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mwalkerelders's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia, Racial slurs, Racism, and Classism
ulrikedg's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Secret of Chimneys is the first Superintendent Battle book, and Battle is barely in it. This isn't really a criticism as the main character, Anthony Cade, is quite fun. I enjoyed the mysteries and the little twists.
Audiobook narrator Hugh Fraser is excellent.
Note: I read the dual edition The Secret of Chimneys & A Murder is Announced, but I wanted to track & review the two books separately.
Audiobook narrator Hugh Fraser is excellent.
Note: I read the dual edition The Secret of Chimneys & A Murder is Announced, but I wanted to track & review the two books separately.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
aemsea26's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
4.5
This is a reread for me, listened on audio read by Hugh Fraser (aka Captain Hastings). I love Agatha Christie, even though her attitudes about "foreigners" (including Americans) sets my teeth on edge. I think I like this better reading as a physical book but I think that's because it took me so long to finish listening, some of the earlier parts were less clear.
bethpeninger's review against another edition
2.0
This was not a favorite. And it was one of Christie's earliest published books so I do think she was still finding her way with her style, her characters, and her storylines.
Anthony Cade has been asked to deliver some scandalous papers to a newspaper and the newspaper isn't the only interested party. Some other letters become a feature in this story when a woman is blackmailed over them even though they are not hers. Cade and this woman, Virginia Revel, are thrown together over a dead body and the simultaneous blackmailing and the much-sought-after scandalous papers. Superintendent Battle is introduced in this first of five titles he appears to investigate the multiple things going on. Another character, Bundle, is introduced in this title and will appear in book 2 as well.
This felt like a long read, much longer than it actually was. I think that was due to the multiple things going on. What I did enjoy about it was the introduction of Superintendent Battle and Bundle. I also enjoyed reading about the dynamic that Christie utilizes in later titles as well between male and female characters.
Anthony Cade has been asked to deliver some scandalous papers to a newspaper and the newspaper isn't the only interested party. Some other letters become a feature in this story when a woman is blackmailed over them even though they are not hers. Cade and this woman, Virginia Revel, are thrown together over a dead body and the simultaneous blackmailing and the much-sought-after scandalous papers. Superintendent Battle is introduced in this first of five titles he appears to investigate the multiple things going on. Another character, Bundle, is introduced in this title and will appear in book 2 as well.
This felt like a long read, much longer than it actually was. I think that was due to the multiple things going on. What I did enjoy about it was the introduction of Superintendent Battle and Bundle. I also enjoyed reading about the dynamic that Christie utilizes in later titles as well between male and female characters.
starry098's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Racial slurs and Sexism
Minor: Kidnapping
kouw's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I know people are very down on this one, but I thought it very amusing. It's like the other two before this very romoy and lighthearted, feels much inspired by cinema of the day and has again that Wodehousian feel to it. I thought it was fun.
heartofsword's review against another edition
5.0
Plot wise, this book is okay. Personally whenever Agatha Christie writes a spy plot they become too fantastical for me. The best part about this book are the characters; right from the amateur detective Anthony Cade to the spirited Virginia Revel who lets herself be blackmailed solely because she has never been blackmailed before. Can't beat that. And Lord Caterham, Bundle are just as delightful. And how I wish there were more books about Superintendent Battle.
samiwise's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
chrisannee's review against another edition
3.0
The resolution was a bit conspicuous by the half-way point. But I still loved the characters she created and enjoyed the journey. Not her best, but not terrible at all.
ebecks3's review against another edition
3.0
This book was meh... I have been feeling that way about these Agatha Christie books that are published posthumously. I liked the twist. I was invested in the story. But I didn’t feel anything more than this was a nice way to pass my time and what am I going to read next. Hopefully when I read Miss Marple later this year, it be feel more like “And Then There Were None” or “A Mysterious Affair at Styles”