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The Mysterious Mr. Quin (Harley Quin)
A conjurer of skill with an instinct for detection, Mr. Harley Quin has an almost magical flair for appearing at the scene of the most remarkable crimes. But is it just a trick of light that haunts his shadow with a ghostly apparition? Is it fate that invites him to a New Year's Eve murder? And what forces are at work when his car breaks down outside Royston Hall, an isola...more
Mass Market Paperback, 250 pages
Published
1990
by Fontana/Collins
(first published April 1930)
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What did I think?! Answer: Eww -_-
I'll say just two points:-
1- Christie wrote this book when she was a beginner.
2- If not so, then my copy is not the original text :p
w a5tem klamy b 7asbya Allah w Ne3ma Alwakeel!
I'll say just two points:-
1- Christie wrote this book when she was a beginner.
2- If not so, then my copy is not the original text :p
w a5tem klamy b 7asbya Allah w Ne3ma Alwakeel!
The best thing that Christie ever wrote.
Mr. Satterthwaite is our guide into an upper class world of murder, deceit and property. An old man, he is Poirot without the little grey cells, or Miss Marple without the ability to apply his strong observational skills to problems, and is mostly content to be an observer of life rather than to take part in it.
All this changes when the highly mysterious Mr. Harley Quin arrives on the scene. Odd and unusual, where he goes drama follows, leaving Mr. Sattert...more
Mr. Satterthwaite is our guide into an upper class world of murder, deceit and property. An old man, he is Poirot without the little grey cells, or Miss Marple without the ability to apply his strong observational skills to problems, and is mostly content to be an observer of life rather than to take part in it.
All this changes when the highly mysterious Mr. Harley Quin arrives on the scene. Odd and unusual, where he goes drama follows, leaving Mr. Sattert...more
This was a very easy read for me. I liked the fact that Mr. Satterthwaite's reaction on seeing Mr. Quin is not, "Oh no, it's you again! What new bad thing is going to happen NOW?" but more on the lines of "Oooooh what new exciting game are we going to play? Can I be the hero again, can I?" Actually it's not thaaat fatuous, but I really liked the fact that Satterthwaite's open reaction to Mr. Quin's sudden appearance is to rejoice that he can take centerstage in the drama of life as opposed to be...more
One of my favorite collection of short stories, all tied together around the realm of the harlequinade as experienced by the dapper, if wizened, Mr. Satterthwaite.
As others have mentioned, there's no sense of strain in these stories, no sense that the beloved by many, Agatha Christie, had problems matching Mr. Quin to his supernatural side, by bringing in the ever curious Mr. Satterthwaite to help bring walking spirits to rest, perhaps bring the guilty to justice, and even to help the lonely dis...more
As others have mentioned, there's no sense of strain in these stories, no sense that the beloved by many, Agatha Christie, had problems matching Mr. Quin to his supernatural side, by bringing in the ever curious Mr. Satterthwaite to help bring walking spirits to rest, perhaps bring the guilty to justice, and even to help the lonely dis...more
Splatterfyllda deckarthrillers i all ära, men jag har alltid haft en svaghet för mysiga mysterieromaner i stil med Agatha Christie och sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Mest känd är Christie förstås för sina karaktärer miss Marple och den mustaschprydde belgaren Hercule Poirot, men den mystiske mr. Harley Quin får också agera problemlösare i ett antal noveller. I denna samling från 1930 möter vi tolv fall.
Mr. Quin är en underlig, närmast övernaturlig karaktär som då och då gör entré i huvudpersonen mr. S...more
Mr. Quin är en underlig, närmast övernaturlig karaktär som då och då gör entré i huvudpersonen mr. S...more
As this is a collection of short stories, there is no one first sentence.
Mr. Satterthwaite, although 62 years old, is described as a dried-up man; views on age have changed over time. He is wealthy, loves the good things in life, definitively British and is a keen observer of people. The last attribute increases with each encounter with Mr. Harley Quinn.
Mr. Quinn is a gentleman of mystery: Is he real with supernatural powers, or Ms. Christie’s very own, and very different version of Holmes. Q...more
Mr. Satterthwaite, although 62 years old, is described as a dried-up man; views on age have changed over time. He is wealthy, loves the good things in life, definitively British and is a keen observer of people. The last attribute increases with each encounter with Mr. Harley Quinn.
