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Murder For All Seasons
Nel cuore dell'inverno
Le giornate sono sempre più corte, l'aria frizzante: il clima ideale per mettersi comodi in poltrona davanti al camino con un buon libro in mano. E cosa c'è di meglio di una raccolta di racconti natalizi della regina del crimine? Da "L'avventura di Natale" a "È arrivato il signor Quin", da "La Casa Rossa" a "Una tragedia natalizia", fino a "L'ardimento di Edward Robinson" e "Il caso della baia di Pollensa", le dodici storie qui riunite mettono in luce le doti investigative dei personaggi creati da Agatha Christie: Parker Pyne, Harley Quin, Tommy & Tuppence, oltre ovviamente agli immancabili e indimenticabili Poirot e Miss Marple. Ma soprattutto svelano il volto più inquietante della stagione delle Feste, tra doni pericolosi, pranzi avvelenati e ospiti misteriosi...
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 20, 2020
5832 people are currently reading
10635 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,794 books76.1k 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 1,864 reviews
June 3, 2025
If you're looking for something mysterious to read for the winter holidays, look no further.
I've attached links for slightly longer reviews of each short story for anyone who is interested in a particular one.
*Three Blind Mice
I think this is one of the best-known novellas that doesn't feature Poirot.<--I have no actual evidence for that, so feel free to tell me I'm wrong.
The gist?
A killer stalks victims trapped in a manor house during a snowstorm.
The Chocolate Box
Poirot outwitted?! Say it ain't so!
But it is so.
Sitting around together one evening, Poirot tells Hastings of the one case that he failed to solve.
And Poirot tells Hastings to say the words chocolate box if he ever feels that Hercule gets a bit too big for his britches. I'm sure Hastings was tempted to walk behind Poirot with a megaphone, repeating those words at the top of his lungs for most of the time they spent together.
He didn't.
Such is the power of friendship.
A Christmas Tragedy
Miss Marple knows a murdering husband when she sees one.
Even if she can't prove it right away.
Jane Marple recounts the time she couldn't save an adoring wife from her treacherous spouse. Without any proof and only her intuition to go on, she couldn't convince the young woman that her husband was eyeballing the windfall he would receive upon her death.
The Coming of Mr. Quin
This is the first story with the mysterious Mr. Quin and the adorable Mr. Satterthwaite.
On New Year's Eve, a group of friends is gathered in the home of Tom & Laura Evesham when a passing car breaks down and a stranger knocks on the door.
Mr. Satterthwaite feels something is going to happen. And it does. They are all drawn into a conversation about their friend's suicide in the home years ago, and Mr. Quin challenges them to solve the mystery.
Why did a seemingly happy man walk upstairs and kill himself?
The Clergyman's Daughter/The Red House
Tommy and Tuppence investigate a haunted house!
This one has everything needed to be a Scoby-Doo mystery.
Fake ghosts, disguises, anagrams, and buried treasure. What more could you want?
Published in 1923 in The Grand Magazine under the name The First Wish, this is actually the very first Tommy and Tuppence short story.
The Plymouth Express
An heiress is murdered on a train, and her grieving father hires Poirot to find her killer.
The Plymouth Express was later expanded into the full-length novel, The Mystery of the Blue Train.
Problem at Pollensa Bay
Parker Pyne helps a momma out.
And like most of the help he gives his clients, it's not the help they asked for but the help that they actually need.
Sanctuary
A man dies from a gunshot wound in the parson's wife's arms, whispering the word sanctuary with his dying breath.
A little dramatic, no?
The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge
Hasting gets to take off the training wheels!
Sort of.
The World's End
Mr. Satterthwaite has a terrible vacation.
Thanks to his snobbish nature, he practically leaped to attention when the Duchess of Leith suggested they travel together on a sightseeing trip.
Seeing as they were much too old for it to be considered a scandal, she said. And the idea that he could be involved in anything that could have even once upon a time have been considered scandalous just whetted Satterthwaite's appetite for the adventure.
A dutches AND a non-scandal?! Oh my!
The Manhood of Edward Robinson
A nice young man who is henpecked by his fiance has the adventure of a lifetime.
And it changes his outlook on the world. He learns a little bit of confidence can go a long way.
Christmas Adventure
There are several adventures that Poirot had around Christmas time, but this one will probably feel more familiar than most to Christie completionists.
Why?
Well, this was later expanded into The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding aka The Theft of the Royal Ruby. And while there isn't much of a difference in the core mystery, there were a few definite changes made.
I thought this was a great story to end the collection on!
*Three Blind Mice is only in the US version.
For all my friends across the pond, the UK version of this book contains The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest. , which is also a very cool story.
I've attached links for slightly longer reviews of each short story for anyone who is interested in a particular one.
*Three Blind Mice
I think this is one of the best-known novellas that doesn't feature Poirot.<--I have no actual evidence for that, so feel free to tell me I'm wrong.
The gist?
A killer stalks victims trapped in a manor house during a snowstorm.
The Chocolate Box
Poirot outwitted?! Say it ain't so!
But it is so.
Sitting around together one evening, Poirot tells Hastings of the one case that he failed to solve.
And Poirot tells Hastings to say the words chocolate box if he ever feels that Hercule gets a bit too big for his britches. I'm sure Hastings was tempted to walk behind Poirot with a megaphone, repeating those words at the top of his lungs for most of the time they spent together.
He didn't.
Such is the power of friendship.
A Christmas Tragedy
Miss Marple knows a murdering husband when she sees one.
Even if she can't prove it right away.
Jane Marple recounts the time she couldn't save an adoring wife from her treacherous spouse. Without any proof and only her intuition to go on, she couldn't convince the young woman that her husband was eyeballing the windfall he would receive upon her death.
The Coming of Mr. Quin
This is the first story with the mysterious Mr. Quin and the adorable Mr. Satterthwaite.
On New Year's Eve, a group of friends is gathered in the home of Tom & Laura Evesham when a passing car breaks down and a stranger knocks on the door.
Mr. Satterthwaite feels something is going to happen. And it does. They are all drawn into a conversation about their friend's suicide in the home years ago, and Mr. Quin challenges them to solve the mystery.
Why did a seemingly happy man walk upstairs and kill himself?
The Clergyman's Daughter/The Red House
Tommy and Tuppence investigate a haunted house!
This one has everything needed to be a Scoby-Doo mystery.
Fake ghosts, disguises, anagrams, and buried treasure. What more could you want?
Published in 1923 in The Grand Magazine under the name The First Wish, this is actually the very first Tommy and Tuppence short story.
The Plymouth Express
An heiress is murdered on a train, and her grieving father hires Poirot to find her killer.
The Plymouth Express was later expanded into the full-length novel, The Mystery of the Blue Train.
Problem at Pollensa Bay
Parker Pyne helps a momma out.
And like most of the help he gives his clients, it's not the help they asked for but the help that they actually need.
Sanctuary
A man dies from a gunshot wound in the parson's wife's arms, whispering the word sanctuary with his dying breath.
A little dramatic, no?
The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge
Hasting gets to take off the training wheels!
Sort of.
The World's End
Mr. Satterthwaite has a terrible vacation.
Thanks to his snobbish nature, he practically leaped to attention when the Duchess of Leith suggested they travel together on a sightseeing trip.
Seeing as they were much too old for it to be considered a scandal, she said. And the idea that he could be involved in anything that could have even once upon a time have been considered scandalous just whetted Satterthwaite's appetite for the adventure.
A dutches AND a non-scandal?! Oh my!
The Manhood of Edward Robinson
A nice young man who is henpecked by his fiance has the adventure of a lifetime.
And it changes his outlook on the world. He learns a little bit of confidence can go a long way.
Christmas Adventure
There are several adventures that Poirot had around Christmas time, but this one will probably feel more familiar than most to Christie completionists.
Why?
Well, this was later expanded into The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding aka The Theft of the Royal Ruby. And while there isn't much of a difference in the core mystery, there were a few definite changes made.
I thought this was a great story to end the collection on!
*Three Blind Mice is only in the US version.
For all my friends across the pond, the UK version of this book contains The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest. , which is also a very cool story.
August 28, 2025
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Rating: 4 stars
Midwinter Murder' presents twelve entertaining winter-themed mysteries that left me wanting even more of Agatha Christie’s brilliant storytelling.
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Characters: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
"Was there such a thing as a world of romance and adventure somewhere?"
Across each story in this collection, Christie’s trademark attention to detail and vibrant characters are on full display. The stories are well-crafted, with distinct concepts and vivid settings that make them different from one another. A blend of classic and lesser-known characters, each with their own quirks and dynamics, adds to the charm of the stories.
"One must take the downs with the ups, my friend."
I appreciated the variety of mysteries—some not involving murder—and the timeless themes of justice, intuition, jealousy, love, greed, and regret that are explored. The clever setups and surprising reveals also kept this book engaging throughout. However, as is often the case with collections of short stories, there were some tales I loved far more than others.
See my other reviews for Agatha Christie:
The Murder on the links
You can also find more of my thoughts and discussion questions on my blog! - I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Rating: 4 stars
Midwinter Murder' presents twelve entertaining winter-themed mysteries that left me wanting even more of Agatha Christie’s brilliant storytelling.
Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Characters: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
"Was there such a thing as a world of romance and adventure somewhere?"
Across each story in this collection, Christie’s trademark attention to detail and vibrant characters are on full display. The stories are well-crafted, with distinct concepts and vivid settings that make them different from one another. A blend of classic and lesser-known characters, each with their own quirks and dynamics, adds to the charm of the stories.
"One must take the downs with the ups, my friend."
I appreciated the variety of mysteries—some not involving murder—and the timeless themes of justice, intuition, jealousy, love, greed, and regret that are explored. The clever setups and surprising reveals also kept this book engaging throughout. However, as is often the case with collections of short stories, there were some tales I loved far more than others.
See my other reviews for Agatha Christie:
The Murder on the links
You can also find more of my thoughts and discussion questions on my blog! - I'd love to hear your thoughts!
January 10, 2023
EXCERPT: taken from 'A Christmas Tragedy'
'My Dear, these things are very common - very common indeed. And gentlemen are especially tempted,being so much the stronger. So easy if a thing looks like an accident. As I say, I knew at once with the Sanders. It was on a tram. It was full inside and I had to go on top. We all three got up to get off and Mr Sanders lost his balance and fell right against his wife, sending her headfirst down the stairs. Fortunately the conductor was a very strong young man and caught her.'
'But surely that must have been an accident.'
'Of course it was an accident - nothing could have looked more accidental! But Mr Sanders had been in the Merchant Service, so he told me, and a man who can keep his balance on a nasty tilting boat doesn't lose it on top of a tram if an old woman like me doesn't. Don't tell me!'
