The Secret of Chimneys is a work of detective fiction by British writer Agatha Christie, first published in the UK by The Bodley Head in June 1925 and in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company later in the same year. It introduces the characters of Superintendent Battle and Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent. The UK edition retailed at seven shillings and sixpence (7/6) and the US edition at $2.00. At the request of George Lomax, Lord Caterham reluctantly agrees to host a weekend party at his home, Chimneys. A murder occurs in the ...
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The Secret of Chimneys is a work of detective fiction by British writer Agatha Christie, first published in the UK by The Bodley Head in June 1925 and in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company later in the same year. It introduces the characters of Superintendent Battle and Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent. The UK edition retailed at seven shillings and sixpence (7/6) and the US edition at $2.00. At the request of George Lomax, Lord Caterham reluctantly agrees to host a weekend party at his home, Chimneys. A murder occurs in the house, beginning a week of fast-paced events with police among the guests. The novel was well received at first publication, described as more than a murder mystery, as it is a treasure hunt. Later reviews found it a first-class romp and one of the author's best early thrillers. The most recent review says the novel requires a hefty suspension of disbelief. The later reviewers note that descriptions of characters use the terminology of the times in which it was written, and might be considered racist decades later. (wikipedia.org)
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This work is more like some American 'whodunits' than the older, typical
Agatha Christie stories. She carries it off with a rapidly moving narrative,
lots of dialogue and the twists in plot for which she is famous. I found it a
very enjoyable page-turner. It just doesn't conform to the intricately woven
plots of some A.C. books, yet has its share of surprises.
JaniCarter
Jul 28, 2011
Secret of Chimneys
After recently watching Masterpiece Mystery's version of Chimneys on PBS, I wanted to reread the book and enjoy it again. The telvised version was true to the book, and while the splendors of period costumes and home decor were done very well, the book triggers one own's imagination. The language is, as always, a treasure to read.
I enjoy Agatha Christie. On a 1 to 10 scale, 10 high, I would rank this as a 7.5.
