What do you think?
Rate this book
Harley Quin #6
The Man from the Sea - a Harley Quin Short Story
Mr. Satterthwaite has left the French Mediterranean coast for one of the Spanish islands and, soon after arrival, he's out exploring the surroundings near his hotel. He encounters Anthony Cosden just as the man is about to leap to his death from a high cliff into the sea. Apparently this was not his first attempt at suicide; only yesterday he had been stopped by a man who, by his description, seems to have been Harley Quin! Could it be?
Can Satterthwaite and Quin bring happiness back to a poor man’s life?
Librarian's note #1: this short story was published in Britannia and Eve magazine (1929) and then in the print anthology The Mysterious Mr. Quin which was first published in 1930.
Librarian's note #2: the print anthology contains 12 Mr. Quin short stories. Besides those, there are two more found in other collections: The Love Detectives, and The Harlequin Tea Set. Mr. Satterthwaite also appears in Three Act Tragedy and Dead Man's Mirror. All by Agatha Christie, of course!
Librarian's note #3: the entries for all fourteen Mr. Quin short stories can be found on GR by searching for: a Harley Quin short story. Or for Harley Quin. Details such as characters and settings are included for each.
Can Satterthwaite and Quin bring happiness back to a poor man’s life?
Librarian's note #1: this short story was published in Britannia and Eve magazine (1929) and then in the print anthology The Mysterious Mr. Quin which was first published in 1930.
Librarian's note #2: the print anthology contains 12 Mr. Quin short stories. Besides those, there are two more found in other collections: The Love Detectives, and The Harlequin Tea Set. Mr. Satterthwaite also appears in Three Act Tragedy and Dead Man's Mirror. All by Agatha Christie, of course!
Librarian's note #3: the entries for all fourteen Mr. Quin short stories can be found on GR by searching for: a Harley Quin short story. Or for Harley Quin. Details such as characters and settings are included for each.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1929
21 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,697 books76k followersAgatha Christie also wrote romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, and was occasionally published under the name Agatha Christie Mallowan.
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction", Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime". She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.
This best-selling author of all time wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, fourteen plays, and six novels under a pseudonym in romance. Her books sold more than a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation. According to Index Translationum, people translated her works into 103 languages at least, the most for an individual author. Of the most enduring figures in crime literature, she created Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She atuhored The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the history of modern theater.
Associated Names:
Agata Christie
Agata Kristi
Агата Кристи (Russian)
Агата Крісті (Ukrainian)
Αγκάθα Κρίστι (Greek)
アガサ クリスティ (Japanese)
阿嘉莎·克莉絲蒂 (Chinese)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 30, 2025
This is another of Christie's Mr. Quin helps the star-crossed lovers' stories.
Mr. Satterthwaite is on vacation...again.
This time, he runs into a man who, after receiving bad news from his doctor, was stopped from committing suicide by the appearance of a man who sounds a lot like Satterthwaite's friend, Mr. Quin. He was getting ready to toss himself off a cliff, but this man, in what looked like a Harlequin outfit, seemed to just come out of the sea. He tells Satterthwaite that he plans to try again, but for at least one night, he is willing to put it off.
The next day, Satterthwaite ends up running into a woman who tells him her incredible tale of an abusive marriage and her husband's death at sea. Then she tells him about a one-night stand that produced her beloved son.
Of course, there's more to the story. With Mr. Quin's guidance, Satterthwaite tries to help set everything right.
It's a bit dark, and you have to almost choose your own ending, but I kind of appreciate it for that.
Originally published in 1927 in The Story-Teller.
Read as part of the short story collection The Mysterious Mr. Quin.
Mr. Satterthwaite is on vacation...again.
This time, he runs into a man who, after receiving bad news from his doctor, was stopped from committing suicide by the appearance of a man who sounds a lot like Satterthwaite's friend, Mr. Quin. He was getting ready to toss himself off a cliff, but this man, in what looked like a Harlequin outfit, seemed to just come out of the sea. He tells Satterthwaite that he plans to try again, but for at least one night, he is willing to put it off.
The next day, Satterthwaite ends up running into a woman who tells him her incredible tale of an abusive marriage and her husband's death at sea. Then she tells him about a one-night stand that produced her beloved son.