'At any rate, we can take it you made up your mind, Miss Marple,' said Sir Henry. 'Made it up then and there.'
The old lady nodded.
'I was sure enough, and another incident in crossing the street not long afterwards made me surer still. Now, I ask you, what could I do, Sir Henry? Here was a nice contented happy little married woman shortly going to be murdered.'
ABOUT 'MIDWINTER MURDER': There's a chill in the air and the days are growing shorter . . . It's the perfect time to curl up in front of a crackling fireplace with this winter-themed collection from legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie. But beware of deadly snowdrifts and dangerous gifts, poisoned meals and mysterious guests. This compendium of short stories, some featuring beloved detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, is an essential omnibus for Christie fans and the perfect holiday gift for mystery lovers.
MY THOUGHTS: For some reason, the edition that I have does not include the story 'Three Blind Mice' which went on to be developed into the stage play 'The Mousetrap'. This omission disappointed me.
There are twelve stories in this collection, one for each day of Christmas.
1. The Chocolate Box ⭐⭐⭐.5 the title gives the method away, but the killer was most unexpected.
2. The Christmas Tragedy ⭐⭐⭐⭐ featuring Jane Marple. A diabolically clever murder!
3. The Coming of Mr Quin ⭐⭐⭐⭐ in which a murder is solved ten years after the fact.
4. The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Although I enjoyed this story, and Poirot is undeniably clever, I dislike the man. "As it happens, in my own particular line, there is no one to touch me. C'est dommage! As it is, I admit freely and without hypocrisy, that I am a great man. I have the order, the method, and the psychology in an unusual degree. I am, in fact, Hercule Poirot!" Insufferable, but ingenious.
5. The Clergyman's Daughter ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 featuring Tommy and Tuppence is an amusing and heartwarming mystery.
6. The Plymouth Express ⭐⭐⭐⭐ features Poirot and was later expanded to become The Blue Train.
7. Problem at Pollensa Bay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love and manipulation - and not a murder in sight.
8. Sanctuary ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 Bunch and her godmother, Jane Marple, solve a mystery and find a murderer.
9. The Mystery of Hunters Lodge ⭐⭐.5 an uninspiring tale that has Poirot laid up with the influenza and Hastings investigating in his stead.
10. The World's End ⭐⭐ Mr Quin makes an appearance. I didn't enjoy the story at all, but loved the character of the Duchess. I imagined her being played by Stephanie Cole."
11. The Manhood of Edward Robinson ⭐⭐⭐⭐ a tale of adventure and romance.
12. Christmas Adventure ⭐⭐⭐ A Poirot in which a practical joke backfires.
I had fully intended to read just one story a day, but just like with chocolate, I cannot control my consumption of Agatha Christie.
It's not often that Christie gets all philosophical on us, so I particularly enjoyed the following quote from Problem at Pollensa Bay: 'What are the years from twenty to forty? Fettered and bound by personal and emotional relationships. That's bound to be. That's living. But later, there's a new stage. You can think, observe life, discover something about other people and the truth about yourself. Life becomes real - significant. You see it as a whole. Not just one scene - the scene you, as an actor, are playing. No man or woman is actually himself (or herself) till after forty-five. That's when individuality has a chance.'
⭐⭐⭐.8
#MidwinterMurders
I: @officialagathachristie @harpercollinsaustralia
T: @agathachristie @HarperCollinsAU
THE AUTHOR: Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie is the creator of two of the most enduring figures in crime literature-Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple-and author of The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theatre.
Before marrying and starting a family in London, she had served in a Devon hospital during the First World War, tending to troops coming back from the trenches. During the First World War, she worked at a hospital as a nurse; later working at a hospital pharmacy, a job that influenced her work, as many of the murders in her books are carried out with poison. During the Second World War, she worked as a pharmacy assistant at University College Hospital, London, acquiring a good knowledge of poisons which feature in many of her novels.
Her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, came out in 1920. During her first marriage, Agatha published six novels, a collection of short stories, and a number of short stories in magazines.
In late 1926, Agatha's husband, Archie, revealed that he was in love with another woman, Nancy Neele, and wanted a divorce. On 8 December 1926 the couple quarreled, and Archie Christie left their house, Styles, in Sunningdale, Berkshire, to spend the weekend with his mistress at Godalming, Surrey. That same evening Agatha disappeared from her home, leaving behind a letter for her secretary saying that she was going to Yorkshire. Her disappearance caused an outcry from the public, many of whom were admirers of her novels. Despite a massive manhunt, she was not found for eleven days.
In 1930, Christie married archaeologist Max Mallowan (Sir Max from 1968) after joining him in an archaeological dig. Their marriage was especially happy in the early years and remained so until Christie's death in 1976.
Christie frequently used familiar settings for her stories. Christie's travels with Mallowan contributed background to several of her novels set in the Middle East. Other novels (such as And Then There Were None) were set in and around Torquay, where she was born. Christie's 1934 novel Murder on the Orient Express was written in the Hotel Pera Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, the southern terminus of the railway. The hotel maintains Christie's room as a memorial to the author. The Greenway Estate in Devon, acquired by the couple as a summer residence in 1938, is now in the care of the National Trust.
Christie often stayed at Abney Hall in Cheshire, which was owned by her brother-in-law, James Watts. She based at least two of her stories on the hall: the short story The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, and the novel After the Funeral. Abney Hall became Agatha's greatest inspiration for country-house life, with all the servants and grandeur which have been woven into her plots.
DISCLOSURE: I own my copy of Midwinter Murders by Agatha Christie. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'My Dear, these things are very common - very common indeed. And gentlemen are especially tempted,being so much the stronger. So easy if a thing looks like an accident. As I say, I knew at once with the Sanders. It was on a tram. It was full inside and I had to go on top. We all three got up to get off and Mr Sanders lost his balance and fell right against his wife, sending her headfirst down the stairs. Fortunately the conductor was a very strong young man and caught her.'
'But surely that must have been an accident.'
'Of course it was an accident - nothing could have looked more accidental! But Mr Sanders had been in the Merchant Service, so he told me, and a man who can keep his balance on a nasty tilting boat doesn't lose it on top of a tram if an old woman like me doesn't. Don't tell me!'
'At any rate, we can take it you made up your mind, Miss Marple,' said Sir Henry. 'Made it up then and there.'
The old lady nodded.
'I was sure enough, and another incident in crossing the street not long afterwards made me surer still. Now, I ask you, what could I do, Sir Henry? Here was a nice contented happy little married woman shortly going to be murdered.'
ABOUT 'MIDWINTER MURDER': There's a chill in the air and the days are growing shorter . . . It's the perfect time to curl up in front of a crackling fireplace with this winter-themed collection from legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie. But beware of deadly snowdrifts and dangerous gifts, poisoned meals and mysterious guests. This compendium of short stories, some featuring beloved detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, is an essential omnibus for Christie fans and the perfect holiday gift for mystery lovers.
MY THOUGHTS: For some reason, the edition that I have does not include the story 'Three Blind Mice' which went on to be developed into the stage play 'The Mousetrap'. This omission disappointed me.
There are twelve stories in this collection, one for each day of Christmas.
1. The Chocolate Box ⭐⭐⭐.5 the title gives the method away, but the killer was most unexpected.
2. The Christmas Tragedy ⭐⭐⭐⭐ featuring Jane Marple. A diabolically clever murder!
3. The Coming of Mr Quin ⭐⭐⭐⭐ in which a murder is solved ten years after the fact.
4. The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Although I enjoyed this story, and Poirot is undeniably clever, I dislike the man. "As it happens, in my own particular line, there is no one to touch me. C'est dommage! As it is, I admit freely and without hypocrisy, that I am a great man. I have the order, the method, and the psychology in an unusual degree. I am, in fact, Hercule Poirot!" Insufferable, but ingenious.
5. The Clergyman's Daughter ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 featuring Tommy and Tuppence is an amusing and heartwarming mystery.
6. The Plymouth Express ⭐⭐⭐⭐ features Poirot and was later expanded to become The Blue Train.
7. Problem at Pollensa Bay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love and manipulation - and not a murder in sight.
8. Sanctuary ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 Bunch and her godmother, Jane Marple, solve a mystery and find a murderer.
9. The Mystery of Hunters Lodge ⭐⭐.5 an uninspiring tale that has Poirot laid up with the influenza and Hastings investigating in his stead.
10. The World's End ⭐⭐ Mr Quin makes an appearance. I didn't enjoy the story at all, but loved the character of the Duchess. I imagined her being played by Stephanie Cole."
11. The Manhood of Edward Robinson ⭐⭐⭐⭐ a tale of adventure and romance.
12. Christmas Adventure ⭐⭐⭐ A Poirot in which a practical joke backfires.
I had fully intended to read just one story a day, but just like with chocolate, I cannot control my consumption of Agatha Christie.
It's not often that Christie gets all philosophical on us, so I particularly enjoyed the following quote from Problem at Pollensa Bay: 'What are the years from twenty to forty? Fettered and bound by personal and emotional relationships. That's bound to be. That's living. But later, there's a new stage. You can think, observe life, discover something about other people and the truth about yourself. Life becomes real - significant. You see it as a whole. Not just one scene - the scene you, as an actor, are playing. No man or woman is actually himself (or herself) till after forty-five. That's when individuality has a chance.'
⭐⭐⭐.8
#MidwinterMurders
I: @officialagathachristie @harpercollinsaustralia
T: @agathachristie @HarperCollinsAU
THE AUTHOR: Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie is the creator of two of the most enduring figures in crime literature-Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple-and author of The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theatre.
Before marrying and starting a family in London, she had served in a Devon hospital during the First World War, tending to troops coming back from the trenches. During the First World War, she worked at a hospital as a nurse; later working at a hospital pharmacy, a job that influenced her work, as many of the murders in her books are carried out with poison. During the Second World War, she worked as a pharmacy assistant at University College Hospital, London, acquiring a good knowledge of poisons which feature in many of her novels.
Her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, came out in 1920. During her first marriage, Agatha published six novels, a collection of short stories, and a number of short stories in magazines.
In late 1926, Agatha's husband, Archie, revealed that he was in love with another woman, Nancy Neele, and wanted a divorce. On 8 December 1926 the couple quarreled, and Archie Christie left their house, Styles, in Sunningdale, Berkshire, to spend the weekend with his mistress at Godalming, Surrey. That same evening Agatha disappeared from her home, leaving behind a letter for her secretary saying that she was going to Yorkshire. Her disappearance caused an outcry from the public, many of whom were admirers of her novels. Despite a massive manhunt, she was not found for eleven days.
