Customer Reviews

Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective (The Agatha Christie Mystery Collection)

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These stories are unusual for Agatha Christie in that they are well-thought-out and well-written. Much of her more popular stuff, particularly Poirot and Marple, was dashed off to keep things on the boil and many of them are, in my view, not worth reading. The Parker Pyne stories are different, but I will never understand why he is referred to as a detective. This gentleman is a former British Civil Servant who sets up an agency - an agency to help people with their problems - real or imaginary. So, I guess he's a bit like an agony aunt, but his solutions are real! For example, he fixes it for people very bored with their lives to have some excitement - using actors - but it seems real to the individual. He sorts out errant husbands - and wives, he even finds a way to make a miserable wealthy woman happy, living in relative poverty. Parker Pyne has a novel approach to fees, he charges what people can afford to pay. This is usually done by getting the client to unwittingly perform some service for a paying customer. In some cases this leads to the client getting paid! All in all, these are little morality plays, handled with great humour, skill, and compassion. They may be a bit innocent for modern tastes but I have read them many times and still enjoy them. Sex and violence are not essential to a good read. There are 14 stories in all, so find an edition that has them all if you can.

Wish to check on your husband? Need to get rid of a stolen diamond ring? Seek excitement-even danger? Then consult Mr Parker Pyne, Detective. Agatha's famous and unorthodox gentlman of mystery...who goes around the world to solve the most bizarre and startling crimes of his unique career.