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Harley Quin #12
Harlequin's Lane - a Harley Quin Short Story
While visiting the rather dull, conventional, country home of John and Anna Denman, Mr. Satterthwaite unexpectedly meets Mr. Quin on a narrow road called Harlequin's Lane behind the house. Locally, it's known as Lover's Lane. While exploring the lane, Satterthwaite meets Molly Stanwell and learns that there's to be an entertainment, a masquerade, that evening.
Even Satterthwaite can't foresee the impact that Quin will have on the Denmans, and indeed, on himself and everyone present.
Librarian's note #1: this short story was published in Story-Teller magazine (1927) 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.
Even Satterthwaite can't foresee the impact that Quin will have on the Denmans, and indeed, on himself and everyone present.
Librarian's note #1: this short story was published in Story-Teller magazine (1927) 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.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 1927
14 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Christie
5,917 books76.6k 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)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 30, 2025
This is the spookiest of all the Harley Quin stories, IMHO.
Once again, Mr. Satterthwaite is staying with friends. Does he even have a home?
Presumably, yes. But that's not the point.
This time around, he's staying with a couple that isn't normally in his social circle, and he's wondering what possessed him to accept the invitation. That is, until he runs into Mr. Quin at the house.
Ok, I don't know anything about ballet or dancing, but apparently, the Denham had scheduled some sort of fancy-dancy entertainment for her guests. This leads to talk of a murdered Russian ballerina. Hmmm. And then, eventually, the discovery that Mr. Denham is a cheater and Mrs. Denham has a Russian prince who has been in love with her for years.
What's gonna happen?
Honestly, I didn't think the story was going to end the way it did the first time I read it. But Christie really plays up the paranormal aspect of Mr. Quin and gives a nod to Mr. Satterthwaite for having some kind of special ability to see things that the rest of us can't.
This is also the last story in The Mysterious Mr. Quin.
I liked it!
Originally published in 1927 in The Story-Teller
Read as part of the short story collection The Mysterious Mr. Quin.
Once again, Mr. Satterthwaite is staying with friends. Does he even have a home?
Presumably, yes. But that's not the point.
This time around, he's staying with a couple that isn't normally in his social circle, and he's wondering what possessed him to accept the invitation. That is, until he runs into Mr. Quin at the house.
Ok, I don't know anything about ballet or dancing, but apparently, the Denham had scheduled some sort of fancy-dancy entertainment for her guests. This leads to talk of a murdered Russian ballerina. Hmmm. And then, eventually, the discovery that Mr. Denham is a cheater and Mrs. Denham has a Russian prince who has been in love with her for years.
What's gonna happen?
Honestly, I didn't think the story was going to end the way it did the first time I read it. But Christie really plays up the paranormal aspect of Mr. Quin and gives a nod to Mr. Satterthwaite for having some kind of special ability to see things that the rest of us can't.
This is also the last story in The Mysterious Mr. Quin.
I liked it!
Originally published in 1927 in The Story-Teller
Read as part of the short story collection The Mysterious Mr. Quin.
September 27, 2025
5 Stars. One of the most intriguing and confusing short stories I have ever read. If I could close the circle and understand all its intricacies, I'd feel better! But after reading much of it a second time, and pouring over a synopsis, I continue to have questions. Not a mystery in the criminal sense, rather a mystery about the role of the past in current relationships. Mr. Satterthwaite is visiting an unremarkable couple in the country, John and Anna Denman. Arranged by Mr. Quin? Surely for the purpose of having Mr. S watch a masquerade - a Commedia dell'arte performance, an Italian theatrical show from the 16th to 18th centuries featuring the dancing of Harlequin and Columbine. Unfortunately the guest dancers were injured in a car accident on the way from London and substitutes had to be found. Surprisingly, one of them is Anna Denman. We learn she is really the incomparable Russian dance star Anna Kharsanova who disappeared during the Bolshevik uprising in 1917. Her partner on this occasion? Harley Quin. But her old partner is with us as well. Prince Sergius Oranoff. Love and betrayal, life and death. Did you figure it all out? (Oc2021/Se2025)
November 18, 2025
Satterthwaite isn’t sure why he feels compelled to visit the Denmans as this edgy and tremendously atmospheric Mr. Quin story begins. The only reason he can come up with to justify his propensity to keep returning to those five acres outside London where Ashmead sits is a beautiful Chinese lacquered screen which seems so out of place with the almost dull personalities of its occupants.
The woman in question is Russian by birth. She is married to a very English Englishman who is somewhat of a bore. Satterthwaite is puzzled by them as a couple, because they don’t seem to fit. Despite her rather expressionless demeanor and surroundings, Satterthwaite senses something underneath that he cannot quite put his finger on.