In 1930, Christie married archaeologist Max Mallowan (Sir Max from 1968) after joining him in an archaeological dig. Their marriage was especially happy in the early years and remained so until Christie's death in 1976.
Christie frequently used familiar settings for her stories. Christie's travels with Mallowan contributed background to several of her novels set in the Middle East. Other novels (such as And Then There Were None) were set in and around Torquay, where she was born. Christie's 1934 novel Murder on the Orient Express was written in the Hotel Pera Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, the southern terminus of the railway. The hotel maintains Christie's room as a memorial to the author. The Greenway Estate in Devon, acquired by the couple as a summer residence in 1938, is now in the care of the National Trust.
Christie often stayed at Abney Hall in Cheshire, which was owned by her brother-in-law, James Watts. She based at least two of her stories on the hall: the short story The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, and the novel After the Funeral. Abney Hall became Agatha's greatest inspiration for country-house life, with all the servants and grandeur which have been woven into her plots.
DISCLOSURE: I own my copy of Midwinter Murders by Agatha Christie. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 28, 2022
“Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery” by Agatha Christie is a solid collection of short stories that are perfect for reading in the, you guessed it, winter! When it comes to Christie, I actually grew up reading her amazing mystery books and short stories. Of course, it was about two decades ago as I don’t remember which books of hers I read but reading this collection gave me so much nostalgia. It brought me back to my teenage years as this was perfect to read around Christmas time and during some brutally cold weather here in New York.
Her writing is brilliant and I loved that in this collection, both the legendary Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple have several short stories they’re involved in. Each story is unique and told elaborately as only Christie could do. I loved all the different situations and characters as each short story was a unique slice of what Christie does so effortlessly. She’s the “Queen of Mystery” for a reason as I loved trying to figure out the outcome of each story only to be blown away at what really happened at the end.
Now, to be honest, not every story in this collection is as extraordinary as the ones that I felt were exceptional. Those short stories were…
Three Blind Mice
The Plymouth Express
Sanctuary
The Manhood of Edward Robinson
The others were okay but nothing as great as the ones I enjoyed the most mentioned above. Either way, I genuinely enjoyed reading this and if you’re a fan of Christie or mystery in general, you’ll definitely enjoy this collection. It’s just the way she writes is so eloquent and timeless that it just makes you appreciate her and admire everything she’s accomplished in her historic career. This is just a small taste of her overall scope of work as an extraordinary author whose career spanned over six decades. She’s to mystery what Stephen King is to horror.
I give “Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery” by Agatha Christie a 4/5 as it’s not perfect but has quite a nice and diverse selection of short stories to enjoy. Considering I had several short stories that really had me in awe made this totally worth reading. I’d recommend this to anyone that is new to Christie or is looking for a solid murder mystery collection of short stories to read during the cold winter months ahead.
Her writing is brilliant and I loved that in this collection, both the legendary Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple have several short stories they’re involved in. Each story is unique and told elaborately as only Christie could do. I loved all the different situations and characters as each short story was a unique slice of what Christie does so effortlessly. She’s the “Queen of Mystery” for a reason as I loved trying to figure out the outcome of each story only to be blown away at what really happened at the end.
Now, to be honest, not every story in this collection is as extraordinary as the ones that I felt were exceptional. Those short stories were…
Three Blind Mice
The Plymouth Express
Sanctuary
The Manhood of Edward Robinson
The others were okay but nothing as great as the ones I enjoyed the most mentioned above. Either way, I genuinely enjoyed reading this and if you’re a fan of Christie or mystery in general, you’ll definitely enjoy this collection. It’s just the way she writes is so eloquent and timeless that it just makes you appreciate her and admire everything she’s accomplished in her historic career. This is just a small taste of her overall scope of work as an extraordinary author whose career spanned over six decades. She’s to mystery what Stephen King is to horror.
I give “Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery” by Agatha Christie a 4/5 as it’s not perfect but has quite a nice and diverse selection of short stories to enjoy. Considering I had several short stories that really had me in awe made this totally worth reading. I’d recommend this to anyone that is new to Christie or is looking for a solid murder mystery collection of short stories to read during the cold winter months ahead.
December 26, 2024
Nie jest to może najbardziej zimowy zbiór opowiadań, ale świetnie się bawiłam
December 15, 2020
Delightful collection of twelve stories of mystery and suspense
Though titled Murder not all the stories deal with murder. Five Poirot exploits include the only case where he was successfully deceived and the case which he described “perfect murder”. The two Mr. Quinn stories have the eerie and paranormal feel. The solo Tommy and Tuppence adventure add a bit of light hearted fun to the collection. The two Miss Marple stories do not fail to bring a smile to the lips as you marvel how an old frail lady manages to hoodwink the culprits. The solo Parker Pyne story is a great introduction to his ‘marriage suitability’ test. The twelfth story does not feature any of her well-known characters but is a solo but past paced thriller. Overall, between its 240 pages you get a glimpse of all Christie’s characters. The added bonus is an essay by Christie- ‘Christmas at Abney Hall’.
Though titled Murder not all the stories deal with murder. Five Poirot exploits include the only case where he was successfully deceived and the case which he described “perfect murder”. The two Mr. Quinn stories have the eerie and paranormal feel. The solo Tommy and Tuppence adventure add a bit of light hearted fun to the collection. The two Miss Marple stories do not fail to bring a smile to the lips as you marvel how an old frail lady manages to hoodwink the culprits. The solo Parker Pyne story is a great introduction to his ‘marriage suitability’ test. The twelfth story does not feature any of her well-known characters but is a solo but past paced thriller. Overall, between its 240 pages you get a glimpse of all Christie’s characters. The added bonus is an essay by Christie- ‘Christmas at Abney Hall’.
November 11, 2020
Midwinter Murder is a new collection of old stories from the Queen of Crime, loosely based around a winter theme.
Some of the stories are almost 100 years old, but still manage to entertain. It's light, fluffy & easy on the brain. A pleasant antidote to these troubled times.
Some of the stories are almost 100 years old, but still manage to entertain. It's light, fluffy & easy on the brain. A pleasant antidote to these troubled times.
December 18, 2022
3.5
It’s many a year since I last read AC so the festive season seemed a good opportunity.
Agatha makes a gluttonous Christmas introduction to this collection- kudos Aggie for the stamina but I’ll pass.
This is an eclectic collection featuring the perspicacity of Hercule, the round and round the houses wisdom of Jane (yawn), the gung-ho enthusiasm of Tuppence and Tommy, the unorthodox investigator of affairs of the heart, Mr Parker Pyne and not forgetting the partnership of Harley Quin and the quiet but snobbish Mr Satterthwaite. They are undoubtedly of their period, some are definitely dated, most are festive fun although I don’t suppose you’re meant to find some of them hilarious. My favourite is The Manhood of Edward Robinson - don’t laugh at the title 😂!!! I’m sure the crime queen didn’t meant it to be funny. This one is a very jolly jape with a spiffing twist or two.
A Kindle Unlimited read.
It’s many a year since I last read AC so the festive season seemed a good opportunity.
Agatha makes a gluttonous Christmas introduction to this collection- kudos Aggie for the stamina but I’ll pass.
This is an eclectic collection featuring the perspicacity of Hercule, the round and round the houses wisdom of Jane (yawn), the gung-ho enthusiasm of Tuppence and Tommy, the unorthodox investigator of affairs of the heart, Mr Parker Pyne and not forgetting the partnership of Harley Quin and the quiet but snobbish Mr Satterthwaite. They are undoubtedly of their period, some are definitely dated, most are festive fun although I don’t suppose you’re meant to find some of them hilarious. My favourite is The Manhood of Edward Robinson - don’t laugh at the title 😂!!! I’m sure the crime queen didn’t meant it to be funny. This one is a very jolly jape with a spiffing twist or two.
A Kindle Unlimited read.
December 12, 2025
This is the final book in the seasonally themed collections of Agatha Christie short stories I’ve read. While the “seasonal” connection was a bit tenuous at times with the other three collections, here it is more pronounced, with several stories set during winter or Christmas.
THE MYSTERY OF HUNTER’S LODGE :
Poirot has a bout of influenza which prevents him from traveling to Hunter’s Lodge in this one. Hastings is obviously eager to go in his stead. Poirot allows him to do so on the condition that he report back every detail to Poirot, and follows his old friend’s instructions. This of course makes The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge an especially fun one.
Japp is around when Hastings arrives, managing to get in some fun digs. Both men are of course completely in the dark in regard to the solution of the crime, while a bed-ridden Poirot is way ahead of them. Unfortunately, being so far away, Poirot is unable to clue in Hastings and Jap on the solution in time to prevent the culprit(s) — don’t want to ruin it — from getting away.
Only an off-stage moment of justice prevents this from being perfect, but it’s close enough. Great fun.
THE WORLD’S END :
“I happened to bring some biscuits and a stick of chocolate on board with me…When I found there was no dinner to be got, I gave the lot to her. The lower classes always make such a fuss about going without their meals.” — The Duchess
There is wonderful atmosphere in Christie’s Mr. Quin stories, but anyone who has read them knows full well these should be considered the Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin stories. We discover very little about Mr. Quin throughout the short stories, other than he is part of the supernatural world in some undefined capacity. Christie smartly withholds this information, making it more mysterious for the reader.
Mr. Satterthwaite, however, we learn a great deal about. We come to enjoy Satterthwaite’s company and embrace his growth throughout the stories. It is poignant in fact how much Mr. Quin’s appearances transform Satterthwaite, adding meaning and enjoyment and purpose to his life as he becomes an important catalyst in untangling matters.
Needless to say, I adore the stories featuring Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin, and this one is magnificent; it may in fact be my all-time favorite. The World’s End is more atmospheric than most of the Mr. Quin stories in that it is more resonating.
Satterthwaite’s acquaintance with a rather stingy and irritating Duchess leads to him meeting a charming yet unconventional artist named Miss Carlton Smith. A sadness surrounds her, because her love, Alec Gerard has been imprisoned for a year, convicted of theft.
A twisty, dangerous road up a mountain to a place called World’s End, and a sudden snowfall, strands her at the top with a very unexpected group. Among the group is the mysterious Mr. Quin. There is some wonderfully descriptive prose by Christie helping create atmosphere. Her skillful creation of mood makes for a truly memorable short story. Sublime, and for me, perhaps my favorite in the series.
THE MYSTERY OF THE BAGHDAD CHEST :
Poirot understands that the beautiful, child-like innocence of a young woman can be a dangerous thing. Here in The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest the girl’s allure leads to her husband’s murder. Her lover of course is blamed, but was it someone else who committed the deed?
