The Secret Adversary (Diversion Classics)

The Secret Adversary (Diversion Classics) | Agatha Christie

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#christiescapers #serieslove2025

This was my first read and introduction to Tommy and Tuppence. I enjoyed the mystery and the two young detectives even though it was a bit contrived and ridiculous but I found it fun and engaging. I would definitely read another book in this series.

Librarybelle, Andrew65, TheSpineView

Librarybelle Yay! So glad you liked it! 4h

Aims42 That was the same copy I borrowed from my library lol I wish it had a prettier cover 😆 1h

21 likes2 comments

OutsmartYourShelf

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

so-so

Friends Thomas Beresford (Tommy) & Prudence Cowley (Tuppence) bump into each other in London after the end of WWI. In the aftermath of the war, they are struggling to find work & so they decide to place an advertisement together but before they can do so, they become embroiled in a conspiracy. Important government papers were entrusted to a passenger on the 'Lusitania' (a ship sunk by a German U-boat) who has since disappeared (continued)

OutsmartYourShelf & no-one has heard of her since. Is Jane Finn dead or being held somewhere?

This first book in the 'Tommy & Tuppence' series is a bit of a mad caper. Suspend your disbelief that a couple of inexperienced civilians would be asked to undertake a dangerous mission. Or that a government minister would spill secrets to two people who placed a newspaper ad. 10h

OutsmartYourShelf The plot almost became interesting at a couple of points but I found the two main characters a bit grating. It's OK but I prefer the author's Miss Marple & Poirot books. 2⭐

Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7269043224
Read 22nd-23rd Feb 2025

#ReadAway2025 @Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES
#192025 (1922) @Librarybelle
#SeriesLove2025 @thespineview 10h

Librarybelle I liked this better my third or fourth time reading it than I did the first couple. I think I‘m in a “suspend my belief” mood at the moment! I also prefer her Marple and Poirot stories. 10h

DieAReader 🎉🎉🎉 4h

25 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

It‘s time for our #ChristiesCapers discussion! I have 6 questions as spoilers posted; you can find these on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

Next month, we read the second Hercule Poirot novel, Murder on the Links. I‘ll post the official image tomorrow! #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, AnishaInkspill

Aims42 Putting in my hold at the library 👍 I am loving these discussions!! Thank you again for organizing!! 3d

MallenNC This one was fun! I had read it before and remembered not liking it but decided to read it again anyway. This time I enjoyed it! Thanks for leading us. 😊 3d

Morr_Books Just finished this morning. So close to being on time yet so far away. I'll check out the discussion questions and hopefully will be on rime for the next Christie 1d

Librarybelle You are welcome, @Aims42 @MallenNC !! 1d

Librarybelle No worries, @Morr_Books ! I think the discussions are great on Litsy, as you can join in whenever you can. No pressure to be on time! 1d

46 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

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6. Christie served as a nurse during World War I, and we'll see her interest in poisons (we saw that in Styles last month) and medical situations throughout her canon of works. How does she bring in her knowledge of medicine into this novel?

More info on her work as a nurse (and will help this discussion point): https://hekint.org/2025/01/30/agatha-christie-nurse/

#ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Aims42 I thought it was funny how having a few sips of brandy was the cure-all 🤣 Overwhelmed? Have some brandy. Just faced a shock? Have some brandy. Almost died? Have some brandy. 3d

willaful There's a rather interesting book on her use of poisons.

A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie

MallenNC @Aims42 Maybe we all need to try the brandy cure! This year I might need it. 3d

See All 7 Comments

MallenNC @willaful That sounds like such an interesting book. I‘m putting it on my TBR 3d

Aims42 @MallenNC 😂🤣 Very true!! 👍 3d

willaful @MallenNC might be healthier for me than my usual ice cream cure. :-\ 3d

mrp27 I thought the brandy bit was funny too. I guess if we didn‘t have all the over the counter medicines we have today I would be hitting the brandy bottle too. 17h

13 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

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5. Did you figure out the identity of Mr. Brown before the big reveal? Were you suspicious as to the motives of some of the characters we meet in the book, thinking specifically of Mr. Carter, Julius, and Lord Edgerton? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Bookwormjillk I did not. I thought it was Julius. 3d

OutsmartYourShelf I was suspicious of both Julius & Edgerton, especially after the death of Rita with the clue of the balcony only being accessible from that flat. It had to be one of 3 people there & I knew it wasn't Tuppence. 3d

