Pricking of My Thumbs and N or M?
November 27, 2022
The Tommy and Tuppence books. Light and entertaining.
August 26, 2023
Tommy and Tuppence series so much fun…
This pair of Christie sleuths have little in common with Poirot or Marple. A lot of repartee, but this duo lock on to a mystery and doggedly pursue the numerous and myriad clues, until someone invariably gets nervous and comes after one or both of them.
This pair of Christie sleuths have little in common with Poirot or Marple. A lot of repartee, but this duo lock on to a mystery and doggedly pursue the numerous and myriad clues, until someone invariably gets nervous and comes after one or both of them.
December 28, 2023
These books are best read in the order written. Although I found the end of the last book a bit of a let down, in general, they are a great read. Really fun books.
Read
September 28, 2024Fatiguée par ces œuvres de jeunesse d'Agatha Christie : intrigues mal ficelées, dialogues maladroits...
Ce bouquin va retourner vite fait chez Emmaüs !
Ce bouquin va retourner vite fait chez Emmaüs !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
weakest of the 5 T&Ts
The Oxford Cambridge connection is telegraphed SO early you have to think T&T just utterly lost their marbles !!??
😱🫣🙄
The Oxford Cambridge connection is telegraphed SO early you have to think T&T just utterly lost their marbles !!??
😱🫣🙄
July 16, 2023
Looking back, it's difficult for me to believe that as a young man I didn't really enjoy these Tommy and Tuppence mysteries by Agatha Christie. To be fair, they really are very uneven story-wise, told at various times over the course of Christie's career.
The Secret Adversary (1922) is the first book of the series where Tommy and Tuppence meet after WWI (both having served) and looking for adventure as young people in their 20's. The second book is Partners in Crime (1929), a short story collection where they pose as private investigators, each story a case that they must solve. One of the coolest things about this collection is that in each case, the couple behaves as a different pair of fictional literary detectives. (In one story they behave like Holmes and Watson.)
In N or M? (1941), the third book of the series, the couple go back under cover to attempt to break up an espionage ring during World War II. By the Pricking of My Thumbs (1968) is really the consequence of a bored, middle-aged wife getting into trouble because she refuses to mind her beeswax. The worst of the bunch is Christie's last novel, Postern of Fate. I don't know if Christie was aware she was dying, but this one rambles.
Overall, the box set is a fantastic bit of fun. The Beresford's are a wonderful pair of characters and reading about how they have aged through the various books is a wonderful perspective.
The Secret Adversary (1922) is the first book of the series where Tommy and Tuppence meet after WWI (both having served) and looking for adventure as young people in their 20's. The second book is Partners in Crime (1929), a short story collection where they pose as private investigators, each story a case that they must solve. One of the coolest things about this collection is that in each case, the couple behaves as a different pair of fictional literary detectives. (In one story they behave like Holmes and Watson.)
In N or M? (1941), the third book of the series, the couple go back under cover to attempt to break up an espionage ring during World War II. By the Pricking of My Thumbs (1968) is really the consequence of a bored, middle-aged wife getting into trouble because she refuses to mind her beeswax. The worst of the bunch is Christie's last novel, Postern of Fate. I don't know if Christie was aware she was dying, but this one rambles.
Overall, the box set is a fantastic bit of fun. The Beresford's are a wonderful pair of characters and reading about how they have aged through the various books is a wonderful perspective.
December 13, 2020
Mr Brown⭐⭐
Le crime est notre affaire⭐⭐⭐
N ou M ?⭐⭐⭐
Mon petit doigt m'a dit⭐⭐⭐⭐
Le cheval à bascule ⭐⭐⭐
Le crime est notre affaire⭐⭐⭐
N ou M ?⭐⭐⭐
Mon petit doigt m'a dit⭐⭐⭐⭐
Le cheval à bascule ⭐⭐⭐
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