Tag: books
At Bertram’s Hotel by Agatha Christie – Book Review
One of Christie’s more unusual novels, this later-day Miss Marple mystery has a memorable setting and some interesting ideas, but it’s held back by a lack of focus and its various elements don’t quite gel together.
The Way Home: Tales from a life without technology by Mark Boyle – Book Review
After reading this book I can safely say that I’m not cut out for a life without technology, but regardless, this memoir of a year lived without the basic modern conveniences and ubiquitous technological connections was a fascinating and thought-provoking read.
Towards Zero by Agatha Christie – Book Review
The biggest surprise of re-reading this book was discovering that, contrary to my memory, it wasn’t actually a Poirot novel. In many respects it feels like it should have been a Poirot mystery, since the setting and the psychology behind the murder feel like such a natural fit for the little Belgian.
Sliver by Ira Levin – Book Review
Sliver is one of Ira Levin’s lesser-known and perhaps lesser novels, but there are plenty of reasons why I keep coming back to it when I want a quick and easy re-read. It’s amazing to think that this tense thriller was written before the explosion of reality TV and modern day anxieties about video surveillance and privacy.
Top Ten Tuesday – Bookish Memories
Another Top Ten Tuesday list, organised by That Artsy Reader Girl – this week’s topic is Bookish Memories. I really enjoyed compiling this one and travelling down the memory lane!
Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie – Book Review
This collection of short stories, first published in 1924 and featuring Christie’s own Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, may not be as satisfying as Christie’s Poirot novels, but it showcases the future Queen of Crime honing her craft.
After the Funeral by Agatha Christie – Book Review
One of my personal favourites, After the Funeral may not have the sort of shocking and daring high-concept solution that marks Christie’s most popular novels, but for me it’s simply a great example of the Queen of Crime excelling at her craft.
They Do It With Mirrors by Agatha Christie – Book Review
An earlier Miss Marple mystery that I pretty much completely forgot. There’s nothing particularly wrong with it, but there’s also little to make it stand out in the series with so many memorable entries. It could unkindly be called Christie-by-numbers.
Top Ten Tuesday – Bookish Pet Peeves
Top Ten Tuesday weekly meme resides at That Artsy Reader Girl – see the link for the rules. I’ve seen it pop up many times on the blogs that I follow, and I thought that since I love reading and compiling lists, I should finally jump in and participate! This week’s topic is Bookish Pet Peeves, basically a chance to rant about the things that ruin the reading experience.
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