Deblovestoread Christie did a great job of having me waffle between Julius and James. 3d

See All 9 Comments

Aims42 I was convinced it was Julius 😆 3d

willaful I read it first so long ago I don't remember. She does some nice misdirection, certainly. 3d

MallenNC I had read this before but forgot how it ended. I was sure it was Julius! 3d

BarbaraJean I did NOT figure it out. I was convinced it was Julius! I was very suspicious of his motives--he was WAY too invested in saving a cousin he'd never met just because he fell in love with her picture. 🙄 3d

ferskner I'd read this before, and I can't remember how I felt the first time, but she always does a good job of hiding clues! 2d

mrp27 I was very suspicious of all of them! I felt they all had the potential, Julius, Edgerton, Mr. Carter. (edited) 17h

14 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

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4. Tommy and Tuppence have separate adventures in this novel, and Tommy especially faces a potentially deadly situation. What are your thoughts on the adventures they face? Why do you think they take the risks they do in order to find Jane Finn? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Deblovestoread In the beginning it was more a lark but as things got serious I think they continued because the knew the other was counting on them to see it through. 3d

OutsmartYourShelf I thought it was a bit contrived that two people with no relevant experience would be employed in an investigation involving state secrets on the basis of placing a newspaper ad asking about Jane Finn. Yes, they could be easily disavowed by the government but still. One of those “accept it for the plot“ situations. 3d

Aims42 Here for the comments because I‘m on the fence. Part of me was like, “ugh, don‘t split up! That‘s how you get killed!!” But then the other part was like, “I am curious how this ends up” 🤔 3d

See All 7 Comments

MallenNC What I liked most about them getting split up was that Tuppence got to be a smart character of her own. I always want to see that more than a damsel in distress. Jane was my favorite though, since she really saved herself throughout the book. 3d

BarbaraJean @OutsmartYourShelf My thoughts exactly! That particular contrivance required a LOT of suspension of disbelief for me.
I was frustrated by the risks both of them took! I was impressed by their ingenuity, though--I was kind of willing to go along with some of the more unrealistic aspects, because both Tommy and Tuppence ended up being a lot smarter about their own predicaments than I would have predicted. 3d

ferskner I really like that the book immediately sets up that a) they're broke and b) they've both just survived a war. I think those two facts make them very aware that they have nothing to lose. They've both just seen horrific realities and I imagine that would make them willing to take considerable risks because they're alive to take them. 2d

mrp27 It was totally contrived, ridiculous and they both took extreme chances but that‘s what made the story fun for me. Made me think a bit of Nancy Drew and how things just always seem to fall in place at the right time. 17h

12 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

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3. Let's talk about Tommy and Tuppence! What did you think of them as characters and as sleuths? Why do you think Christie created sleuths who were very different than Poirot? Would you hire Tommy and Tuppence to help you solve a crime? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Bookwormjillk I thought they were fun! Not sure I‘d hire them but I enjoyed reading about them. 3d

OutsmartYourShelf It would be boring to write main characters that were all a slight variation on the same theme. Differences allow for more writing scope & plot development. That said, I prefer MM & Poirot myself. 3d

Deblovestoread At first I thought “oh no, more vapid bright young things” but as they became more fleshed out I enjoyed them. As to hiring them to solve a crime probably not but to find my lost dog maybe. 3d

See All 8 Comments

Aims42 @Bookwormjillk Took the words right out of my mouth, I agree 100% 👏😄 I enjoyed being a fly on the wall reading about their adventures. I‘d be exhausted if I was traveling with them lol 3d

MallenNC @Aims42 Agree! They were clever but probably exhausting in real life! I haven‘t read any more of these so I‘m curious how they get their next case. 3d

BarbaraJean My first thought was that they were a terrible choice to investigate such a sensitive international plot!! I liked them as characters, but thought it was pretty unrealistic that they would have the skills necessary to unravel this particular mystery. But I also appreciate Christie branching out in her protagonists. I liked their youthful energy and banter. 3d

ferskner They're just so fun!!!! I don't know that I'd want to hire them if I came across them, but gosh they're quick on their feet and they get the job done. They prove over and over again that they're up to any challenge, but I confess that I love the scrapes they get into the most (particularly in the short stories). 2d

mrp27 I thought they were fun and smart. 17h

12 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

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2. Christie sets up the mystery again with references to World War I...makes sense, since this was published in 1922. This time, Christie begins with the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915.

How familiar are you with the Lusitania? Why do you think Christie uses a historical reference point to anchor (pun not intended) her story?

