Erika’s Comments (group member since Nov 26, 2019)

Erika’s comments from the #ClassicsCommunity 2021 Reading Challenge group.

1. As I read more and more, the I began to remember the ending/who the killer was. But I still enjoyed it!
2. This isn't my favorite Miss Marple book (like Georgie and Nada pointed out, I enjoy the books where she is a bit more front and center), but the mystery was fabulous. I think the motivation for the murder was explained well, and was believable. So, it's a great Miss Marple book, in my opinion, just not my #1.
3. Yes, I watched the adaptation a VERY long time ago. I remember enjoying it, but I honestly can't remember how it compares to the book itself. I'd like to rewatch it this month to see!
4. My least favorite character was Mitzi haha. I felt like I was there, in the scene, having to listen to her tirades!

@Gia I also love Hastings and Poirot together!
@Georgie oh yes, David Suchet is amazing at playing Poirot!!

@Georgie I also saw the adaptation of this episode (years ago!), and I keep having flash backs to it haha.
1. This is a reread for me, but it has been a very, very long time in between. I think I'm enjoying it this second time round even more than the first! I really like the characters.
2. Poirot has always been my favorite, honestly. But that doesn't hinder me from loving some Miss Marple novels. I'd say that this one, while not my favorite of hers, is up there on the list.
3. Love that quote, it is so accurate. I was trying to think of what I would be able to recall if I were one of the guests that night (nothing of importance most likely!).

I like the idea of reading horror in October, but I'm honestly not well versed in the genre at all. The Turning of the Screw, The Invisible Man, AND Wuthering Heights or something similar all seem like great choices (but if we choose a different option I wouldn't be opposed).

@Gia I'm trying haha, reading definitely makes things more manageable. @Georgie "Christie comfort blanket" is so accurate!

I feel like I've been a bit MIA the past 2 weeks (a lot going on lately, unfortunately), but I'm very excited for this month's read! @ Shannon very glad to hear that!!

@Shannon that's great to hear that you found an alternate method for your daughter for the school year! And so glad to hear your cousin is doing a bit better (any improvement is good in my book!!).

1. So far I am really liking this book. Like Gia mentioned, I like the seaside setting, especially since it's summer right now. As far as how it compares to other Poirot books, I would say it's in the middle, honestly. Although I'm enjoying it, it's not (so far) on my absolute favorites lists.
2. Quite unexpectedly, I think Nick is a fun/interesting character, actually... She seems my complete opposite, so her mostly nonchalant nature is kind of entertaining to read! Although I completely agree @Gia that it's frustrating to read about Poirot attempting to help her, and her not appreciating the efforts.
I have a very bad feeling about the Australian couple. Something seems off, although maybe they are too obvious a suspect?
3. Definitely! There are too many characters to not have a red herring somewhere in the story.

I'm sorry to hear that, Shannon! No worries! Life often gets overwhelming and busy, so don't apologize.

Ugh, I'm late to the discussion!
1. Well I think it's obvious by now that this is one of my favorite Christie mysteries now. I loved the main characters and I loved the mystery itself. @Gia I completely agree that this story was nice and easygoing. It was so easy to sit back and enjoy it. Plus the characters managed to make me laugh a few times, which is always a plus.
2. I actually did like the tidy ending. Usually I'm not a fan of somewhat unrealistic, tidy endings (especially in other genres of books that I read) but I didn't mind it one bit in this book.
3. I've always liked Poirot better, but that may be because I've read more of his stories compared to Miss Marple. So I might not have been exposed enough to make a well informed decision...
@Shannon I'm also looking forward to Peril at End House! It will be a reread for me, but it's been many, many years so I can't even remember the details of the story.

I'm also going to vote for 2 discussions ☺️

@Gia @Shannon yes, I'm thinking something simple to start with (like a pocket journal). I've tried looking up ideas for a reading/book journal but it seems to always be part of a larger bullet journal. While I really like looking at bullet journals, I honestly don't have the time (and probably the creativity) to make something that fancy... But if anyone comes across a more format-based guide on setting up a reading journal, I'd love to check it out! It would be really nice to incorporate prompts or something to encourage more thoughtful analysis of certain books.

Janice wrote: "Hi, my name is Janice :) I just started reading Agatha Christie books last year and love them. I haven't read that many yet. May I join this group? I just picked up 5 Agatha Christie books at one o..."
Hi Janice, welcome!
@Shannon, no you're definitely not the only one. I go through phases where I completely forget to log any progress I make with my books.
@Gia I've been wanting to start a book journal so that I can immediately jot down any thoughts that I have as I'm going through (I know some people annotate their books, but I am so hesitant to mark up my books even if they're used!).
And yes, I was also very surprised that it took that long for Miss Marple to show up in the book. At first I thought that I had picked up the wrong book for this month!

@Gia I have no idea how I managed to read it so fast haha. I'm glad you like Jerry and Joanna as well! Some comments made by them here and there really made me laugh. And I agree, I found it quite sweet that they want to look out for Megan

So I, surprisingly, sped through this one. Can't wait to discuss!! (as a side note, is anyone liking Jerry and Joanna as much as me? I love them!)

I started it slightly early (on Thursday. Which reminds me that I have to update my reading status), and I'm enjoying it a lot so far. Looks like we are returning to the English village setting, and the many nosy neighbors...

@Gia I also gave up on trying to figure out who the killer (I basically am always surprised by her endings, honestly). So I was surprised, and struck by how clever the ending was.
I really liked this book, even though we didn't have Poirot or Marple (or another actual detective) leading the way in the investigation.
@Nada I had a similar reaction when reading that journal entry! Christie definitely knows how to subtly include creepy elements like that in some of her books.

I haven't read a Miss Marple book in a while, so I'm looking forward to June's read!!

Sorry, I missed your post/question Shannon. I'm also ready to discuss ☺️

1. @Vicks that was my first thought exactly when I was reading through!! I had no idea that so much of the movie was based on Crooked House, which is probably why I ended up really loving that film.
2. Like Nada included, I honestly didn't give the whirlwind engagement too much thought. But I liked Sophie when first introduced to her character, and liked them as a couple.
3. The suspect I had in mind ended up being wrong, so I was not expecting that ending!

@Shannon I'll also be ready for a complete discussion of the book this weekend! I only have a few more chapters, so I will be done today.