Our favorite Belgian detective — well, actually the only one we know — uncovers a plan for murder so ingenious in both its method and execution that Poirot is in awe of its artistry. Poirot in fact can’t help but lament to Hastings that such cleverness was wasted on murder! Wonderful story.
THE COMING OF MR. QUIN :
On New Year’s Eve, Satterthwaite finds himself among a group that includes Alex Portal and his wife, Eleanor. Satterthwaite finds Eleanor somehow strange — a blonde who has died her hair black — it’s so often the reverse. Eleanor Portal also appears to possess a hold of some nature which frightens her husband.
Mention of a New Year’s Eve superstition, and a tale of suicide by a man whom they all knew brings about the entrance of Mr. Quin. Our mysterious Mr. Quin is supposedly stranded. But is he really?
When Mr. Quin draws out those present into recalling events surrounding the aforementioned person’s suicide, an entirely different picture begins to emerge. Whether it will be a condemning one, or give a second chance for happiness to two people isn’t clear until the final moments of this splendid Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin story.
SANCTUARY :
A man is found dying on the steps of an out of the way chapel. Who is he, and why is his last word uttered, Sanctuary? A fine little Miss Marple story, very enjoyable.
THE PLYMOUTH EXPRESS :
A nifty little Poirot story about a murder aboard a train, and a jewel theft. This one has Hastings and Japp in it to make it especially fun, with some charming dynamics between the three old friends.
Poirot as usual gets the better of Japp by solving the case. Very fun.
A CHRISTMAS TRAGEDY :
“Here was a nice contented happy little married woman shortly going to be murdered.” — Miss Marple
Marple knows that accidents, even when they appear without doubt to be such, are not always so. Just an excellent Miss Marple entry in this collection, very well told. Great stuff.
PROBLEM AT POLLENSA BAY :
Problem at Pollensa Bay is one of the best of the Parker Pyne stories. He is on vacation, very much trying to remain anonymous. Pyne’s reputation as a problem solver appears to be more prevalent once he is outside of his own turf; he takes note that other cultures appear to pay more attention to the ads in the paper than those back across the pond.
Of course someone recognizes Parker and outs him. Soon he is roped into the affairs of a mother and son much too close for the good of either. Enter a flirty but fabulous interloper of a girl with her wild dress and carefree manner. Of course that unhealthy mother/son dynamic is threatened when the boy likes the unsuitable girl and attempts to break free.
Problem at Pollensa Bay is utterly charming. It contains some twists and turns involving an even more outrageously unsuitable girl than the aforementioned. It all ends on a boat, and is very satisfying. Great stuff from Agatha Christie.
THE CHOCOLATE BOX :
A famous one where Poirot recalls an old case which he considers a failure on the part of his little grey cells.
Enjoyable enough, but not one of my favorites among the Poirot stories.
THE MANHOOD OF EDWARD ROBINSON :
Just a terribly charming story first published in 1924. A young man wants to feel the adventure and passion of Bianca and Bill in the book he’s reading. But the girl he’s betrothed to is so practical she runs roughshod over him so he doesn’t do anything frivolous — for his own good, of course. She won’t even agree to marry him until all the more practical matters are settled.
With winnings from a contest, he secretly buys a two-seater car, just because he wants to, and feels a sense of freedom. When he accidentally gets in the wrong two-seater, and finds a priceless necklace in it, a wild and wonderful adventure ensues, involving an adventurous girl, and a tiny deception on Edward’s part that leads to him finding his manhood. How will his beloved react when the milquetoast has suddenly become a man, and won’t stand for her domineering ways any longer?
A sweet and charming, very old-fashioned romantic adventure. Lovely.
CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE :
Another charming one! This one involves Poirot and some kids.
A winter bauble with Poirot that’s perfect for the good feeling we strive for when winter comes, and Christmas draws near.
THE CLERGYMAN’S DAUGHTER :
Tuppence makes a bet with Tommy that the next person to walk in and hire them will be a clergyman’s daughter. It’s a sure thing, of course — Tuppence has the inside track — but what follows is great fun, involving an inherited house which may be haunted, an invalid mother, and perhaps a treasure!
Why does a man from some paranormal society want to take the house off the hands of the clergyman’s daughter?
It’s all light and breezy fun, as are all of the Tommy and Tuppence short stories. Some wonderful Christmas sentiments conclude this one. Stories like this are why we love Tommy and Tuppence. Great for holiday reading.
SUMMATION :
A wonderful collection of Agatha Christie stories, with something for everyone. Having picked up and read all four of the seasonally themed collections in hardcover, none of them were disappointing in the least. Great stuff which comes highly recommended!
* It should be noted that the Harper Collins special edition hardcover differs from the William Morrow & Company paperback version in that the novella, Three Blind Mice, is not included. All other stories are the same. *
THE MYSTERY OF HUNTER’S LODGE :
Poirot has a bout of influenza which prevents him from traveling to Hunter’s Lodge in this one. Hastings is obviously eager to go in his stead. Poirot allows him to do so on the condition that he report back every detail to Poirot, and follows his old friend’s instructions. This of course makes The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge an especially fun one.
Japp is around when Hastings arrives, managing to get in some fun digs. Both men are of course completely in the dark in regard to the solution of the crime, while a bed-ridden Poirot is way ahead of them. Unfortunately, being so far away, Poirot is unable to clue in Hastings and Jap on the solution in time to prevent the culprit(s) — don’t want to ruin it — from getting away.
Only an off-stage moment of justice prevents this from being perfect, but it’s close enough. Great fun.
THE WORLD’S END :
“I happened to bring some biscuits and a stick of chocolate on board with me…When I found there was no dinner to be got, I gave the lot to her. The lower classes always make such a fuss about going without their meals.” — The Duchess
There is wonderful atmosphere in Christie’s Mr. Quin stories, but anyone who has read them knows full well these should be considered the Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin stories. We discover very little about Mr. Quin throughout the short stories, other than he is part of the supernatural world in some undefined capacity. Christie smartly withholds this information, making it more mysterious for the reader.
Mr. Satterthwaite, however, we learn a great deal about. We come to enjoy Satterthwaite’s company and embrace his growth throughout the stories. It is poignant in fact how much Mr. Quin’s appearances transform Satterthwaite, adding meaning and enjoyment and purpose to his life as he becomes an important catalyst in untangling matters.
Needless to say, I adore the stories featuring Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin, and this one is magnificent; it may in fact be my all-time favorite. The World’s End is more atmospheric than most of the Mr. Quin stories in that it is more resonating.
Satterthwaite’s acquaintance with a rather stingy and irritating Duchess leads to him meeting a charming yet unconventional artist named Miss Carlton Smith. A sadness surrounds her, because her love, Alec Gerard has been imprisoned for a year, convicted of theft.
A twisty, dangerous road up a mountain to a place called World’s End, and a sudden snowfall, strands her at the top with a very unexpected group. Among the group is the mysterious Mr. Quin. There is some wonderfully descriptive prose by Christie helping create atmosphere. Her skillful creation of mood makes for a truly memorable short story. Sublime, and for me, perhaps my favorite in the series.
THE MYSTERY OF THE BAGHDAD CHEST :
Poirot understands that the beautiful, child-like innocence of a young woman can be a dangerous thing. Here in The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest the girl’s allure leads to her husband’s murder. Her lover of course is blamed, but was it someone else who committed the deed?
Our favorite Belgian detective — well, actually the only one we know — uncovers a plan for murder so ingenious in both its method and execution that Poirot is in awe of its artistry. Poirot in fact can’t help but lament to Hastings that such cleverness was wasted on murder! Wonderful story.
THE COMING OF MR. QUIN :
On New Year’s Eve, Satterthwaite finds himself among a group that includes Alex Portal and his wife, Eleanor. Satterthwaite finds Eleanor somehow strange — a blonde who has died her hair black — it’s so often the reverse. Eleanor Portal also appears to possess a hold of some nature which frightens her husband.
Mention of a New Year’s Eve superstition, and a tale of suicide by a man whom they all knew brings about the entrance of Mr. Quin. Our mysterious Mr. Quin is supposedly stranded. But is he really?
When Mr. Quin draws out those present into recalling events surrounding the aforementioned person’s suicide, an entirely different picture begins to emerge. Whether it will be a condemning one, or give a second chance for happiness to two people isn’t clear until the final moments of this splendid Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin story.
SANCTUARY :
A man is found dying on the steps of an out of the way chapel. Who is he, and why is his last word uttered, Sanctuary? A fine little Miss Marple story, very enjoyable.
THE PLYMOUTH EXPRESS :
A nifty little Poirot story about a murder aboard a train, and a jewel theft. This one has Hastings and Japp in it to make it especially fun, with some charming dynamics between the three old friends.
Poirot as usual gets the better of Japp by solving the case. Very fun.
A CHRISTMAS TRAGEDY :
“Here was a nice contented happy little married woman shortly going to be murdered.” — Miss Marple
Marple knows that accidents, even when they appear without doubt to be such, are not always so. Just an excellent Miss Marple entry in this collection, very well told. Great stuff.
PROBLEM AT POLLENSA BAY :
Problem at Pollensa Bay is one of the best of the Parker Pyne stories. He is on vacation, very much trying to remain anonymous. Pyne’s reputation as a problem solver appears to be more prevalent once he is outside of his own turf; he takes note that other cultures appear to pay more attention to the ads in the paper than those back across the pond.
Of course someone recognizes Parker and outs him. Soon he is roped into the affairs of a mother and son much too close for the good of either. Enter a flirty but fabulous interloper of a girl with her wild dress and carefree manner. Of course that unhealthy mother/son dynamic is threatened when the boy likes the unsuitable girl and attempts to break free.
Problem at Pollensa Bay is utterly charming. It contains some twists and turns involving an even more outrageously unsuitable girl than the aforementioned. It all ends on a boat, and is very satisfying. Great stuff from Agatha Christie.
THE CHOCOLATE BOX :
A famous one where Poirot recalls an old case which he considers a failure on the part of his little grey cells.
Enjoyable enough, but not one of my favorites among the Poirot stories.
THE MANHOOD OF EDWARD ROBINSON :
Just a terribly charming story first published in 1924. A young man wants to feel the adventure and passion of Bianca and Bill in the book he’s reading. But the girl he’s betrothed to is so practical she runs roughshod over him so he doesn’t do anything frivolous — for his own good, of course. She won’t even agree to marry him until all the more practical matters are settled.
With winnings from a contest, he secretly buys a two-seater car, just because he wants to, and feels a sense of freedom. When he accidentally gets in the wrong two-seater, and finds a priceless necklace in it, a wild and wonderful adventure ensues, involving an adventurous girl, and a tiny deception on Edward’s part that leads to him finding his manhood. How will his beloved react when the milquetoast has suddenly become a man, and won’t stand for her domineering ways any longer?