More info on the liner: https://www.pbs.org/lostliners/lusitania.html

#ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Bookwormjillk It certainly added drama to have it start with a famous boat sinking! 3d

OutsmartYourShelf Last year I read a book set onboard the Lusitania which was quite good & I was vaguely aware of the ship's history before that. Maybe as this was an early book of Christie's, linking it to a fairly recent historical event gave her a good starting point. Her contemporary readers would know instantly the setting & the events. 3d

Deblovestoread I read Lusitania by David Butler years ago (great book) and it pops up frequently in books set in the period. I think it was a good way to insert the political intrigue into the story. 3d

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Aims42 It‘s such a pivotal part of history, I loved this as an opening. Definitely recommend Erik Larson‘s ‘Dead Wake‘ 3d

willaful The intro to my copy talked about Christie hearing the name Jane Fish and deciding to incorporate it, which is way she often worked. (If you know both Christie and D.E. Stevenson, you can see a lot of Christie's inspirations!) The sinking might have worked in a similar way. 3d

MallenNC I was only a little aware of the Lusitania and now I want to read more about it. I think starting with a real life event was a clever way to open this novel, especially as her readers would‘ve known so much about it when the book was first released. 3d

BarbaraJean I'm not at all familiar with the Lusitania, other than the general timeframe! It made sense to me that she wanted to orient it in relation to those international events, so the setting and scope of the story were clear. It was a very different backdrop than the other Christie novels I've read! 3d

ferskner I only know a bit about it as it pertains to bringing the US into the war, but I think it's a smart way for her to create a punch of a beginning! 2d

mrp27 I‘m familiar with Lusitania from school history and over the years it has served as a plot line in some books I‘ve read. 17h

12 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

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1. This novel is the first in the Tommy and Tuppence series, which will eventually include 4 novels and 1 short story collection. This is also Christie's second novel, and we see a very different type of detective compared to Hercule Poirot!

Have you read The Secret Adversary before? Any of the Tommy and Tuppence novels? What are your overall thoughts to the book? We'll explore characters and themes later! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Suzze Tommy and Tuppence are my favorite Christie characters! I wish she‘d written more of them! 3d

Librarybelle @Suzze It is a refreshing story. Admittedly, the first few times I read this book Tommy and Tuppence did not click for me. This time, though, they were just what I needed! 3d

Bookwormjillk First time for me. I liked that they weren‘t wealthy. 3d

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Deblovestoread I haven‘t read any of the Tommy and Tuppence books until this one. And I wasn‘t sure I‘d like it in the beginning but they grew on me by the end. 3d

OutsmartYourShelf This was my first read of this series after concentrating mainly on Miss Marple & Poirot so far, but I'm not a fan of T&T going by this book. Hoping the other books will be an improvement. 3d

Aims42 First time for me! I enjoyed these characters so much, I loved the humor and youthfulness. 3d

willaful I've read this quite a few times. It's far from Christie's best but it has a nice sense of fun. 3d

MallenNC @Librarybelle That was my experience too. I first read this after seeing a TV adaptation and I didn‘t like the banter. But this time I enjoyed it. It had been long enough that I forgot the story‘s resolution. It was much more like a spy novel than a detective novel but it had those signature Christie twists. 3d

BarbaraJean This is my first time reading any of the Tommy & Tuppence novels. I wasn't sure how I'd like the espionage/intrigue plot, and I do think some of it felt a little contrived, but overall, this was a lot of fun. Like @Deblovestoread, Tommy and Tuppence grew on me by the end. I'm interested to read the other books in the series. 3d

ferskner I've read this before and while T&T aren't my favorite Christie creations, that's really more of a testament to Poirot and Maple than a knock against T&T. They're so fun to read about and the frothy tone is perfection, even though I don't care as much about her thrillers. 2d

mrp27 This was my fist T&T and I really enjoyed it. 17h

15 likes11 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

Tomorrow (Sunday) is our next #ChristiesCapers discussion! Get ready to spend some time discussing Tommy and Tuppence and the Young Adventurers Ltd.