Of course, there's more to the story. With Mr. Quin's guidance, Satterthwaite tries to help set everything right.
It's a bit dark, and you have to almost choose your own ending, but I kind of appreciate it for that.
Originally published in 1927 in The Story-Teller.
Read as part of the short story collection The Mysterious Mr. Quin.
September 27, 2025
4 Stars. A romantic mystery brought to you by Messieurs Quin and Satterthwaite. The lead in these stories is Mr. S.; Quin is the mystery man. Mr. S. has moved on from the Riviera to what must be Spain's Balearic Islands. He's staying at one of Majorca, Menorca, Formentera, or Ibiza. These were not the tourist destinations of today. He likes to explore and experiences three sad incidents in a row. He first recounts seeing a dog who, while having a wonderful doggy day of long stretches and rolling in offal, gets killed by a car. Next he meets a man trying to jump off a cliff into the roiling sea but is persuaded from suicide by Mr. Quin one day and then by our lead the next. Satterthwaite didn't even know Quin was on the island. Mr. S. is sure that the depressed man, Peter Cosden, has much to live for despite his doctor's diagnosis of six months at most. Then Satterthwaite befriends a woman living in an old house called La Paz near the same cliffs. She tells him of the death by drowning in the sea of her husband twenty odd years ago, and about her illegitimate son and her own thoughts of suicide. The ending is delightful. (Se2021/Se2025)
December 1, 2025
This is a rare Mr. Quin and Satterthwaite outing which really isn’t quite to my taste, and that, while good on its own, suffers slightly compared to the other Mr. Quin outings. On the surface, its lengthy and introspective delving into how we face death is weighty and substantive. Also it has an ending for a couple of people that is filled with hope rather than gloom and doom. But that said, there’s simply something slightly off about the execution.
For example, early on Agatha Christie uses the sudden and tragic end for a dog to contrast the way animals and humans face the end. I found it unpleasant and heartbreaking. We are supposed to find it so, but it was a point Christie could have made just as easily some other way, which makes it seem rather cruel. There existed for me a feeling of Christie meandering some in this story; muddying things up with a few too many diverse thoughts she wanted to include. There were also a few background things whose inclusion has only the slightest connection to the larger story in fact.
If Christie had focused solely on the single story of the man Satterthwaite temporarily talks out of committing suicide, and the vibrant Spanish woman behind the shutters which led to a past moment of love waiting for a second chance, The Man From the Sea would have still afforded an exploration of the same themes without the much too winding road the story takes getting there — and the startling death of the dog.
Apparently this was a period when Agatha Christie’s mother passed, and her marriage was falling apart. That emotional tumult shows briefly in this story by a somewhat meandering lack of focus. That being said however, it does have some excellent moments, which is much to her credit as a writer. While The Man From the Sea is not the place to start getting acquainted with Mr. Harley Quin, it is well worth a read at some point, and a must for fans of Sattherthwaite and Mr. Harley Quin.
For example, early on Agatha Christie uses the sudden and tragic end for a dog to contrast the way animals and humans face the end. I found it unpleasant and heartbreaking. We are supposed to find it so, but it was a point Christie could have made just as easily some other way, which makes it seem rather cruel. There existed for me a feeling of Christie meandering some in this story; muddying things up with a few too many diverse thoughts she wanted to include. There were also a few background things whose inclusion has only the slightest connection to the larger story in fact.
If Christie had focused solely on the single story of the man Satterthwaite temporarily talks out of committing suicide, and the vibrant Spanish woman behind the shutters which led to a past moment of love waiting for a second chance, The Man From the Sea would have still afforded an exploration of the same themes without the much too winding road the story takes getting there — and the startling death of the dog.
Apparently this was a period when Agatha Christie’s mother passed, and her marriage was falling apart. That emotional tumult shows briefly in this story by a somewhat meandering lack of focus. That being said however, it does have some excellent moments, which is much to her credit as a writer. While The Man From the Sea is not the place to start getting acquainted with Mr. Harley Quin, it is well worth a read at some point, and a must for fans of Sattherthwaite and Mr. Harley Quin.
February 4, 2021
4.25/5 :)
This is actually one of the best short stories I have ever read. If you understood what the book is about and who the characters actually are, I'm sure you would enjoy it too. The plot is very intriguing, detailed, and pretty complicated (which I like) for a short story. Even though in the beginning it's a bit confusing, in the end you won't be disappointed.
Would definitely recommend (to those who are willing to use their brains and appreciate the story)
07/11/20
This is actually one of the best short stories I have ever read. If you understood what the book is about and who the characters actually are, I'm sure you would enjoy it too. The plot is very intriguing, detailed, and pretty complicated (which I like) for a short story. Even though in the beginning it's a bit confusing, in the end you won't be disappointed.
Would definitely recommend (to those who are willing to use their brains and appreciate the story)
07/11/20
July 30, 2022
This short story was written at the worst point of Agatha’s life and simultaneously as Mystery of the Blue Train, which she says is her worst book (it really is). And it shows. Also, both stories are her only stories to feature the supernatural.
June 3, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written British 🏰 romantic family and friends relationships short story by Agatha Christie. I enjoyed this novella not the mystery we are use to. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 fans of Agatha Christie. 2023 👒😀💘🏡
Another will written British 🏰 romantic family and friends relationships short story by Agatha Christie. I enjoyed this novella not the mystery we are use to. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 fans of Agatha Christie. 2023 👒😀💘🏡
May 8, 2021
Perhaps one of Christie’s favourites for good reason. A perfect short story which brings out the best in her two main characters, Mr Satterthwaite and Mr Harley Quin.
We have insight in the social circles Satterthwaite likes to move; his inquisitiveness and a set of unique qualities, good listening skills and broad understanding of character and the human heart.
We have the strangeness of Mr Quin, his coming and goings. Popping up at strategic times to help prevent a loss of life or restore romantic stability where love was otherwise lost or unspoken.
Not so much crime for which she is well known, but the author’s chance to explore the supernatural and themes like life after death.
Rather than his usual summers spent on the Riviera where he is recognised and among friends, be they duchesses or countesses. Mr Satterthwaite is holidaying on a Spanish island. He has a favourite walk to a precipitous cliff top where he can sit and reflect. He is sixty-nine and a lack of immediate family is his consideration today. He feels he has been spared some heartache and life-long anxiety children can bring.
As he ponders these matters he becomes aware of another person; a man with a depressed persona who goes on to describe why he is morose and contemplating ending his life at a time of his own choosing. He too reflects on his life and sees a lack of a son as being a deep regret for him.
Satterthwaite is convinced by what he hears that he has been directed to centre stage and he can have a positive influence on the unfolding drama.
Another fine example of the best a short story can suggest and provide to a reader. Agatha Christie is perhaps not appreciated as such and these newly published, masterpieces in miniature, as ebooks, provide an opportunity to read individual stories rather than buying a collection or set.
I loved the sense of Satterthwaite’s observation and empathy for life as revealed early in the piece as he watches a scraggy dog sniffing around and hunting down scraps to eat. Beautifully written and repeated later in the story like a theme or melody within a piece of music.
I also liked the acknowledgement that he could go little to prevent someone taking their own life but by listening, providing purpose and suggesting we never know when our presence on the stage of life will become crucial can provide time to think again.
Demonstrating the qualities that can make a difference. People in times of weakness, losing hope and seeing futility in life require a strong presence, strangers as well as friends, the need for people like Satterthwaite to be around. While in contrast Mr Quin is more magical, ethereal and comes and goes as he pleases.
We have insight in the social circles Satterthwaite likes to move; his inquisitiveness and a set of unique qualities, good listening skills and broad understanding of character and the human heart.
We have the strangeness of Mr Quin, his coming and goings. Popping up at strategic times to help prevent a loss of life or restore romantic stability where love was otherwise lost or unspoken.
Not so much crime for which she is well known, but the author’s chance to explore the supernatural and themes like life after death.
Rather than his usual summers spent on the Riviera where he is recognised and among friends, be they duchesses or countesses. Mr Satterthwaite is holidaying on a Spanish island. He has a favourite walk to a precipitous cliff top where he can sit and reflect. He is sixty-nine and a lack of immediate family is his consideration today. He feels he has been spared some heartache and life-long anxiety children can bring.
As he ponders these matters he becomes aware of another person; a man with a depressed persona who goes on to describe why he is morose and contemplating ending his life at a time of his own choosing. He too reflects on his life and sees a lack of a son as being a deep regret for him.