Mr. Quinn is a gentleman of mystery: Is he real with supernatural powers, or Ms. Christie’s very own, and very different version of Holmes. Q...more
I am going to give this collection of short stories 5 stars because I truly cannot find fault with it. I just reviewed The Labours of Hercules and remarked that sometimes Christie had to force the stories to fit the theme, to their detriment. With Mr. Quin, there is no such strain--the overarching motif (stories with a touch of the supernatural and the whimsical) is elastic enough to accommodate a fine variety of excellent stories. I think this collection is unique in that Dame Agatha had the ch...more
The Mysterious Mr. Quin is not one of Christie's most well know books. A collection of bizarre, bittersweet tales starring Mr. Satterthwaite, an elderly observer of life. He is a refined old gent who knows all about the complexities of life and love but has never experienced them for his own. Mr. Satterthwaite is haunted, not only by his barely-realised sense of regret but also by a mysterious man known as Mr. Quin, a man who "speaks for the dead" and "comes and goes" as they need him. Mr. Quin...more
Dec 08, 2010
mark monday
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
choose-ur-adventure,
i-gave-up
Choose Your Own Adventure!
You are the Mysterious Mr. Quinn. You are ever so mysterious. And yet you do not really hold a candle to Poirot or Marple or even the Tuppences. Your adventures are boring; your mysteries are trite. You are an Unfinished Book.
If you decide you want some hot Belgian action, choose http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
If you decide some risky cougar-type activities are in order, choose http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
You are the Mysterious Mr. Quinn. You are ever so mysterious. And yet you do not really hold a candle to Poirot or Marple or even the Tuppences. Your adventures are boring; your mysteries are trite. You are an Unfinished Book.
If you decide you want some hot Belgian action, choose http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
If you decide some risky cougar-type activities are in order, choose http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I find myself rather mixed about these short stories after rereading them. The positive is that the Mr. Quin stories show what a deft hand at suspense and atmosphere Christie had within her writing. Some of these tales are rather chilling and left me feeling unsettled. The downside is that when all the stories are placed together, the formula within them is easy to see, there is always a love triangle of some point and women in some form or another are always a mysterious other. The narration, M...more
The early books of Agatha Christie are interesting in that they show the author still experimenting with the form of the classic mystery novel. These books give a fleeting taste of a writer who eventually hit upon a wildly successful formula, one from which her publishers rarely let her deviate. The Mysterious Mr. Quin, published in 1930, is a series of interconnected short stories set variously in the country houses and luxurious vacation spots of the wealthy, or those who wish to prey upon the...more
Opinião no blog http://howtoliveathousandlives.blogsp...
Uma coletânea de estórias com a participação da personagem mais peculiar de todo o universo de Agatha Christie: Mr. Harley Quin. Nada é sabido acerca da origem de Mr. Quin, as suas motivações não são claras e maneira como surge inesperadamente no centro de um mistério é no mínimo intrigante. Esta personagem é, no fundo, uma incógnita! Mas é isto que o torna tão fascinante.
A sua relação com Mr. Satterthwaite é invulgar e engraçada: Mr. Quin...more
Uma coletânea de estórias com a participação da personagem mais peculiar de todo o universo de Agatha Christie: Mr. Harley Quin. Nada é sabido acerca da origem de Mr. Quin, as suas motivações não são claras e maneira como surge inesperadamente no centro de um mistério é no mínimo intrigante. Esta personagem é, no fundo, uma incógnita! Mas é isto que o torna tão fascinante.
A sua relação com Mr. Satterthwaite é invulgar e engraçada: Mr. Quin...more
One of my favorite book of all time by AC.
To be honest, I don't expect AC to put elements of superstitious and supernatural in her books, let alone the character of the angel of death itself!
But, she did!
Mr Quin was potrayed as the angel of death in the end, but prior to the final stories in this book, readers will assume Mr Quin as an angel, who tasted danger and malice wherever he appeared.
Mr. Satterthwaite on the other hand, was the storyteller, the one who moved the propeller and push it to...more
To be honest, I don't expect AC to put elements of superstitious and supernatural in her books, let alone the character of the angel of death itself!
But, she did!
Mr Quin was potrayed as the angel of death in the end, but prior to the final stories in this book, readers will assume Mr Quin as an angel, who tasted danger and malice wherever he appeared.