I‘ll post questions mid- to late-morning, US East Coast time. See you then! #AgathaChristieClubR3

kspenmoll This was such a fun read! 3d

Librarybelle So glad you liked it, @kspenmoll ! 3d

54 likes2 comments

Bookwormjillk

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

pick

This was a ton of fun and I can‘t wait to read more about Tommy and Tupence. As usual I thought I figured it out but was no where close. Looking forward to discussing this next week. #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3 @Librarybelle

Librarybelle Yay! Glad you liked it! 6d

73 likes1 comment

Aims42

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

pick

I LOVED this book! After finishing it I immediately added the rest of the series to my library TBR list 👍 I can‘t wait to discuss it @Librarybelle #christiecapers

Librarybelle Yay!!! 1w

dabbe Wow! I have to get reading! 🤩 1w

Aims42 @dabbe It was fun, not at all what I was expecting 😁 1w

31 likes3 comments

MaleficentBookDragon

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

This month‘s book on #Kindle is $0.58 and next month‘s is $1.99 if anyone needs them.

Not loving the cover by I can‘t find my Murder on the Links physical book.

#christiescapers
#agathachristieclubR3

Librarybelle Thanks for posting! 1w

38 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

Reminder: The next #ChristiesCapers discussion is next Sunday the 23rd! I‘ll post discussion questions, and feel free to respond whenever you can!

This is the first Tommy and Tuppence mystery, and judging by those who have already posted, it appears to be a popular pick. #AgathaChristieClubR3

dabbe I gotta get reading! 🤩💪🏻😂 1w

Librarybelle Thankfully, it‘s a fast read @dabbe ! 1w

BarbaraJean I‘m really enjoying this! It‘s going to make me impatient for the next Tommy & Tuppence books! 1w

See All 6 Comments

Librarybelle So glad you‘re enjoying it, @BarbaraJean ! 1w

Cailey_Mac Oooo I like the sound of this one! 1w

Librarybelle @Cailey_Mac 😁 1w

49 likes6 comments

Aims42

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

I am LOVING this book @Librarybelle #christiecapers I didn‘t know I wanted an Agatha Christie meets PG Wodehouse book, but here we are and I LOVE IT! I‘m going to add the rest this series to my TBR 🙌

Librarybelle Yay! And that is a great quote!! 2w

Aims42 @Librarybelle I literally cackled when I read this quote 😂🤣 2w

33 likes2 comments

Morr_Books

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

I've been craving a fun read lately. It's the perfect time for me to revisit some Agatha Christie. #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3 @Librarybelle

Librarybelle Yay!! 2w

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Aims42

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

Love a little ‘lunch hour library hold pick-up‘ date 🥰🤩

Librarybelle 😁 4w

Aims42 @Librarybelle As a librarian, I would love to know…. do you get kinda nervous of patrons requesting multiple murder mysteries? 😂 4w

Librarybelle @Aims42 I never did, because I tend to do it myself! 😂 4w

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Aims42 @Librarybelle Haha, phew 😮‍💨😅 I felt like I should have said something but I think that would‘ve just made it weird so I left it alone and said, “Thanks!” As I took my tote bag full of murder and left 🤣 4w

Librarybelle 😂 Definitely not strange! 4w

Aims42 @Librarybelle 🥳🙌 4w

33 likes6 comments

majkia

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

My February #ReadYourKindle list

Thanks for the challenge, @CBee

CBee You‘re welcome ☺️ 4w

35 likes1 comment

LitsyEvents

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

Repost for @Librarybelle

In February, the #ChristiesCapers group will read Christie‘s second mystery, and the first featuring the duo Tommy and Tuppence. Originally published in 1922, this introduces the couple from their first meet cute to their adventures in mystery.

Discussion will take place on February 23rd. If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list, please let me know! #AgathaChristieClubR3

OutsmartYourShelf I‘m already partway through the Marple & Poirot series for #192025 but I might dip in & out of the other series with you if that‘s ok @Librarybelle (edited) 1mo

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 1mo

Librarybelle That‘s great, @OutsmartYourShelf ! Would you like me to tag you in the group? There are others who are tagged but are also dipping in and out of the books. 1mo

OutsmartYourShelf @Librarybelle Yes please. 1mo

Librarybelle Will do, @OutsmartYourShelf ! 😁 1mo

44 likes5 comments

MaleficentBookDragon

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

Check out this crazy weird cover from 1981 for next month‘s book.
It kind of creeps me out with that giant fly.

1981 printing of the 1967 paperback edition.

