June 2014: The Moving Finger

[Malcolm]

It is one of those Christie's which is a pleasant read, nice to return to on a quiet afternoon but not really very meaty. For me, a little spoiled because the crucial clue is very obvious if you pay attention, and once you follow that through the solution is not too much of a surprise. But the lovey-dovey bit it rather nice (..... sshh, don't tell but they all get married in the end. Nice ain't it)

[Mark Pghfan]

Actually, this is one of my favorite Miss Marple's. Lots of interesting mis-direction and a charming description of the English village and its assortment of odd people. (Mrs. Dane Calthrop leading the pack!)

[C. J.]

I can't believe I am so late in the game with this book. Haven't finished it yet. I actually like it so far.

[C. J.]

A question. Was Miss Marple's introduction in this one that dull? I may have had a condensed version of the story (my library book was a 4-book combination that included "The Moving Finger" as the last one).

[Mark Pghfan]

I doubt there is a condensed version of this--its not a long book to begin with. Miss M does come in quite late in the story, though.

[C. J.]

I was wondering because a paperback version listed on this site is almost 300 pages but the version I checked out had the story at 156. I often wonder how that works out where certain ones are published at such different forms like that.

Sorry I am going off topic. Miss Marple was introduced so casually I almost skipped the sentence she was first mentioned. It's strange that she was put in here like that. She is such a likable character you would think she'd have a more dramatic introduction, I think anyway.

[Mark Pghfan]

CJ: Could you have encountered a large-print version?

[Malcolm]

You probably have an older copy. Nowadays publishers do use more pages than were previously necessary. It's easier on the eyes, they say. It also makes people think they are buying a more substantial book. Me? It irritates me to hell and I won't read new copies. The first uk edition had 160 pages, so I'm sure you have a full copy

[C. J.]

Malcolm wrote: "You probably have an older copy. Nowadays publishers do use more pages than were previously necessary. It's easier on the eyes, they say. It also makes people think they are buying a more substant..."

Pghfan wrote: "CJ: Could you have encountered a large-print version?"

It was actually a book that was grouped with three other Miss Marple tales.

It was called "Miss Marple Meets Murder" and had that story with the others.

It may have been an older copy but I guessed it was only condensed or possibly shortened to fit the overall size of the book.

[Alberto]

I know this is supposed to be about the book, but I am watching the 1985 Movie of this book, and the casting is outstanding. A must watch.

[C. J.]

Alberto wrote: "I know this is supposed to be about the book, but I am watching the 1985 Movie of this book, and the casting is outstanding. A must watch."

I wouldn't be surprised if it was handled well also. I was amazed by one series entry that called itself an "episode" though it felt more in vein to be a tv-movie of sorts. The one about A Murder Is Announced and the set-up was impressive!

[Alberto]

Casting, writing, production values, fidelity to the book, all outstanding.

This is Marple the way she's supposed to be on the screen. (Unlike the new Agatha Christie's Marple series, which is absolutely terrible.)

[Randee]

I just finished a re-read of this (or actually a re-listen). I find this one to be quite enjoyable. It's not overly deep but I don't read Christie for that. I read her because she is so soothing and such a good storyteller. I love these characters. I need to see the version mentioned above because I love Megan and want to see how they treated her on the screen.