From the moment Mr. Quin enters the frame, and the two old acquaintances talk a walk, this story in the series takes on an unsettling edge in its implications. Harlequin’s Lane in fact may be the closest readers ever get in the Mr. Quin and Satterthwaite stories to the shadows in which the mysterious Mr. Quin dwells.
Agatha Christie’s Harlequin’s Lane is almost an enigma, its many elements making it nearly impossible to describe. Christie creates amazing atmosphere in this one, with an old cottage above a rubbish heap, and a lane owned by Mr. Quin augmenting a story about lost love, moments of perfection, and the dance of Harlequin and Columbine. Even among the frightening rubbish heap, Mr. Quin teaches Satterthwaite that there can be beautiful things.
The overall complexity of this one, the unsettling inferences, and the incredible atmosphere make for a story not soon forgotten. Harlequin’s Lane is highly recommended, especially for fans of the mysterious Mr. Harley Quin and his old friend Mr. Satterthwaite.
The woman in question is Russian by birth. She is married to a very English Englishman who is somewhat of a bore. Satterthwaite is puzzled by them as a couple, because they don’t seem to fit. Despite her rather expressionless demeanor and surroundings, Satterthwaite senses something underneath that he cannot quite put his finger on.
From the moment Mr. Quin enters the frame, and the two old acquaintances talk a walk, this story in the series takes on an unsettling edge in its implications. Harlequin’s Lane in fact may be the closest readers ever get in the Mr. Quin and Satterthwaite stories to the shadows in which the mysterious Mr. Quin dwells.
Agatha Christie’s Harlequin’s Lane is almost an enigma, its many elements making it nearly impossible to describe. Christie creates amazing atmosphere in this one, with an old cottage above a rubbish heap, and a lane owned by Mr. Quin augmenting a story about lost love, moments of perfection, and the dance of Harlequin and Columbine. Even among the frightening rubbish heap, Mr. Quin teaches Satterthwaite that there can be beautiful things.
The overall complexity of this one, the unsettling inferences, and the incredible atmosphere make for a story not soon forgotten. Harlequin’s Lane is highly recommended, especially for fans of the mysterious Mr. Harley Quin and his old friend Mr. Satterthwaite.
May 8, 2021
Intriguing. One of Agatha Christie’s favourite short series in this compelling series.
Perhaps we find out more about Harley Quin than in any of the previous titles. Certainly nothing is resolved and we have presented to us an enduring mystery.
Love plays a deep and fundamental part in the story. Conflicted relationships and becalmed affection . New passions and re-united lovers.
Fate also seems to play its part when circumstances bring the situation to ahead and a drama unfolds.
Can Mr Satterthwaite save matters or perhaps for the first time is a mystery beyond his understanding and powers of reason? All the parts are in place but drawing on her supernatural writing and imagination Christie weaves a web of silken danger and an invisible danger.
Satterthwaite may be too late but the reader is frustratingly delayed by delightful plotting and a complexity of drama. Leaves you almost breathless and totally confused.
Loved the thought that a piece of art can be bought with love and remains something to be treasured where other pieces are but by the individual alone.
Perhaps we find out more about Harley Quin than in any of the previous titles. Certainly nothing is resolved and we have presented to us an enduring mystery.
Love plays a deep and fundamental part in the story. Conflicted relationships and becalmed affection . New passions and re-united lovers.
Fate also seems to play its part when circumstances bring the situation to ahead and a drama unfolds.
Can Mr Satterthwaite save matters or perhaps for the first time is a mystery beyond his understanding and powers of reason? All the parts are in place but drawing on her supernatural writing and imagination Christie weaves a web of silken danger and an invisible danger.
Satterthwaite may be too late but the reader is frustratingly delayed by delightful plotting and a complexity of drama. Leaves you almost breathless and totally confused.
Loved the thought that a piece of art can be bought with love and remains something to be treasured where other pieces are but by the individual alone.
July 14, 2016
It was heartbreaking to reach the end and find out the truth about Harley Quin's existence, although I have had the feeling for so long.
November 16, 2024
Extremely mysterious and hard to explain. Definitely going to reread at some point.
July 9, 2024
I read this as part of the Midsummer Mysteries short story collection (4th story). I’ve read quite a bit of Agatha Christie’s works, but this was my first Harley Quin story. I’m genuinely shocked that this amazing work has received so few reviews on this platform. This story proves, once again, the genius of Mrs. Christie, and it needs to be read and appreciated by more readers. Haunting, beautiful, mysterious, and philosophical, it gave me chills, and that doesn’t happen to me often. This is not an easy story to classify, but in my opinion it’s a masterpiece of short fiction.
July 2, 2023
eponymous sentence:
p5: He remembered the stamped address: ASHMEAD, HARLEQUIN'S LANE--remembered too, a local name for it that Mrs. Denman had once told him.
Wait, what?!
Read as part of the collection The Mysterious Mr. Quin.
p5: He remembered the stamped address: ASHMEAD, HARLEQUIN'S LANE--remembered too, a local name for it that Mrs. Denman had once told him.