A sweet and charming, very old-fashioned romantic adventure. Lovely.
CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE :
Another charming one! This one involves Poirot and some kids.
A winter bauble with Poirot that’s perfect for the good feeling we strive for when winter comes, and Christmas draws near.
THE CLERGYMAN’S DAUGHTER :
Tuppence makes a bet with Tommy that the next person to walk in and hire them will be a clergyman’s daughter. It’s a sure thing, of course — Tuppence has the inside track — but what follows is great fun, involving an inherited house which may be haunted, an invalid mother, and perhaps a treasure!
Why does a man from some paranormal society want to take the house off the hands of the clergyman’s daughter?
It’s all light and breezy fun, as are all of the Tommy and Tuppence short stories. Some wonderful Christmas sentiments conclude this one. Stories like this are why we love Tommy and Tuppence. Great for holiday reading.
SUMMATION :
A wonderful collection of Agatha Christie stories, with something for everyone. Having picked up and read all four of the seasonally themed collections in hardcover, none of them were disappointing in the least. Great stuff which comes highly recommended!
* It should be noted that the Harper Collins special edition hardcover differs from the William Morrow & Company paperback version in that the novella, Three Blind Mice, is not included. All other stories are the same. *
December 10, 2022
***2,5 stars***
Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery is a collection of 12 old short stories, all (loosely) happening in winter. Some are more entertaining than others, but altogether none of them delivered anything special to the mystery genre.
Because I am an Agatha Christie newbie and I am only familiar with Poirot, I pretty much only enjoyed the four stories he appeared in. For her true fans though, reading about all these other detectives could be exciting as well.
Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery is a collection of 12 old short stories, all (loosely) happening in winter. Some are more entertaining than others, but altogether none of them delivered anything special to the mystery genre.
Because I am an Agatha Christie newbie and I am only familiar with Poirot, I pretty much only enjoyed the four stories he appeared in. For her true fans though, reading about all these other detectives could be exciting as well.
December 19, 2021
I've actually read most of the stories featured in various other collections, but I couldn't resist this stunning hardback edition to add to the collection.
In truth this is more of a showcase of the various characters that Christie has created.
As you'd expect Poriot features heavily and the two Marples are also enjoyable.
It's the inclusion of Mr. Quinn, Parker Pyne aswell as Tommy and Tuppance that gives this a nice range of stories.
I personally prefer Christie novels as feel a little unsatisfied with short stories, though this collection would be a perfect gift for someone who's not familiar with her works.
In truth this is more of a showcase of the various characters that Christie has created.
As you'd expect Poriot features heavily and the two Marples are also enjoyable.
It's the inclusion of Mr. Quinn, Parker Pyne aswell as Tommy and Tuppance that gives this a nice range of stories.
I personally prefer Christie novels as feel a little unsatisfied with short stories, though this collection would be a perfect gift for someone who's not familiar with her works.
January 2, 2026
I love these little bite-sized stories from Dame Aggie.
Such fun.
Such fun.
December 12, 2020
2.5 stars.
Although I liked the Tuppence and Tommy short story, and the first couple of Poirot's, this didn't really give me anything outstanding or new to the mystery genre. And although it professes to be about specifically Midwinter related stories, they honestly could have been set during any season. Being short stories, they also just feel that little bit too lacking in depth and substance. There's no build up or atmosphere, preferring to rely on sharp reveals and lacklustre endings.
Although I liked the Tuppence and Tommy short story, and the first couple of Poirot's, this didn't really give me anything outstanding or new to the mystery genre. And although it professes to be about specifically Midwinter related stories, they honestly could have been set during any season. Being short stories, they also just feel that little bit too lacking in depth and substance. There's no build up or atmosphere, preferring to rely on sharp reveals and lacklustre endings.
December 27, 2021
reading vlog: https://youtu.be/beJJoEhjleQ
July 10, 2025
Three Blind Mice aka The Mousetrap & Others
A review of the William Morrow eBook (October 20, 2020) collecting short stories published over many years (1923-1954).
[3.67 average for the 12 fictional stories, rounded up for a GR 4 star]
The main draw here was reading Three Blind Mice, the 80 page novella adaptation of the later famous stage play The Mousetrap which has been running continuously in London's West End since 1952 (although with a break for the COVID pandemic in 2020-21). The theme for this collection is winter settings, often around Christmas time. Only Christie's autobiography excerpt and the final Poirot story centre around Christmas itself.
I had read most of the short stories as part of my current 2025 binge read/re-read of Christie's 1920's & 1930's classics. I jumped out of that chronological sequence purely for the enjoyment of Three Blind Mice, which is itself one of the top Christies. Otherwise this collection contains 4 Poirots, 2 Miss Marples, 2 Harley Quins, 1 Tommy & Tuppence, 1 Parker Pyne, and one standalone short story.
The collection is available on Kindle Unlimited.
1. Christmas at Abney Hall (an excerpt from Agatha Christie: An Autobiography (1977). Non-fiction. Agatha Christie’s memories of Christmas during her childhood, used as the Introduction to this collection. No murders involved!
2. Three Blind Mice ***** (Orig. a BBC radio play in May 1947, novella adaption published in Cosmopolitan May 1948, collected in Three Blind Mice and Other Stories (US, 1950), later adapted into a stage play as The Mousetrap: A Play 1952). The hosts and guests at Monkwell Manor Guesthouse are snowed in and a suspected murderer is among them. A policeman manages to arrive by skiing through the storm. Can the murderer be stopped?
3. The Chocolate Box *** (The Sketch magazine May 23, 1924, collected in Poirot Investigates (USA, 1925), then in Poirot's Early Cases (UK, 1974)) Poirot recounts a tale to Captain Hastings from his time with the Belgian Police about a case in which he actually failed to find the correct solution.
4. A Christmas Tragedy **** (The Storyteller January 1930, collected in The Thirteen Problems (UK, 1932) aka The Tuesday Club Murders (US, 1933). Miss Marple tells a story of how she became suspicious of a husband's murderous intentions when she observed a couple on vacation at a spa resort.
5. The Coming of Mr Quin *** (The Grand Magazine March 1924, collected in The Mysterious Mr. Quin (1930)) The first Mr. Satterthwaite story introducing the mysterious Harley Quin who periodically appears to prompt solutions to mysteries.
6. The Clergyman’s Daughter *** (The Grand Magazine December 1923, collected in Partners in Crime (1929)) Tommy and Tuppence take on a case searching for a missing inheritance on behalf of a clergyman’s daughter. As with each T&T short story, there is a call-out to a fictional detective, in this case Anthony Berkeley's Roger Sheringham.
7. The Plymouth Express *** (The Sketch April 4, 1923, later collected in Poirot's Early Cases (UK, 1974)) Poirot and Hastings are called in on the case when the body of a murdered woman is found in a train compartment.
8. Problem at Pollensa Bay **** (The Strand Magazine November 1935, collected in later editions of Parker Pyne Investigates (1934) with 2 stories added to the original 10) Mr. Parker Pyne is trying to keep a low profile while on vacation but is called in to assist when a mother wants him to stop his engagement to a young woman whom she considers unsuitable. A clever twist to this one!
9. Sanctuary **** (Woman’s Journal October 1954, collected in Miss Marple's Final Cases (UK, 1979) and later in Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories (1985). One of Miss Marple’s god-daughters asks for her assistance to solve the mystery of why a man dying from a pistol shot came to her church and claimed “sanctuary.”
10. The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge **** (The Sketch May 16, 1923, collected in Poirot Investigates (1924)) Poirot is sick at home with the flu and Hastings goes to investigate a murder as his representative. Based on the sparse information received in Hasting’s telegrams, Poirot solves the case regardless!
11. The World’s End *** (Storyteller Magazine February 1927, collected in The Mysterious Mr. Quin (1930)) Mr. Satterthwaite is vacationing when he meets a young woman artist who may be contemplating suicide. Mr. Harley Quin appears and helps to solve the mystery which caused her distress. Then Quin himself mysteriously disappears seemingly walking off of a cliff!
12. The Manhood of Edward Robinson **** (The Grand Magazine December 1924, collected in The Listerdale Mystery and Eleven Other Stories (UK, 1934)) A young man goes on the adventure of his life when he rebels against his penny pinching fiancée and buys a car with his winnings from a newspaper contest. None of Christie’s investigators appear in this one as it is more of an adventure than a mystery.
13. Christmas Adventure **** (The Sketch December 1923 as The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, collected in While the Light Lasts and Other Stories (UK, 1997) Poirot attends a Christmas gathering and receives a secret message warning him “Don’t eat any plum-pudding.” Meanwhile the other guests are planning a mock murder in order to trick Poirot.
Trivia and Links
Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales is part of an Agatha Christie 4-volume seasonal anthology set published by HarperCollins / William Morrow. The other titles include Sinister Spring, Midsummer Mysteries: Tales from the Queen of Mystery, Autumn Chills: Tales of Intrigue from the Queen of Crime. As was the case with Midwinter Murder, the selections in the other volumes are dominated by short stories from the 1920s/early 1930s, i.e. they are in the public domain now and can usually be read for free at the various online sources such as Project Gutenberg, Wikisource, etc.
A review of the William Morrow eBook (October 20, 2020) collecting short stories published over many years (1923-1954).
[3.67 average for the 12 fictional stories, rounded up for a GR 4 star]
The main draw here was reading Three Blind Mice, the 80 page novella adaptation of the later famous stage play The Mousetrap which has been running continuously in London's West End since 1952 (although with a break for the COVID pandemic in 2020-21). The theme for this collection is winter settings, often around Christmas time. Only Christie's autobiography excerpt and the final Poirot story centre around Christmas itself.
I had read most of the short stories as part of my current 2025 binge read/re-read of Christie's 1920's & 1930's classics. I jumped out of that chronological sequence purely for the enjoyment of Three Blind Mice, which is itself one of the top Christies. Otherwise this collection contains 4 Poirots, 2 Miss Marples, 2 Harley Quins, 1 Tommy & Tuppence, 1 Parker Pyne, and one standalone short story.
The collection is available on Kindle Unlimited.
1. Christmas at Abney Hall (an excerpt from Agatha Christie: An Autobiography (1977). Non-fiction. Agatha Christie’s memories of Christmas during her childhood, used as the Introduction to this collection. No murders involved!
2. Three Blind Mice ***** (Orig. a BBC radio play in May 1947, novella adaption published in Cosmopolitan May 1948, collected in Three Blind Mice and Other Stories (US, 1950), later adapted into a stage play as The Mousetrap: A Play 1952). The hosts and guests at Monkwell Manor Guesthouse are snowed in and a suspected murderer is among them. A policeman manages to arrive by skiing through the storm. Can the murderer be stopped?