Satterthwaite is convinced by what he hears that he has been directed to centre stage and he can have a positive influence on the unfolding drama.
Another fine example of the best a short story can suggest and provide to a reader. Agatha Christie is perhaps not appreciated as such and these newly published, masterpieces in miniature, as ebooks, provide an opportunity to read individual stories rather than buying a collection or set.
I loved the sense of Satterthwaite’s observation and empathy for life as revealed early in the piece as he watches a scraggy dog sniffing around and hunting down scraps to eat. Beautifully written and repeated later in the story like a theme or melody within a piece of music.
I also liked the acknowledgement that he could go little to prevent someone taking their own life but by listening, providing purpose and suggesting we never know when our presence on the stage of life will become crucial can provide time to think again.
Demonstrating the qualities that can make a difference. People in times of weakness, losing hope and seeing futility in life require a strong presence, strangers as well as friends, the need for people like Satterthwaite to be around. While in contrast Mr Quin is more magical, ethereal and comes and goes as he pleases.
July 17, 2020
There's no doubt that Christie's Mr. Quin stories entertain, but what I find so awesome is how they probe human character, desires and longings. There's no murder to solve in The Man from the Sea, just good storytelling with the always-present surprise twist - and a happy ending in this case. This is one of my favorite Mr. Quin stories. Highly recommended.
April 12, 2017
the Mysterious Mr. Quin
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
August 11, 2016
The story this time is so obvious really no mystery this time but not boring either, I missed Quin already!
July 1, 2023
This is a bit reaching.
Read as part of the collection The Mysterious Mr. Quin.
Read as part of the collection The Mysterious Mr. Quin.
August 13, 2025
I gave this one three stars, not because I enjoyed it, but because I just sort of accepted it. I didn’t follow any of it as it was just more telling and not showing like the others. But this one was ten pages longer than the other ones which made it feel less rushed and more fleshed out. And there were some good bits, including those with the old woman talking about her dead husband. But again, there were just more confusing details that are way too convoluted for a short story of this nature. And Mr Quin doesn’t show up until the last two pages and does nothing of any importance. It’s not a good sign if the best story in this collection so far is the one that features Quin the least. Overall, this was just a slightly better version of what came before and doesn’t add anything new to this series.
February 28, 2021
Not my favorite. Mr. Satterthwaite is on vacation on an island and he is lamenting that he is not in Monte Carlo with his usual crowd as the island is decidedly dull for a man of his age. He spends a lot of time alone, overlooking the cliff. It is there that he encounters a man who wishes to jump because he has recently been told by a doctor that he only 6 months to live. Of course, Mr. Satterthwaite tries to convince him to reconsider. The next day, Mr. Satterthwaite sees a woman who tells him her whole life story and admits that she misses the man she had an affair with long ago. In the end, it turns out the man who wants to kill himself is her long lost lover and she saves him from suicide and now they will be married. Mr. Quinn only appears at the very end, overlooking the same cliffs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2016
Ugh, Agatha really shouldn't have written romance.
September 28, 2018
Predictable but the ending regarding Harley Quin, is he a ghost?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2022
great short story!
November 8, 2023
Spooky and beautiful
January 31, 2024
Well what a wonderfully sweet story this was. A story of pain, hurt, loss, love, questioning life and it's meaning and whether to continue on. Satterthwaite finds himself in the middle of two individuals who want to end their lives. He hears their stories and renders his assistance. Mr Quin is alluded to throughout the book, a very nice and sweet ending.
August 13, 2021
4.75/5
August 20, 2023
Gewoon mooi. De 4 sterren waard.
October 10, 2024
Hard to follow in the beginning. Would recommend but not sure if I would read it again soon.
(Audiobook + digital copy)
(Audiobook + digital copy)
March 21, 2025
This one has some interesting gothic lost-love vibes, and a great setting.
July 20, 2025
More of a character study than a mystery, but I found it to be intriguing.
July 24, 2025
Very dark, but ultimately very hopeful
CW for suicide attempts and thoughts, discussion of past sexual violence
CW for suicide attempts and thoughts, discussion of past sexual violence
August 12, 2025
the story of long lost love ❤
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews