The Body In The Library by Agatha Christie

Even though she’s absent for a lot of the book, this is undoubtedly one of Miss Marple’s Greatest Hits, were she to record that rather dubious album! We learn a lot more about her style and her Modus Operandi she is ridiculed and insulted, and people talk about her behind her back she comes up with some very wise insights and when push comes to shove she’s as resilient as old boots.ĭespite the fact that Miss Marple is very senior in years – “a bit funny in the head”, suggests Josephine – the police hold her in high regard.

Colonel Melchett is still Chief Constable, with the irascible Inspector Slack at his heels. Arthur and Dolly Bantry, Miss Wetherby, Miss Hartnell, Mrs Price Ridley, and the Reverend and Mrs Clement are also all still in place, twelve years after we met them in The Murder at the Vicarage, and some of them also appeared in The Thirteen Problems. This is a timeless tale that could have happened anywhere, anytime.Īnd we get re-acquainted with St Mary Mead, and its most famous inhabitant. Also, unlike N or M?, there is no reference at all to the war going on. There are some entertaining characters, nicely written scenes, enjoyable police banter, and a brief but surprise-packed denouement which contains bombshell after bombshell. And I’m pleased to say it’s pretty good! It’s hugely more entertaining than the dire N or M? which Christie was writing at the same time. Therefore, much of the book came fresh and new to me on this re-reading. I could only remember a little of the story primarily the opening scene, which Christie herself described as “The best opening I ever wrote”, and some of the scenes at the Majestic Hotel – mainly those involving the professional dancers.

Unusually, the publication in America preceded the publication in the UK. The full book was first published in the US in February 1942 by Dodd, Mead and Company, and the subsequently in the UK by Collins Crime Club in May the same year. The Body in the Library was first serialised in the US in The Saturday Evening Post in seven parts in May and June 1941. The book is dedicated to “my friend Nan.” This was Nan Kon, formerly Nan Pollock, née Nan Watts, whom Agatha Christie knew since they were children and whose friendship remained strong throughout their lives.

As usual, if you haven’t read the book yet, don’t worry, I promise not to tell you whodunit! Several police from a number of forces lend a hand in identifying the culprit, but it is Miss Marple who, as always, follows her unique suspicions to get to the truth. In which the body of an unknown young woman is found in the library of Arthur and Dolly Bantry’s home, so, naturally, Mrs Bantry doesn’t hesitate to tell her old friend Miss Jane Marple.

The Body In The Library by Agatha Christie