3. The Chocolate Box *** (The Sketch magazine May 23, 1924, collected in Poirot Investigates (USA, 1925), then in Poirot's Early Cases (UK, 1974)) Poirot recounts a tale to Captain Hastings from his time with the Belgian Police about a case in which he actually failed to find the correct solution.
4. A Christmas Tragedy **** (The Storyteller January 1930, collected in The Thirteen Problems (UK, 1932) aka The Tuesday Club Murders (US, 1933). Miss Marple tells a story of how she became suspicious of a husband's murderous intentions when she observed a couple on vacation at a spa resort.
5. The Coming of Mr Quin *** (The Grand Magazine March 1924, collected in The Mysterious Mr. Quin (1930)) The first Mr. Satterthwaite story introducing the mysterious Harley Quin who periodically appears to prompt solutions to mysteries.
6. The Clergyman’s Daughter *** (The Grand Magazine December 1923, collected in Partners in Crime (1929)) Tommy and Tuppence take on a case searching for a missing inheritance on behalf of a clergyman’s daughter. As with each T&T short story, there is a call-out to a fictional detective, in this case Anthony Berkeley's Roger Sheringham.
7. The Plymouth Express *** (The Sketch April 4, 1923, later collected in Poirot's Early Cases (UK, 1974)) Poirot and Hastings are called in on the case when the body of a murdered woman is found in a train compartment.
8. Problem at Pollensa Bay **** (The Strand Magazine November 1935, collected in later editions of Parker Pyne Investigates (1934) with 2 stories added to the original 10) Mr. Parker Pyne is trying to keep a low profile while on vacation but is called in to assist when a mother wants him to stop his engagement to a young woman whom she considers unsuitable. A clever twist to this one!
9. Sanctuary **** (Woman’s Journal October 1954, collected in Miss Marple's Final Cases (UK, 1979) and later in Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories (1985). One of Miss Marple’s god-daughters asks for her assistance to solve the mystery of why a man dying from a pistol shot came to her church and claimed “sanctuary.”
10. The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge **** (The Sketch May 16, 1923, collected in Poirot Investigates (1924)) Poirot is sick at home with the flu and Hastings goes to investigate a murder as his representative. Based on the sparse information received in Hasting’s telegrams, Poirot solves the case regardless!
11. The World’s End *** (Storyteller Magazine February 1927, collected in The Mysterious Mr. Quin (1930)) Mr. Satterthwaite is vacationing when he meets a young woman artist who may be contemplating suicide. Mr. Harley Quin appears and helps to solve the mystery which caused her distress. Then Quin himself mysteriously disappears seemingly walking off of a cliff!
12. The Manhood of Edward Robinson **** (The Grand Magazine December 1924, collected in The Listerdale Mystery and Eleven Other Stories (UK, 1934)) A young man goes on the adventure of his life when he rebels against his penny pinching fiancée and buys a car with his winnings from a newspaper contest. None of Christie’s investigators appear in this one as it is more of an adventure than a mystery.
13. Christmas Adventure **** (The Sketch December 1923 as The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, collected in While the Light Lasts and Other Stories (UK, 1997) Poirot attends a Christmas gathering and receives a secret message warning him “Don’t eat any plum-pudding.” Meanwhile the other guests are planning a mock murder in order to trick Poirot.
Trivia and Links
Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales is part of an Agatha Christie 4-volume seasonal anthology set published by HarperCollins / William Morrow. The other titles include Sinister Spring, Midsummer Mysteries: Tales from the Queen of Mystery, Autumn Chills: Tales of Intrigue from the Queen of Crime. As was the case with Midwinter Murder, the selections in the other volumes are dominated by short stories from the 1920s/early 1930s, i.e. they are in the public domain now and can usually be read for free at the various online sources such as Project Gutenberg, Wikisource, etc.
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February 23, 2025Do eterno Poirot, à perspicaz Miss Marple, estes contos trazem ainda mais personagens memoráveis de Agatha Christie como Tommy e Tupence, o misterioso Mister Quinn ou Parker Pine numa série de aventuras onde o exercício de dedução é essencial e impecável, e o desfecho das histórias, nas mais das vezes, completamente imprevisível. Entre alguns contos mais óbvios, ressaltam verdadeiras pérolas - e eu começo a perceber a preferência de Agatha pela velhota Marple.
Uma coletânea bem representativa do talento da Dama do Crime!
A caixa de chocolates
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Uma tragédia natalícia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A chegada de Mr. Quinn
⭐⭐⭐
O mistério da arca de bagdad
⭐⭐⭐
A filha do pastor /Red house
⭐⭐⭐
O mistério do expresso de Plymouth
⭐⭐⭐⭐
O caso da baía de Pollensa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Santuário
⭐⭐⭐⭐
O mistério do pavilhão de caça
⭐⭐⭐⭐
O fim do mundo
⭐⭐⭐
A virilidade de Edward Robinson
⭐⭐⭐
Aventura de Natal
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Uma coletânea bem representativa do talento da Dama do Crime!
A caixa de chocolates
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Uma tragédia natalícia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A chegada de Mr. Quinn
⭐⭐⭐
O mistério da arca de bagdad
⭐⭐⭐
A filha do pastor /Red house
⭐⭐⭐
O mistério do expresso de Plymouth
⭐⭐⭐⭐
O caso da baía de Pollensa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Santuário
⭐⭐⭐⭐
O mistério do pavilhão de caça
⭐⭐⭐⭐
O fim do mundo
⭐⭐⭐
A virilidade de Edward Robinson
⭐⭐⭐
Aventura de Natal
⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 16, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
As a fan of Agatha Christie I picked this box 📦 set of twelve short stories from my local library.
The twelve short stories in Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Prudence and Tommy, Mr. Quinn, and their Scotland Yard colleagues. Each story is different with interesting well developed characters lots of action and misdirection leading to each conclusion.
I would highly recommend this novel and author to 👍 fans of Agatha Christie mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😤😕
As a fan of Agatha Christie I picked this box 📦 set of twelve short stories from my local library.
The twelve short stories in Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Prudence and Tommy, Mr. Quinn, and their Scotland Yard colleagues. Each story is different with interesting well developed characters lots of action and misdirection leading to each conclusion.
I would highly recommend this novel and author to 👍 fans of Agatha Christie mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😤😕
December 19, 2021
An enjoyable compilation. Not all are murders and some are more like Roald Dahl Tales of the Unexpected than standard Agatha Christie. I enjoyed the Poirot and Marple stories more than the others and sincerely hope that the reading gods will help me avoid the intensely irritating Tommy and Tuppence in future!
February 10, 2021
This is a clever new compilation!
Quite entertaining.
It presents Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy & Tuppence and Mr. Parker Pyne.
Such a great selection of short stories that makes me want to re-read all of the books, especially the ones with Tommy & Tuppence.
Quite entertaining.
It presents Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy & Tuppence and Mr. Parker Pyne.
Such a great selection of short stories that makes me want to re-read all of the books, especially the ones with Tommy & Tuppence.
December 11, 2022
3.5 stars
This collection of Christie's short stories features many of her fictional characters. What would an anthology of her work be without Hercule Poirot and Jane Marple? But it was much more fun to get another visit with Bunch Harmon in Sanctuary and with Tommy and Tuppence in The Clergyman's Daughter. I haven't yet made a proper acquaintance with Harley Quinn or Mr. Parker Pyne, but I have at least glimpsed them at work now. And how could I forget Mr. Satterthwaite, who shows up in a few of the stories? Delightful to run across old literary friends!
The staying power of Christie's fiction is remarkable, but I think she was expert at zeroing in on issues that will trouble all of history: the aftermath of war, PTSD, economic uncertainty, social change, and, that particular landmine, unsteady personal relationships. Plus the omnipresent issue of crime. Where you find people together in groups, you will also find politics and criminality.
A nice little selection of short stories which reveal to me how much I have learned about Christie's fiction over the past couple of years.
This collection of Christie's short stories features many of her fictional characters. What would an anthology of her work be without Hercule Poirot and Jane Marple? But it was much more fun to get another visit with Bunch Harmon in Sanctuary and with Tommy and Tuppence in The Clergyman's Daughter. I haven't yet made a proper acquaintance with Harley Quinn or Mr. Parker Pyne, but I have at least glimpsed them at work now. And how could I forget Mr. Satterthwaite, who shows up in a few of the stories? Delightful to run across old literary friends!
The staying power of Christie's fiction is remarkable, but I think she was expert at zeroing in on issues that will trouble all of history: the aftermath of war, PTSD, economic uncertainty, social change, and, that particular landmine, unsteady personal relationships. Plus the omnipresent issue of crime. Where you find people together in groups, you will also find politics and criminality.
A nice little selection of short stories which reveal to me how much I have learned about Christie's fiction over the past couple of years.
July 2, 2020
"Midwinter Murder" is a collection of winter themed short stories by Agatha Christie. In case you don't know it, Agatha Christie is one of my favorite authors ever and the one responsible for my love of reading nowadays. I think I've read practically all of her novels, but not her short stories cause I tend to be disappointed with short stories on a general basis. And that was the case here too.
Here we have stories for everyone, starring all her main characters (Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence, Mr. Parker Pyne & Mr. Quin) and some standalones like maybe one of her most famous ones "Three blind mice" (I had read the play several years ago so it was like reading it for the first time). That one was hands down my favorite story here with the ones starring Poirot (sorry Jane, I've got a soft spot for the guy!).
Some of the other stories I didn't find as good, specially "The manhood of Edward Robinson"; and I say "as good" not to say I directly didn't like it. It didn't even seem like an Agatha Christie story.
A 3 stars read, with its ups and downs good for long time fans, but if it's your first time reading one of her stories I would definetely recommend going straight to one of her novels.
Thanks to EW and Harper Collins William Morrow Paperbacks for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Here we have stories for everyone, starring all her main characters (Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence, Mr. Parker Pyne & Mr. Quin) and some standalones like maybe one of her most famous ones "Three blind mice" (I had read the play several years ago so it was like reading it for the first time). That one was hands down my favorite story here with the ones starring Poirot (sorry Jane, I've got a soft spot for the guy!).
Some of the other stories I didn't find as good, specially "The manhood of Edward Robinson"; and I say "as good" not to say I directly didn't like it. It didn't even seem like an Agatha Christie story.
A 3 stars read, with its ups and downs good for long time fans, but if it's your first time reading one of her stories I would definetely recommend going straight to one of her novels.
Thanks to EW and Harper Collins William Morrow Paperbacks for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2021
Rating 3.75
December 19, 2022
With the coming of Christmas comes my desire to read winter themed short story collections.
