Reading the Detectives discussion

As there are 6 Miss Marple books left, we have decided to continue our Poirot/Marple Challenge for one more year. We hope you will approve. Below is a list of the books we are planning to read. Let me know any errors or comments before I put the challenge up later in the year.

Jan: Poirot: Peril at End House (1932)
Feb: Marple: A Pocket Full of Rye (1953)
March: Poirot: Lord Edgware Dies (1933)
April: Marple: 4:50 from Paddington (1957)
May: Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express (1934)
June: Marple: The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side (1961)
July: Poirot: Three Act Tragedy (1934)
August: Marple: A Caribbean Mystery (1964)
September: Poirot: Death in the Clouds (1935)
October: Marple: At Bertram’s Hotel (1965)
November: Poirot: The ABC Murders (1936)
December: Marple: Nemesis (1971)

Terrific! Some of my very favorite Poirot and Marple mysteries to look forward to, yay!

whoohoo!

Thank you so much for planning the challenge, Susan. Looks great!

Some BIG Poirot titles in there too.

Oooh, I know, can’t wait!

Good to hear, although we do need to think of something else for 2027. I know, but time passes so quickly!

Susan wrote: "Good to hear, although we do need to think of something else for 2027. I know, but time passes so quickly!"

True!

I will join in for a couple of these reads. I want to get back to Christie!

That's good to hear, Carol!

Sounds good

I am so glad-I've really enjoyed the chance to revisit old favourites in order of publication to see how the characters develop (even if there is no overarching story arc for the detectives as occurs in so many other series).

A great response. You can't go wrong with Christie. In case anyone missed it, there is a new book coming out by David Suchet:

Travels with Agatha Christie

In 1922, a young Agatha Christie, still at the dawn of her literary career, received an incredible opportunity. Britain was preparing for a grand festival - the British Empire Exhibition - to be held in Wembley in 1924. But such an ambitious event needed planning, and Agatha and her husband, Archie, were asked to help. Would they like to travel to different parts of the Empire to assist in its preparation? Naturally, their answer was a resounding yes.

Nearly a century later, the legendary Sir David Suchet and his wife Sheila were invited to retrace Agatha's remarkable journey. In Travels with Agatha Christie, Suchet - renowned for his iconic portrayal of Hercule Poirot - follows in Agatha's footsteps, visiting the diverse landscapes of South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Canada. With his trademark charm and warmth, and insightful reflections, David not only explores the enduring legacy of the British Empire but also uncovers the profound impact these travels had on a young Agatha Christie, shaping her future as the Queen of Crime.

Rich with personal anecdotes, David's own stunning photography and fascinating history, Travels with Agatha Christie offers a fresh, intimate look at the woman behind the distinguished mysteries. Through David's eyes, we gain a deeper understanding of Agatha's early writing, her love for adventure and the lasting influence of her travels on her creative journey. A captivating blend of history, travel and personal insight, this book reveals a side of Agatha Christie that few know.

Out at the end of October. Perfect for a Christmas stocking - Goldsboro Books have signed copies if anyone is interested.

Ok, would it be lame if someone stuffed their own stocking with this book? Asking for a friend…;o)

I think it's an excellent idea!

Not at all. I ordered a signed copy from the wonderful Goldboro Books. I actually visited the bookshop for the first time a few weeks ago and highly recommend it for anyone in London. It's not a 'normal' bookshop as they have all signed books. I believe they are at Capital Crime - a London event I haven't been to before, but I intend to go next year, so I will report back.

Susan wrote: "Not at all. I ordered a signed copy from the wonderful Goldboro Books. I actually visited the bookshop for the first time a few weeks ago and highly recommend it for anyone in London. It's not a 'n..."

Capital Crime? I think British Library Crime Classics had a similar title for a short story collection, definitely intriguing…Oh yes, you must attend if at all possible and report back!

Susan wrote: "A great response. You can't go wrong with Christie. In case anyone missed it, there is a new book coming out by David Suchet:

Travels with Agatha Christie [bookcover:Travels with ..."

Weird. It comes out on kindle here at the end of the month but the hardcover doesn't come out until January.

I think we have all given up trying to guess publishers' plans on both sides of the pond, Jan. Who knows what holds these books up?

Our 2026 challenge books:

Jan: Poirot: Peril at End House (1932)
Feb: Marple: A Pocket Full of Rye (1953)
March: Poirot: Lord Edgware Dies (1933)
April: Marple: 4:50 from Paddington (1957)
May: Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express (1934)
June: Marple: The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side (1961)
July: Poirot: Three Act Tragedy (1934)
August: Marple: A Caribbean Mystery (1964)
September: Poirot: Death in the Clouds (1935)
October: Marple: At Bertram’s Hotel (1965)
November: Poirot: The ABC Murders (1936)
December: Marple: Nemesis (1971)

I have put the challenge up now, so members can join in January. Let me know if there are any errors.

Looks terrific to me, thanks again, mods, for continuing the Christie challenge. We’re all avid readers, of course, but bound to run into a few stinkers and the occasional slump, where nothing appeals; knowing there’s an upcoming Christie I can dive into perks me up!

She's still the Queen of Crime for sure!

I approve!! And vow to be here for it

I love this challenge!

Good to hear!