An intriguing homage that stirs the imagination of the amateur sleuth in all of us Suspicions, deadlines and a real life mystery that still baffles meld perfectly in this entertaining hunt into the past that follows the voice of Agatha Christie as she confesses all that transpired and her puzzling silence to the world concerning eleven days back in December 1926. A most sensitive case that Christie herself would not even mention in her own autobiography but somebody knows the truth and special arrangements have been kept and decades have passed since the death of the clever writer. The time has come for a tale rife with psychological twisted pressures and a guide who has a mind and talent for murder and concealing secrets. The beginning of the narrative is innocent as can be but as the events are pushed in the direction of dangerous doubt, the reader is inevitably invited to sit back and observe the rest of the public and many professions speculate and search for clues to the famed author’s whereabouts. This is deftly accomplished by looking in periodically with Superintendent William Kenward, the deputy chief constable who is determined to see to the end and answer: does this case concern inescapable madness, murder or simple explanations? The mystery alone stirs the amateur sleuth in all of us as we know the truth but still hold our breath along with two more views that add to what it would have been like to open the newspaper everyday to find out about a newly discovered scuff on a dirt road or vague conversation with a trembling woman who may or not be Agatha Christie. In this element, the actual known details are cunningly scattered throughout and those little tidbits of specifics are sure to fascinate and compound racing emotions until the final page. For this reader, as entertaining with actual facts and creative with the still unknown to happenings in 1926, I would have liked more era slang tossed in or additional touches of the always popular locale spread into the back ground. To be honest, if I had not already been familiar with the 1926 disappearance of Agatha Christie by watching a mini summary of the case and base facts many years ago, I would have unfortunately thought this novel set in mid-century America. The side story of the female hobby reporter also added to my list of negatives sadly, I saw the importance of the character but those chapters didn’t seem as polished as Christie’s narrative and took away from the built-up suspense by repeating specifics the reader just finished reviewing in other parts. Irksome negatives aside, I still think A Talent for Murder is one novel that definitely deserves attention and praise. It not only leaves the reader with a temptation to challenge their own little grey cells in solving an unsolved mystery (or two) but it also gently nudges those to take a second glance at the library shelves or sale tables and reacquaint themselves with the Queen of Crime. * I would like to thank Atria Books and NetGalley for opportunity to read and enjoy A Talent for Murder -EGP/January 2017 Comments are closed.
|
Currently Reading:
Also listening to:
Disclaimers
In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I disclose how I obtained every title for review at As The Final Page Turns (whether that be by ARC, purchased (on nook, kindle or specially ordered hardbacks) Audible version or simply borrowed at my local library). Please note: titles reviewed that are ARCS (Advanced Reader Copies) are free review copies of books that are given by publishers (these ARCS can be found at NetGalley or Edelweiss). Categories
All
28th of January 2023) NOTES/COMBINATIONS and Stones CURRENTLY ON THE HUNT FOR: Naughty Licorice/Star Anise Cardamom Cardamom Cake with Roses Smoky Honey & Leather Leather and Florals Pomegranate Colder Tuberose scents Smoked Florals with Cinnamon and Honey Graham Cracker and Incense Double strand of Rose Quartz or Moonstones or Black Tourmaline Chainmaille Jewellery Houses of Fragrance and Interest on the Horizon (shops that contain such temptations): LurkerAndStrange Good Spirit Wolf Rapt In Maille ToadStoolSoaps DSH Perfume Baphomet&Co Harvest Moon Haven Granny Hootenanny's Shop
|