13 for Luck is a delectable buffet of short stories by Agatha Christie. The compilation features some of Christie's famous detectives. My favorite stories were the Hercule Poirot and the Miss Marple ones. I also enjoyed the Harley Quin stories, particularly "The Face of Helen," because the revenge theme was very clever. Harley Quin is a very unusual detective. Is he a supernatural being or just a mysterious man who doesn't like to receive credit for his work? Poor Mr. Satterthwaite would be rather helpless without him!
The book also features Mr. Parker Pyne stories and one featuring Scotland Yard policeman Evans.
The Pyne stories are not my favorites, but they are fun.
Below is a list of my favorite stories.
1. The Veiled Lady. Poirot must recover a letter for a prestigious woman who is being blackmailed. This story reminded me a bit of Doyle's "A Scandal in Bohemia" and had a delightful twist ending.
2. The Nemean Lion. Poirot is tasked with recovering stolen money from a husband whose wife's Pekinese dog was stolen. The dog has been returned, but the husband wants his money back and the culprit unmasked. With his characteristic panache, Poirot finds the solution and uncovers a much more sinister plot. I love this one!
3. Tape-Measure Murder. A woman in St. Mary Mead is found strangled, and her husband is the prime suspect. Miss Jane Marple must solve the case.
5. The Blue Geranium. Miss Marple hears a story about an invalid woman who has died apparently from supernatural causes. "The Blue Primrose means warning. The Blue Hollyhock means Danger. The Blue Geranium is Death."
6. The Four Suspects. During a conversation about what truly matters, the guilty or the innocent, Miss Marple is told a story about a German man who infiltrates an organization to thwart evil plans. He is eventually killed, and the only suspects are members of his own household. How did the message to kill the man reach the culprit? Very ingenious story.
7. The Face of Helen. A beautiful woman is pursued by three ardent suitors. Trouble pursues her as well. Who means the woman harm, and will Mr. Harley Quin arrive in time to thwart an insidious plan of vengeance?
8. Accident. This story features Mr. Evans and is a chilling tale of a psychopathic personality.
Please sample this abundant feast of stories. Hopefully, they will whet your appetite for more of Christie's work.
God bless you all.