Wait, what?!
Read as part of the collection The Mysterious Mr. Quin.
November 12, 2024
"I know, my friend, I know. But there is no third way. Always one looks for one thing-the lover, the perfect, the eternal lover..It is the music of Harlequin one hears. No lover ever satisfied one, for all lovers are mortal. And Harlequin is only a myth, an invisible presence...unless-"
"Unless-his name-is death!"
I would have never guessed that Agatha Christie could be so poetic! A collection of short stories that dabble around the border of being supernatural, but never really cross that border. Unless you count the last one, but how you see its ending is up to your mind's own work! An absolutely perfect way to finish off a series of short stories!
"Unless-his name-is death!"
I would have never guessed that Agatha Christie could be so poetic! A collection of short stories that dabble around the border of being supernatural, but never really cross that border. Unless you count the last one, but how you see its ending is up to your mind's own work! An absolutely perfect way to finish off a series of short stories!
March 2, 2021
I really failed to see the point of this one. Mr. Satterthwaite is once again staying at a county estate and Mr. Quinn is there as well. The husband and wife are producing a musical featuring the wife as a dancer. She is joined by an old flame and Mr. Satterthwaite is worried that they might be secretly lovers so he is surprised when it is actually her husband who is having an affair with one of the other actresses. This forces the old flame to convince the wife to leave her husband and she agrees to meet him in the lane but when they go out to meet her she had jumped into a garbage pit to her death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2020
Rich in detail and meaning, this Quin/Satterthwaite story has as its roots the world of Russia ballet. Christie packs a wealth of material into the short story format and I've enjoyed all that I've read. This one was a little hard for me to follow for some reason, and I think a second reading would help. I feel like something important was revealed about Mr. Quin that I didn't quite understand, so I will definitely be going back. A good read overall.
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.
September 25, 2019
3.5 stars.
This was first published in 1927.
This was first published in 1927.
November 25, 2024
I enjoy Christie's Harley Quin stories. This particular short story leans into the supernatural. A fun, oddly spooky read.
August 13, 2025
This was my first Harley Quin story--a detective I'd been looking forward to trying for a while. And I have to admit, I was a little disappointed by it. It was, in my opinion, a little lackluster. And there wasn't really a mystery to solve here, per se, just a couple of twists. Now, I know Christie didn't always write strict mysteries, but still! For the collection I'm reading being called "Midsummer Mysteries" I'd hope there'd actually be a mystery here. I do love a good connection to the commedia dell'arte though, and this really plays into that connection, both with the references to Harlequin/Harley Quin himself, and in the main plot.
My rating: 3/5
Would I own/re-read?: Probably not.
TW: Conspiracy, War, Adultery
Does the animal die?: No animals are harmed on Harley Quin's Lane
My rating: 3/5
Would I own/re-read?: Probably not.
TW: Conspiracy, War, Adultery
Does the animal die?: No animals are harmed on Harley Quin's Lane
September 27, 2025
I “nearly” read this one all the way through but A: I had a pretty bad cold which made it really hard to focus, and B: I just really didn’t give shit. This was just more words without any meaning or end goal. I read on the Wiki that it has something to do with a Masquerade, but I could make out any of it. Just more rich people wining for 30 pages. This is the “seventh” story in this collection I gave one start to and the only good this about it in the end was that once I finished it, I had finished the whole book after a month and a half.
January 29, 2024
I'm still quite new to the whole Harelquin/ Mr Quin Stories. This was a short story about Lover's Lane where people come and fall in love, or even find out their true love. The end of the lane is symbolic. Do you get the happily ever after, or, the pit/ rubbish dump.
Here a young married lady is reconnected with her dancing past.
Here a young married lady is reconnected with her dancing past.
August 17, 2021
4.5/5
May 21, 2023
While I like it, I also certainly agree with Agatha Christie's decision to add another story later to make sure that this was not the last Harley Quin and Satterthwaite story.
August 20, 2023
Beetje moeilijk eind.
August 28, 2024
2/5 stars.
My review here:
https://goldenageofdetectivefiction.c...
My review here:
https://goldenageofdetectivefiction.c...
March 21, 2025
This one has more international intrigue, which I can tell Christie likes (because she tries it so many times throughout her career), but which I really don’t think is her strength.
December 30, 2025
Lots to think about in this little gem.
March 30, 2025
a gifted russian ballerina marries a staid englishman, and has an uneasy house, w a creamy yellow and rose chinese screen as its centerpiece. the village they live in is performing the harlequinade, featuring the fairy-webbed romances of harlequin, columbine, pierrot, and pierette. the two professional dancers meant to perform are hurt in a car crash on their way from london, and the wife offers herself as replacement. the story ends in death, mystery, and lost love. i would’ve liked it more if it were happier...i kept feeling as if it were almost about to be.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews