So, squiders, one of my “resolutions” for the year is to read more of the books I have sitting around. Specifically the books I keep picking up at library book sales.
It tickles me eternally that, as an adult, I like to talk about books when I hated it so much in high school.
If you guys have been around, you know I love mysteries in general and Agatha Christie in particular, so I never miss an opportunity if I see one sitting around.
Title: The Body in the Library
Author: Agatha Christie
Genre: Mystery
Publication Year: 1942
Pros: Fast read, has Miss Marple
Cons: Meanders a bit in the middle
If I had to pick between Poirot or Miss Marple I’ll go Miss Marple every time. I like the deviation from your standard mystery protagonist. And I don’t mean that she’s an older woman, though I do appreciate that as well, since older women are rarely included in most novels, and certainly not as the protagonist. I mean she rarely actively sleuths; she just picks things up through gossip and knowledge of human nature. The quintessential armchair detective.
This is the second Miss Marple novel I’ve read, I believe, though I’ve read a number of short stories. She’s not actually that active in the book–a lot of chapters are from other points of view, such as the inspectors’ working on the case or other side characters–but she does figure it out, all the same, and sets up an elaborate plot to catch the murderer in the act, which I’ll admit is one of my favorite mystery tropes.
I also appreciate that the other characters in the book, especially the police, respect her and her abilities, instead of writing her off.
Is there anything special here? Not especially. It’s not one of her twistier plots. But it’s a fast read (I read it in about two hours total), it’s entertaining, and it includes this bit of dialogue:
Miss Marple said doubtfully, “Of course, dear, if you think I can be of any comfort to you–“
“Oh, I don’t want comfort. But you’re so good at bodies.”
Page 13 in my copy, The Body in the Library, Agatha Christie
I laughed out loud. I’ll admit it.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. Read almost anything by Agatha Christie (except The Passenger to Frankfurt, which is one of her last books and is a bit unfocused in general).
(As an aside, my copy’s cover has a body stuck in a bookcase that is obviously shorter than said body, which amuses me greatly. Someone took the title very literally and obviously did not read the book.)
Read this book? What did you think? Opinions on Agatha Christie in general? Miss Marple or Poirot?