Mr. Satterthwaite on the other hand, was the storyteller, the one who moved the propeller and push it to...more
I have always been a fan of Agatha Christie and as I have made my way through all of her books, I have begun to notice pattern between them. The style of the mysteries is always the same. This book took me by surprise because it is so different from the rest of her works. I started reading with the assumption that Mr. Harley Quin would be the "detective" and the stories would be told from his point of view. I'm glad that I was completely wrong. All of the stories are told from the point of view...more
Cerita-cerita misteri menurut saya, salah satu genre yang sangat saya suka, menarik dan mengasikkan. Layaknya genre fantasi, misteri, dapat membangkitkan imajinasi dan rasa ingin tahu. Begitu lah yang saya temukan selama membaca karangan misteri.
Novel ini merupakan novel Agatha Christie pertama saya dan novel ini merupakan kumpulan kisah dua tokoh central dengan berbagai macam misteri yang harus dipecahkan. Di novel ini, misteri yang teramu tidak terlalu mendalam dan mencekam. Tidak seperti kis...more
Novel ini merupakan novel Agatha Christie pertama saya dan novel ini merupakan kumpulan kisah dua tokoh central dengan berbagai macam misteri yang harus dipecahkan. Di novel ini, misteri yang teramu tidak terlalu mendalam dan mencekam. Tidak seperti kis...more
Something different from Agatha Christie. These are short stories, about old murders, and other unsolved mysteries. They are solved by old Mr. Satterhwaite, and the mysterious Mr. Quin. There is a touch of the "supernatural" in these stories, in that Mr. Quin always turns up at the right moment to spur Mr. Satterhwaite to take action.
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1930, sentimental, slightly spooky short stories tied together very loosely via protagonists (Harley Quin and Mr. Satterthwaite) and themes (how meeting someone can change a life, at any moment, for almost any reason, sometimes just in the nick of time). Not really a true novel, but an interesting grouping of stories that reflect popular philosophy/attitudes at the time; many of these now seem very innocent in tone, at least superficially - don't be fooled... Some stories are three stars, a coup...more
"A short story collection, quite different than most other Christie works. Agatha stresses mysterious atmosphere and supernatural elements inspired by the Harlequin, as well as fate and romance that accompany that character. To that effect, the central "detective" as it is, is old, wrinkled up Mr. Satterthwaite. He is a bit of a snob, but likeable enough and with the aide of the titular character, is able to solve mysteries, reunite lovers, prevent death, and generally enjoy life as a doer rathe...more
A short story collection, quite different than most other Christie works. Agatha stresses mysterious atmosphere and supernatural elements inspired by the Harlequin, as well as fate and romance that accompany that character. To that effect, the central "detective" as it is, is old, wrinkled up Mr. Satterthwaite. He is a bit of a snob, but likeable enough and with the aide of the titular character, is able to solve mysteries, reunite lovers, prevent death, and generally enjoy life as a doer rather...more
Brittany and I picked out a few audiotapes for a road trip we took a couple of weeks ago, and this is the only one that I continued to listen to after the trip. The fact that it is a collection of short stories made it easier to listen to during my commute to and from work.
My biggest complaint about the book is that there isn't enough variety in the tales. There are 12 stories, and all have the same general theme. I'm not sure if I would feel the same way if I was reading it instead of listening...more
My biggest complaint about the book is that there isn't enough variety in the tales. There are 12 stories, and all have the same general theme. I'm not sure if I would feel the same way if I was reading it instead of listening...more
The Mysterious Mr. Quin by Agatha Christie
Bantam Books, 1930
234 pages
Mystery
3/5 stars
British Book Challenge
Source: Library
Summary: A collection of short stories featuring Mr. Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin as they unravel various mysteries.
Thoughts: I wasn't sure what this was as I am just endeavoring to read every Agatha Christie. I was pleased to discover that they were short stories because I usually enjoy her short story collections. I was less pleased with the mysteries on offer and I ended up...more
Bantam Books, 1930
234 pages
Mystery
3/5 stars
British Book Challenge
Source: Library
Summary: A collection of short stories featuring Mr. Satterthwaite and Mr. Quin as they unravel various mysteries.
Thoughts: I wasn't sure what this was as I am just endeavoring to read every Agatha Christie. I was pleased to discover that they were short stories because I usually enjoy her short story collections. I was less pleased with the mysteries on offer and I ended up...more
This book is actually more like a collection of short stories rather than a complete novel, even though the two main character, Mr Quin and Mr Satterthwaite, provide a nice continuity between all the various mysteries. As with all of Christie's short story collection this book has it highlights - The Coming of Mr Quin, The Shadow on the Glass and The Dead Harlequin - and the not so impressive lowlights - The Face of Helen and The Soul of the Croupier. The strangest point for me within this entir...more
Harley Quin is one of my favorite Agatha Christie characters and her least known. Along with his friend, Mr. Sattherhwaite, they solve little mysteries....or do they? Mr. Quin suddenly appears on the scene no matter where it may be whenever Mr. Sattherwhaite is faced with a problem such as murder or theft. Is he real or is he a figment of his friend's imagination. He suggests solutions and leads Mr. Sattherhwaite to the solving of the crime(s). Christie implies that he may be almost a supernatur...more
I love the concept behind this collection of short stories, but what a shame agatha is always so heavy handed! Each tale featured the words 'harelequin' or 'motley' at least once and really, calling him Mr Harley Quin was surely just a bit OTT? Add to that his 'owning' Harelequin street/Lovers Lane and staying at the Arlecchino and it's all a bit much. That said, I do love the concept, and I think Mr Satterthwaite is my favourite Christie character yet. There's something so fabulous about the pr...more
my FAVORITE of the christie mysteries. so original...i've never been as intrigued and made slightly uncomfortable by a mystery both at once.
I would've given this book a much higher rating, but for the ending, which I really didn't like or understand. Overall, it was interesting. It was a series of short stories about Mr. Quin and Mr. Satterthwaite. They were each interesting and unique, and involved a different set of characters. It was well-written, and for the most part, fairly riveting. My only complaints are the ending, and the fact that, because it was a set of short stories and you could take breaks in between them and not fee...more
I love short stories and this collection from Agatha Christie are unlike any of her work that I have read previously. Mr. Harley Quin is a mysterious figure who suddenly emerges and then disappears from the stories and may, or may not, be supernatural. The central character is Mr. Satterthwaite, is a wealthy, elderly English gentlemen who drifts through each year traveling around England, the Continent, and hitting a few other pleasure spots. Along the way, Mr. Satterthwaite is confronted with c...more
Apr 14, 2013
Kitty Skinner
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mystery,
magic-realism
This is actually a collection of short stories rather than a novel. Each takes place through the eyes of Mr. Satterthwaite, who with the assistance of a mysterious character, Mr. Harley Quin, is able to see things and bring themvto the proper conclusion. Satterthwaite is said to be elderly (in his sixties), and though he knows a great many people, is more of an observer than a participant of life. Mr. Quin is a man who "comes and goes",but is always there when Mr. Satterthwaite keen insight into...more
This is a series of short stories in which an elderly and sometimes regret-filled Mr. Satterthwaite moves among his wealthy acquaintances to figure out various murders, save lives and generally ferret out their deepest thoughts. In what seems to be a case of mutual worldwide stalking, Mr. Satterthwaite runs into Mr. Quin like clockwork, and it's is the discussions between the two gentlemen that point the way to an answer.
Though these stories usually run to about twenty pages each, they are satis...more
Agatha Christie dedicated this book "To Harlequin, The Invisible", because the character Mr. Harley Quin is her favorite.
This book was wonderful and quite different from anything else by Agatha Christie. It is an extremely surreal collection of stories about a very mysterious stranger, Mr. Quin, who happens to dramatically change the lives of the people that he and his friend, Mr. Satterthwaite, come in contact with. These stories are exquisitely haunting tales, and I would recommend this book t...more
This book was wonderful and quite different from anything else by Agatha Christie. It is an extremely surreal collection of stories about a very mysterious stranger, Mr. Quin, who happens to dramatically change the lives of the people that he and his friend, Mr. Satterthwaite, come in contact with. These stories are exquisitely haunting tales, and I would recommend this book t...more
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Agatha Christie also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and was occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller was born in Torquay, Devon, England, U.K., as the youngest of three. The Millers had two other children: Margaret Frary Miller (1879–1950), called Madge, who was eleven years Agatha's senior, and Louis Montant Miller (1880...more
More about Agatha Christie...
Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller was born in Torquay, Devon, England, U.K., as the youngest of three. The Millers had two other children: Margaret Frary Miller (1879–1950), called Madge, who was eleven years Agatha's senior, and Louis Montant Miller (1880...more
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