#christiescapers
#agathachristieclubR3

Librarybelle

Librarybelle Oh my! That is so strange! 1mo

kspenmoll Whoa! 1mo

Deblovestoread That is a weird one! 1mo

See All 7 Comments

RamsFan1963 It looks like that episode of Doctor Who, where the 10th Doctor met Agatha Christie and there was a giant wasp creature terrorizing them. 1mo

bumpinthenight I love vintage books like this! 1mo

MaleficentBookDragon @bumpinthenight I do too. I‘m always looking for old Christies and old Nancy Drews. 1mo

Gissy Unique cover😍👌 1mo

71 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

In February, the #ChristiesCapers group will read Christie‘s second mystery, and the first featuring the duo Tommy and Tuppence. Originally published in 1922, this introduces the couple from their first meet cute to their adventures in mystery.

Discussion will take place on February 23rd. If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list, please let me know! #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, Aims42, MallenNC, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, AnishaInkspill

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1mo

TheAromaofBooks This is one of my favorites!! I love Tommy and Tuppence so much!! 1mo

Bookwormjillk Another new one to me. Looking forward to it! 1mo

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Librarybelle Yay, @TheAromaofBooks @Bookwormjillk ! 1mo

Deblovestoread It will be a first for me as well. Should be fun! 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @Deblovestoread ! 1mo

Aims42 My copy is ‘in transist‘ to my library 🙌 Can‘t wait! 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @Aims42 ! 1mo

kspenmoll I think I have it in some stack! 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @kspenmoll ! 1mo

Morr_Books This is one I haven't read before! ♥️ 1mo

Soscha I need to get signed up for is # 1mo

Librarybelle @Morr_Books You‘re more than welcome to join if you would like! I can add you to the tag list too if you would like. Just let me know! 1mo

Librarybelle @Soscha I‘m happy to include you in the group! 1mo

Morr_Books @Librarybelle Great! Yes..please add me. 😀 1mo

Librarybelle Will do, Sarah! @Morr_Books 😁 1mo

BarbaraJean Yay! Looking forward to reading this one—I haven‘t read any of the Tommy & Tuppence books yet! 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @BarbaraJean ! 1mo

Cuilin Would you mind adding me to the tag list, as I want to jump in for the ones I have not read yet? 3w

Librarybelle Of course, @Cuilin ! Jump in and out whenever! 3w

Cuilin @Librarybelle I may even jump in for some I have read. My daughter bought me a Agatha Christie quiz game and I‘d like to improve my score!! lol 3w

Librarybelle @Cuilin 😂 Sounds like a good reason! 3w

59 likes22 comments

MonicaLoves2Read

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

pick

First in Tommy & Tuppence series. Their not quite love birds, but close. I enjoyed it, but it was by no means one Christie's great ones. It kept me entertained and I like the snappy dialogue between Tommy & Tuppence. I listened to this one.

😊 Happy Reading 😊

#bookspinbingo #classics #readaway2024

CogsOfEncouragement I liked them enough to search out all their books. I enjoyed how Christie takes us through their relationship. 12mo

MonicaLoves2Read @CogsOfEncouragement I will continue with the series.😊 12mo

17 likes2 comments

FromMyLectory

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

pick

Tommy & Tuppence, 2 charming & adventurous characters stumble into a world of espionage, danger & conspiracy shortly after World War I.
The plot moves at a brisk pace with unexpected twists & turns. The dynamic between the lead characters is delightful, adding a layer of humor & warmth to the story. A thoroughly enjoyable read that will satisfy fans of classic detective fiction, this novel is sure to captivate readers from beginning to end.

9 likes

Bluebird

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

so-so

Book 2 on my adventure with the ‘All About Agatha‘ podcast. I‘d never read a Tommy and Tuppence book, and kinda glad Christie wrote more Poirot and Marple books. Perhaps I prefer her style of mystery rather than spy intrigue. As for the podcast. The quality of the recording was much improved. I liked the podcast discussion alot, but again….since the book wasn‘t a hit for me, the podcast was of less interest. Next month: Murder on the Links.

Bluebird #52bookclub23 #doesnotfitotherprompts @LaraReads @KarenUK @Cinfhen @britt_brooke @CarolynM @DebbieGrillo @Smarkies @Lizpixie @LeeRHarry @BookBelle84 @jenniferw88 @Deblovestoread @AshleyHoss820 @Librarybelle @triplem80 @Read4life @rmaclean4 @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB @ravenlee 2y

Librarybelle I‘m not the biggest fan of Tommy and Tuppence 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y

Bluebird @Librarybelle glad to hear I‘m not the only one! 2y

Cinfhen Cool you found a book for that prompt! I haven‘t come across one yet!!! 2y

23 likes4 comments

Scochrane26

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

pick

This isn‘t on my bookspin list this month, but I was in the mood for an easy book. The first in Christie‘s Tommy & Tuppence series, the story involves government plots, a mysterious kingpin of a crime organization, & the usual red herrings. Plus, 2 plucky novices who decide to make money as the “Young Adventurers”. I‘m already wishing these 2 had more than a few books. Guessed the kingpin early on, but still fun.

