Customer Reviews

A Holiday for Murder

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This book's dedication to her brother-in-law includes Christie's words, " ... You complained that my murders were getting too refined - anaemic, in fact? You yearned for a "good violent murder with lots of blood". ... So, this is your special story -- written for you. ..."

This is a unusual story format for Agatha Christie, as it includes not only a violent bloody murder but also a "locked room" murder at a family gathering for Christmas. The seven sections are named for the seven days around Christmas December 22nd to December 28th. It takes over 1/4 of the novel to set the background before the murder occurs.

As with other Christie stories, the text is divided into relatively short sections, and the story is presented in a gentle, cozy mystery, fashion despite the bloody murder. The reader, with any hope of solving the mystery, needs to pay careful attention not only to the cast of characters but to all the facts presented. Although, even with careful attention, its likely the dénoûment will surprise most readers.

As with other Bantam books in this series, the font is comfortable, the book is "right-sized" for easy carrying and reading - although a bit smaller than most trade hard covers, and the margins leave plenty of room for notes.

Unlike, the prefatory material in some other novels in this series, e.g., A Caribbean Mystery, a cast of character is not provided, so here is one I hope will help make this novel a tad easier to follow:

Location: Gorston Hall

Cast of Characters:

Simon Lee - Father and wealthy owner of Gorston Hall, initially made his fortune in South Africa

Simon Lee's Children:

Sons:

-- Alfred (wife Lydia) live with at Gorston Hall with Simon Lee

-- David (wife Hilda) mediocre artist, loved his mother and disliked how his father treated her.

-- George (wife Magdalene) M.P. from Westeringham

-- Henry (unwed) disreputable prodigal son, returns after extended absence of many years, in response to an invitation from his father, Simon Lee.

Daughter:

-- Jennifer (married a Spanish artist) she is now deceased

Granddaughter:

-- Pilar Estravados (Jennifer's attractive, orphaned daughter) arrives from overseas in response to an invitation from her grandfather, Simon Lee

Guest:

-- Stephen Farr (son of Simon Lee's old partner in Kimberley, Ebenezer Farr) unexpected but invited to stay for Christmas by Simon Lee

Servants:

-- Tressilian (Loyal butler)

-- Horbury (Manservant, personal servant for Simon Lee)

-- Others, mentioned but in relatively minimal detail

Police:

-- Colonel Johnson, Chief Constable of Middleshire

-- Superintendant Sugden

Detective:

-- Hercule Poirot (visiting Colonel Johnson)