Midwinter Murder is a delightful selection of short stories meant to accompany winter nights, with a somewhat misleading title; Not all of these selections involve murder. They are all enjoyable tales to read around a fire, on a winters evening.
Introduction: Christmas at Abney Hall
Christie prefaces her fictions by including a glimpse into her christmases past, detailing feasts and castles, family affairs and snowy winter mornings gone by. I enjoyed this glimpse into her childhood, a calming winter pastoral with no hint of mystery, just a slice of a life.
Three Blind Mice
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As a new Inn opens, a surprise snow storm traps everyone inside. The first guests and proprietors realize that a murderer is among them. Unfortunately, everyone has secrets.
This is the best of all the stories, and I can see why it became its own play, The Mousetrap. It is the worlds longest running play.
The Chocolate Box
⭐⭐⭐
Somewhat redundant for me as I have previously read this in Poirot Investigates. It was mediocre in that collection, and mediocre in this one. Poirot takes center stage, investigating the death of an older man, and a murderers curious choice in murder weapon.
A Christmas Tragedy
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tragic in that I hardly remember what this one is about, based on the title alone, but a little look back reminds me that this was one of the better short stories. Featuring Miss Jane Marple, we are sat around a fire while a group of friends recount strange occurrences. Miss Marple is impressed upon to tell them about the time a murderer nearly got away.
The Coming of Mr. Quin
⭐⭐⭐
There is an air of supernatural providence to this one. Who is Mr. Quin? He is a man of mystery. Set on New Years Eve, Mr. Satterthwaite listens to friends rehash the suicide of another friend, (who coincidentally, owned the house they are having their NYE party in. How macabre.)
The Clergyman's Daughter/The Red House
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A charming Tommy and Tuppence story. Involves fake poltergeists, thrifty relatives, and secret inheritances hidden on estates. Treasure hunts on cold winter nights. A bit of whimsy with this one, but fun.
And no murder.
The Plymouth Express
⭐⭐
A Poirot short story that left me less than impressed, but impressed Christie so much that she adapted it into her story The Mystery of the Blue Train.
Problem at Pollensa Bay
⭐⭐⭐
Mr. Parker Pyne stars in this one as a jet setting detective that just wants to take a vacation, but keeps stumbling on to mysteries and unhappy mothers. Pyne sets out to help a woman with her sons love life. Yet less festive, and seasonally ambiguous. This could be a story in a summer collection, where is the winter?
Meddlesome, but wholesome.
Sanctuary
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another clever Miss Marple short story. Featuring her favorite niece. A vicars wife enters the church to find a man dying on the floor. Strange relatives arrive to collect his things, and the vicars wife goes to her favorite aunt to discover the truth.
A lovely little yarn! Miss Marple is a darling.
The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge
⭐⭐⭐
Hastings finally gets to take off his training wheels and handle a case on his own, as Poirot is stricken with influenza. Even so, he writes Poirot with all the details of the case.
The World's End
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now this short story has ATMOSPHERE. I adored it. It is odd, it is melancholy, and it really does feel like it is set at the end of the world. The World's End features Mr. Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin, and as a result it feels like something out of a dream.
The Manhood of Edward Robinson
⭐⭐
A weird little story about a man, a car he lusts after, and the night he becomes entangled in the lives of the rich-who-have-so-little-to-do-they-take-up-robbery-for-fun.
Christmas Adventure
⭐⭐⭐
A little story of Poirot at Christmas time. Christie later turns this one into The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
The problem with this collection is the first short story is the best, and all the others pale in comparison.
Midwinter Murder is a delightful selection of short stories meant to accompany winter nights, with a somewhat misleading title; Not all of these selections involve murder. They are all enjoyable tales to read around a fire, on a winters evening.
Introduction: Christmas at Abney Hall
Christie prefaces her fictions by including a glimpse into her christmases past, detailing feasts and castles, family affairs and snowy winter mornings gone by. I enjoyed this glimpse into her childhood, a calming winter pastoral with no hint of mystery, just a slice of a life.
Three Blind Mice
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As a new Inn opens, a surprise snow storm traps everyone inside. The first guests and proprietors realize that a murderer is among them. Unfortunately, everyone has secrets.
This is the best of all the stories, and I can see why it became its own play, The Mousetrap. It is the worlds longest running play.
The Chocolate Box
⭐⭐⭐
Somewhat redundant for me as I have previously read this in Poirot Investigates. It was mediocre in that collection, and mediocre in this one. Poirot takes center stage, investigating the death of an older man, and a murderers curious choice in murder weapon.
A Christmas Tragedy
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tragic in that I hardly remember what this one is about, based on the title alone, but a little look back reminds me that this was one of the better short stories. Featuring Miss Jane Marple, we are sat around a fire while a group of friends recount strange occurrences. Miss Marple is impressed upon to tell them about the time a murderer nearly got away.
The Coming of Mr. Quin
⭐⭐⭐
There is an air of supernatural providence to this one. Who is Mr. Quin? He is a man of mystery. Set on New Years Eve, Mr. Satterthwaite listens to friends rehash the suicide of another friend, (who coincidentally, owned the house they are having their NYE party in. How macabre.)
The Clergyman's Daughter/The Red House
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A charming Tommy and Tuppence story. Involves fake poltergeists, thrifty relatives, and secret inheritances hidden on estates. Treasure hunts on cold winter nights. A bit of whimsy with this one, but fun.
And no murder.
The Plymouth Express
⭐⭐
A Poirot short story that left me less than impressed, but impressed Christie so much that she adapted it into her story The Mystery of the Blue Train.
Problem at Pollensa Bay
⭐⭐⭐
Mr. Parker Pyne stars in this one as a jet setting detective that just wants to take a vacation, but keeps stumbling on to mysteries and unhappy mothers. Pyne sets out to help a woman with her sons love life. Yet less festive, and seasonally ambiguous. This could be a story in a summer collection, where is the winter?
Meddlesome, but wholesome.
Sanctuary
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another clever Miss Marple short story. Featuring her favorite niece. A vicars wife enters the church to find a man dying on the floor. Strange relatives arrive to collect his things, and the vicars wife goes to her favorite aunt to discover the truth.
A lovely little yarn! Miss Marple is a darling.
The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge
⭐⭐⭐
Hastings finally gets to take off his training wheels and handle a case on his own, as Poirot is stricken with influenza. Even so, he writes Poirot with all the details of the case.
The World's End
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now this short story has ATMOSPHERE. I adored it. It is odd, it is melancholy, and it really does feel like it is set at the end of the world. The World's End features Mr. Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin, and as a result it feels like something out of a dream.
The Manhood of Edward Robinson
⭐⭐
A weird little story about a man, a car he lusts after, and the night he becomes entangled in the lives of the rich-who-have-so-little-to-do-they-take-up-robbery-for-fun.
Christmas Adventure
⭐⭐⭐
A little story of Poirot at Christmas time. Christie later turns this one into The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
The problem with this collection is the first short story is the best, and all the others pale in comparison.
January 22, 2023
Three Blind Mice: 4.5🌟s
The Chocolate Box: 3.5🌟s
A Christmas Tragedy: 4🌟s
The Coming Of Mr Quin: 3.5🌟s
The Clergyman's Daughter: 4.25🌟s
The Plymouth Express: 2.5🌟s
Problem At Pollensa Bay: 3.5🌟s
Sanctuary: 4🌟s
The Mystery Of Hunters Lodge: 3🌟s
The World's End: 2.5🌟s
The Manhood Of Edward Robinson: 4.5🌟s
Christmas Adventure: 4🌟s
The Chocolate Box: 3.5🌟s
A Christmas Tragedy: 4🌟s
The Coming Of Mr Quin: 3.5🌟s
The Clergyman's Daughter: 4.25🌟s
The Plymouth Express: 2.5🌟s
Problem At Pollensa Bay: 3.5🌟s
Sanctuary: 4🌟s
The Mystery Of Hunters Lodge: 3🌟s
The World's End: 2.5🌟s
The Manhood Of Edward Robinson: 4.5🌟s
Christmas Adventure: 4🌟s
December 24, 2024
Całkiem przyjemny zbiór opowiadań. Jest kilka lepszych i kilka słabszych. Zaskoczyło mnie, że nie wszystkie są kryminalne.
January 15, 2023
A nice collection of short stories by Agatha Christie, well told and very entertaining. But unfortunately, only a few stories are related to Christmas or Winter. But it was nonetheless enjoyable.
January 15, 2022
Knew all the stories already, except one. What a delight to find something new by one of ny alltime favourite writers
December 16, 2024
I still consider myself an Agatha Christie novice, but since I read the autumn-themed collection released last year, I couldn't pass up this new, winter-themed one—although it was rather weird to be reading this during the scorching summer we've been having!
The two big favorites, Poirot and Marple, make repeat appearances, but so do some of the lesser-known Christie detectives, such as Tommy and Tuppence, Mr. Quin, and Parker Pyne, all of whom I wasn't familiar with before reading these stories. The rating works out the same as for last year's collection, but while that one was closer to 1.5 stars, this one is an easy 2.5—the stories included here are mysteries with logical explanations rather than supernatural ones, which weren't Christie's strong suit. As most collections of short stories, this is a mixed bag, but there are some very enjoyable ones included, and it would make for a great way to pass an evening in front of a crackling fire while snow is blanketing the world outside.
Three Blind Mice · ★★★★
The first story takes up a little over a quarter of the book, and is arguably Christie's most well-known short story, which was a radio-play written for Queen Mary's eightieth birthday first, and the worlds' longest-running play, The Mousetrap, later. I got to see the play in London a couple of years ago, where it has been continuously running (well, up until COVID-19 happened, that is) since it was originally staged in 1952. With it taking place at a snowed-in boarding house, it can be considered a locked-room mystery, and with a children's rhyme as part of the plot, it does bear some superficial resemblance to Christie's most acclaimed novel, And Then There Were None . Despite the fact that this story kind of subverts the classic whodunnit trope, I had effectively forgotten the plot twist, so it still felt relatively fresh to me, like a half-remembered dream—but I do think that it works better as a play.
The Chocolate Box · ★★
In this story, the ever-annoying Hastings wonders whether the ever-cocky Poirot makes mistakes, so the Belgian tells him about one early case back in France, prior to WWI and his emigration to Britain, which he considers a failure for having jumped to the wrong conclusion—the mysterious death of a French politician, in which the only clue was a box of chocolates. This is a rather early offering in Christie's career, and I harbor a dislike for the Belgian detective, so it's not a surprise that I found it just okay.
