Mark Pghfan’s Comments (group member since Mar 06, 2014)

Mark Pghfan’s comments from the The Parlor PI's group.

True, LM. There was a good bit of blood in the book, augmented as well by the murderer. Christie was supposed to have been challenged, by her brother in law, I think, to have a really bloody murder. Even for her, though, the description was over in a few brief sentences.

Yes, the Mc Ewan Paddington is a bit more Christmassy that the Hickson one. After all, most of the story takes place after the holiday, by some weeks.

I am up for Paddington, certainly. A Christie is always a good choice. We did read The Clock Strikes Twelve here a few years ago. And the Jessica Fletcher one is fine with me as well.

L-M:: All you say is true! This one really holds up to re-watching.

I love the way Poirot rescues Japp as well. Not in the book, but a nice piece of humor.

And I agree about the trousseau staffer--a time when the help really knew their job!

I've watched this every year, and re-read the book as well (via audio book, recently). I think they did a pretty good job on the TV adaptations, despite the difficulties of finding actors that looked at all like siblings, or like the young Simeon Lee. And the fact that they cut our David and Hilda, as well as Stephen Farr from the adaptation was a bit disappointing.

However, the trickery of how the "impossible murder" was done, was handled pretty well.

I await the HP Christmas discussion!

I've read Greenshore Folly, and found it very much like the book. I would be fine with reading it. I am also OK with Unwanted Guest, though it sounds a little more of a thriller than I usually read.

I'll try to find some suggestions of my own.

I am on board for a discussion of HP's Christmas. Just re-read the book and watched the TV version as well!

Egypt used to be under the control of Great Britain, until 1922. Though this is set in the 1930's, they apparently ignored the time line and set it while Britain still controlled Egypt. DLW was part of the group trying to free Egypt. Of course, none of this was in the original story.

I've not watched the new Nancy Drew, but from what I've heard, it is not the way we would expect it to be.

As far as Belgian Chocolates go, I can't say I've tried any (which is surprising, given my love for chocolate!) I may have to give some a try, perhaps from Costco. I'm sure there are cheap versions of them abounding, though! And life is too short for cheap chocolate!

Nicole, I, too love the scene with Poirot and the exquisite Belgian chocolates. I thing there are some things sold at my Costco with those exact words! (Though I haven't tried them, for fear of disappointment.)

LM: I agree with you on the small changes between the books and the TV adaptations. But when you change things too much, or the motive, the culprit, they've gone too far.

In the story, I get the impression that the Prince was from India, but in the TV version, he was clearly Egyptian.

I've both read the story and watched the TV versions many, many times. When I first read it so many years ago, I loved it because of the wonderful description of Christmasses in England so long ago.

While both the story and the TV version are very good, I can't say I cared for how they made the prince such a snot, in the TV version. I guess they needed some more drama!

I read the regular book and I just sort of glided over the names and didn't try to pronounce them!

I've read this so many times, I don't have to worry about spoilers!

Hah! I can't wait!

I think go to HP's Christmas, given the time we have left in the month, and how busy most of us are and will be.

Definitely an early bird. Even though I'm retired now and thought I'd be sleeping in late, I am usually up by 6 or 6:30 at the latest. If someone wants to start a movie at 8 PM, I am not terribly much interested!