STORY SUMMARY
Miss Marple's friend Ruth, the sister to the owner of Stoneygates, has asked Jane (Miss Marple) to visit Carrie Louise. Carrie is married to Lewis Serrocold and it's her 3rd husband. Stoneygates was started by her first husband with the last name Gulbrandson. It is a rehabilitation center for juvenile delinquents (the term used in the 1940s for troubled teenaged boys). Ruth says, after visiting her sister Carrie Louise, that something odd and troubling is going on at Stoneygates and she wants Jane Marple to use her sleuthing skills to figure it out.
Jane senses danger as soon as she visits her old friend Carrie Louise. Her fears become reality when the administrator (Carrie's husband Lewis) is shot at! He isn't injured (miraculously) but a mysterious visitor is less fortunate. Christian Gulbrandson, a son of the long deceased first husband of Carrie Louise, is found dead in another part of the mansion.....while at the same time, the family who are gathered in the Great Hall, hear the shots fired at Lewis!
Miss Marple does not think this is a coincidence. She is going to use all of her skills, along with those of the local constable, to figure out who shot Christian....why he was visiting in the first place....and who would want him dead?
MY THOUGHTS
This, so far, is my favorite Miss Marple book. The character development is rich and in some cases humorous. Christie really knows how to develop characters and I really thought each member of the family minus Carrie Louise, could have been the murderer. I won't reveal it but it didn't surprise me really once it was revealed.
The setting is interesting and although there are a lot of characters in this story...and some are related in round about ways....it's not confusing to keep track of.
There was one quote that jumped out at me:
" " We're all mad, dear lady," he said as he ushered her in through the door. "That's the secret of existence. We're all a little mad." " (pg 53, They Do It With Mirrors by Agatha Christie, c. 1952)
If you like Agatha Christie books and you want something short and fast paced, this mystery is for you!
In my opinion, this book is approriate for ages 12 and older.
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I rate this a 10.
1 comment:
Hi Faith! You always do such lovely reviews! I haven't read this Agatha Christie book. I have several on my "to read" shelf, but haven't got to them yet. Hope you are having a good week.
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