The Christmas Tragedy · ★★★
Miss Marple tells the story of how she met a newly-wed couple and immediately knew that the husband meant to kill the wife. Of course she had no evidence to go on but her intuition, which she then calls into question when the wife is indeed found murdered, but the husband has an alibi... I enjoyed the twists and turns of this bite-sized tale, and didn't see the solution coming.
The Coming of Mr. Quin · ★★½
This was my introduction to Mr. Harley Quin, the most mysterious of Christie's recurring detective characters. I'd never even heard of him, which isn't all that surprising, considering that he only appears in a dozen short stories and no full-length novels, despite being cited as her personal favorite character she's come up with. In this tale, a group of friends sit around on New Year's Eve, and the subject turns to their mutual friend, who had committed suicide in that very house ten years prior, which had left everyone mystified. Mr. Quin suddenly appears and asks for shelter while his chauffeur fixes his broken down car, and his mere presence and well-placed comments and questions act as a catalyst, ultimately leading to the real circumstances surrounding the decade-old suicide to surface. I can't say that I much enjoyed this one, it all felt too neat and coincidental for me to really get invested in the supposed mystery, but I find the character of Mr. Quin intriguing, he seems to be pretty much the opposite of Poirot—letting others figure the mystery out on their own, rather than lecturing.
The Clergyman's Daughter/The Red House · ★★★
In my first ever Tommy and Tuppence story, a woman inherits a large house from her wealthy old aunt. She refuses offers to sell it, and instead opts to take in lodgers... who all take off running after some recurring poltergeist activity. Without tenants, she doesn't have the means to maintain the house, but she wants the detective couple to investigate the prospective buyer before selling. It wasn't hard to see the solution to this mystery from miles away, but I enjoyed the banter.
The Plymouth Express · ★★★
When the daughter of a wealthy American is found stuffed under a train seat, Poirot is hired to find the murderer, as well as the over one hundred thousand dollars worth of jewels that went missing. This was my favorite Poirot story I've read to date, despite the fact that I figured it out right off the bat, and it was also one of the earliest Poirot stories written, which Christie later expanded into a full-length novel titled The Mystery of the Blue Train, with some changed details and characters.
Problem at Pollensa Bay · ★
This story—which has nothing to do with Christie's usual mystery murder fare—stars Parker Pyne, another somewhat obscure detective character whom Christie used in just fourteen short stories. He is on holiday in Mallorca, and despite hoping for some peace and quiet, he is recognized and asked to sabotage a young romance by an overbearing and disapproving mother. I thought it incredibly predictable and trite.
Sanctuary · ★★★½
Bunch, an intuitive vicar's wife, finds a man dying on the chancel steps, and with his final words he asks for sanctuary. When his relatives arrive to pick up his few possessions, she senses that something is amiss, and turns to her Godmother for help, Miss Marple. Her involvement came as a surprise, because so far I'd only encountered her in Tuesday Night Club stories, but this continues the tradition of my enjoying mysteries she pops up in.
The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge · ★★★
Poirot can't investigate a murder case himself because he's still recovering from influenza, so he sends Hastings in his stead... but ends up solving the case from his bed. I may be warming up to Poirot, because this is the second one I've actually rather enjoyed, although I could've done without the put-on "poetic justice" ending.
The World's End · ★½
If I thought the other Mr. Quin story was too full of coincidences, then this was way past the point of my willingness to suspend disbelief. At least in The Coming of Mr. Quin all the involved parties had a reason to be together, and it was just his appearance that was very convenient, but here the most random yet unknowingly connected people just so happen to all meet in a remote village on a mountain in Corsica? Light is consequently shed on the conviction of a jewel thief the year before, and the implications are pretty upsetting, actually.
The Manhood of Edward Robinson · ★★
As far as Christie mysteries are concerned, this was on the light, humorous, and even romantic side—or what passed for romance in Christie's days, anyway. The protagonist leads a sensible, dull life with a sensible, dull fiancee, but fantasizes about an adventure as exciting as some of the plots of the romance novels he likes to read. When he wins some money in a competition and decides to buy a sleek car without consulting his fiancee, the adventure he dreams of soon ensues, and he comes out of it a bolder man.
Christmas Adventure · ★★★
This story was previously uncollected in the US, but don't get excited, Christie fans—it's just an early draft of the longer The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding. Since I haven't read that one, I had no expectations one way or the other, and rather enjoyed it, considering that it's a Poirot story; no investigating was actually involved in the solving of this "case", it was all clever psychology employed by a detective with a romantic streak.
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Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The two big favorites, Poirot and Marple, make repeat appearances, but so do some of the lesser-known Christie detectives, such as Tommy and Tuppence, Mr. Quin, and Parker Pyne, all of whom I wasn't familiar with before reading these stories. The rating works out the same as for last year's collection, but while that one was closer to 1.5 stars, this one is an easy 2.5—the stories included here are mysteries with logical explanations rather than supernatural ones, which weren't Christie's strong suit. As most collections of short stories, this is a mixed bag, but there are some very enjoyable ones included, and it would make for a great way to pass an evening in front of a crackling fire while snow is blanketing the world outside.
Three Blind Mice · ★★★★
The first story takes up a little over a quarter of the book, and is arguably Christie's most well-known short story, which was a radio-play written for Queen Mary's eightieth birthday first, and the worlds' longest-running play, The Mousetrap, later. I got to see the play in London a couple of years ago, where it has been continuously running (well, up until COVID-19 happened, that is) since it was originally staged in 1952. With it taking place at a snowed-in boarding house, it can be considered a locked-room mystery, and with a children's rhyme as part of the plot, it does bear some superficial resemblance to Christie's most acclaimed novel, And Then There Were None . Despite the fact that this story kind of subverts the classic whodunnit trope, I had effectively forgotten the plot twist, so it still felt relatively fresh to me, like a half-remembered dream—but I do think that it works better as a play.
The Chocolate Box · ★★
In this story, the ever-annoying Hastings wonders whether the ever-cocky Poirot makes mistakes, so the Belgian tells him about one early case back in France, prior to WWI and his emigration to Britain, which he considers a failure for having jumped to the wrong conclusion—the mysterious death of a French politician, in which the only clue was a box of chocolates. This is a rather early offering in Christie's career, and I harbor a dislike for the Belgian detective, so it's not a surprise that I found it just okay.
The Christmas Tragedy · ★★★
Miss Marple tells the story of how she met a newly-wed couple and immediately knew that the husband meant to kill the wife. Of course she had no evidence to go on but her intuition, which she then calls into question when the wife is indeed found murdered, but the husband has an alibi... I enjoyed the twists and turns of this bite-sized tale, and didn't see the solution coming.
The Coming of Mr. Quin · ★★½
This was my introduction to Mr. Harley Quin, the most mysterious of Christie's recurring detective characters. I'd never even heard of him, which isn't all that surprising, considering that he only appears in a dozen short stories and no full-length novels, despite being cited as her personal favorite character she's come up with. In this tale, a group of friends sit around on New Year's Eve, and the subject turns to their mutual friend, who had committed suicide in that very house ten years prior, which had left everyone mystified. Mr. Quin suddenly appears and asks for shelter while his chauffeur fixes his broken down car, and his mere presence and well-placed comments and questions act as a catalyst, ultimately leading to the real circumstances surrounding the decade-old suicide to surface. I can't say that I much enjoyed this one, it all felt too neat and coincidental for me to really get invested in the supposed mystery, but I find the character of Mr. Quin intriguing, he seems to be pretty much the opposite of Poirot—letting others figure the mystery out on their own, rather than lecturing.
The Clergyman's Daughter/The Red House · ★★★
In my first ever Tommy and Tuppence story, a woman inherits a large house from her wealthy old aunt. She refuses offers to sell it, and instead opts to take in lodgers... who all take off running after some recurring poltergeist activity. Without tenants, she doesn't have the means to maintain the house, but she wants the detective couple to investigate the prospective buyer before selling. It wasn't hard to see the solution to this mystery from miles away, but I enjoyed the banter.
The Plymouth Express · ★★★
When the daughter of a wealthy American is found stuffed under a train seat, Poirot is hired to find the murderer, as well as the over one hundred thousand dollars worth of jewels that went missing. This was my favorite Poirot story I've read to date, despite the fact that I figured it out right off the bat, and it was also one of the earliest Poirot stories written, which Christie later expanded into a full-length novel titled The Mystery of the Blue Train, with some changed details and characters.
Problem at Pollensa Bay · ★
This story—which has nothing to do with Christie's usual mystery murder fare—stars Parker Pyne, another somewhat obscure detective character whom Christie used in just fourteen short stories. He is on holiday in Mallorca, and despite hoping for some peace and quiet, he is recognized and asked to sabotage a young romance by an overbearing and disapproving mother. I thought it incredibly predictable and trite.
Sanctuary · ★★★½
Bunch, an intuitive vicar's wife, finds a man dying on the chancel steps, and with his final words he asks for sanctuary. When his relatives arrive to pick up his few possessions, she senses that something is amiss, and turns to her Godmother for help, Miss Marple. Her involvement came as a surprise, because so far I'd only encountered her in Tuesday Night Club stories, but this continues the tradition of my enjoying mysteries she pops up in.
The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge · ★★★
Poirot can't investigate a murder case himself because he's still recovering from influenza, so he sends Hastings in his stead... but ends up solving the case from his bed. I may be warming up to Poirot, because this is the second one I've actually rather enjoyed, although I could've done without the put-on "poetic justice" ending.
The World's End · ★½
If I thought the other Mr. Quin story was too full of coincidences, then this was way past the point of my willingness to suspend disbelief. At least in The Coming of Mr. Quin all the involved parties had a reason to be together, and it was just his appearance that was very convenient, but here the most random yet unknowingly connected people just so happen to all meet in a remote village on a mountain in Corsica? Light is consequently shed on the conviction of a jewel thief the year before, and the implications are pretty upsetting, actually.
The Manhood of Edward Robinson · ★★
As far as Christie mysteries are concerned, this was on the light, humorous, and even romantic side—or what passed for romance in Christie's days, anyway. The protagonist leads a sensible, dull life with a sensible, dull fiancee, but fantasizes about an adventure as exciting as some of the plots of the romance novels he likes to read. When he wins some money in a competition and decides to buy a sleek car without consulting his fiancee, the adventure he dreams of soon ensues, and he comes out of it a bolder man.
Christmas Adventure · ★★★
This story was previously uncollected in the US, but don't get excited, Christie fans—it's just an early draft of the longer The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding. Since I haven't read that one, I had no expectations one way or the other, and rather enjoyed it, considering that it's a Poirot story; no investigating was actually involved in the solving of this "case", it was all clever psychology employed by a detective with a romantic streak.
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Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2020
Although I’d read the stories before it did not inhibit my enjoyment in reading them again. Still the queen of crime writers.
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