CogsOfEncouragement Their books are fun. I enjoyed each one. 2y

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RamsFan1963

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

so-so

63/150 I have to admit that this was a bit too much "pip pip and cheerio" for my tastes. I liked the mystery, even though I figured out Mr. Brown's identity fairly easily. Unfortunately, I found Tuppence and Tommy to be two of the most annoying characters I've ever come across in fiction. I have no desire to continue to follow their adventures. 3 ⭐⭐⭐

KathyWheeler I found Tommy and Tuppence so annoying that I never finished this book. 3y

truthinfiction Aye! Same here. I read it last year and before it I was reading Christie books exclusively. Since reading it, not so much. 😅 3y

Bookzombie I have attempted this one on audio more than once and found them annoying. However, I do like the 2015 Partners in Crime tv miniseries. 3y

51 likes3 comments

canbku

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

It's been a long time since I burned through the Agatha Christie shelf at the old Cedar Roe Library. I don't even know which ones I read 😝

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DrexEdit

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

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Now that Agatha Christie books are regularly entering the public domain, I can just wait for them to come up on @SerialReader ! Loved this mystery and I was as misdirected as the characters. Very glad to learn that Tommy &Tuppence will be back! 5⭐

45 likes

Lexeegee

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

so-so

Apparently Tommy and Tuppence are not my cup of tea. I will stick with Poirot.

KathyWheeler I‘m not in love with them either, and I have liked other non-Poirot/non-Miss Marple books. I started listening to this one last year but still haven‘t finished it. (edited) 4y

MelliMel1980 Yeah I‘m not feeling this one.. I‘m reading as part of my Agatha Christie challenge. How many books can I read in a month. I actually think I may need a little break and then I‘ll pick up another but I‘m DNF this one 2y

17 likes2 comments

truthinfiction

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

so-so

Over the course of Monsieur Poirot and Miss Marple series, I have come to expect and appreciate a tight knit family mystery involving conversation, very personal motives, jealousy, and money, of course! Unlike them, Tommy and Tuppence's debut is fraught with (mis)adventures! It did have a puzzling premise regarding the identity of "The Secret Adversary" and the red herring was done very well, indeed! But I was apalled at Tommy and Tuppence's ?

truthinfiction readiness to believe anyone who came along after just having read Miss Marple's emphatic assertion that she believes nobody. Although, if you like the kind of story that keeps you wondering what might happen next, you will enjoy this. It bears Christie's signature stamp of mystery wherein observing actions rather than going by impressions and words unlocks the personality and thereby the mystery alongwith a dash of adventure and youth! 4y

LiteraryinPA As many times as I‘ve reread the Poirot and Marple books, I‘ve only read the T&T books once. They just don‘t do it for me in the same way. 4y

truthinfiction @LiteraryinLititz Yes, I feel you. It's hard to say why but this duo didn't work for me as miss marple and poirot do. Would you say that the other books in the series are worth reading once at least? 4y

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LiteraryinPA Yes, I‘d say so. It‘s still clever plotting and the duo does have a cute dynamic. And who knows? Maybe one of the later ones will become a favorite! 4y

truthinfiction @LiteraryinLititz Ahh.. thank you!!! I'll keep at it, then! Which are some of your favourite Christies? 4y

tpixie NorM was better. Written possibly because AChristie wanted to be more involved w. the war effort.She got in trouble by the Gov. b/c one character‘s name was Bletchley.Gov was concerned she knew about the secret coding section of the military(which is in the new bookThe Rose Code).Learned about this listening to Marie Benedict talk about The Mystery of Mrs. Christie. She suggests reading Murder Of Roger Ackroyd- written around AC‘s disappearance 4y

tpixie @truthinfiction @LiteraryinLititz 👆 I‘ve read these in preparation of reading for irl book club #friendswithbooks

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie

truthinfiction @tpixie That's really cool. I remember reading about the Bletchley incident. Christie said she did so 'cause she got annoyed stuck in traffic in that area once. How did you like The mystery of mrs. Christie? I have heard about it. Is ot worth reading? 4y

truthinfiction It* 4y

tpixie @truthinfiction that‘s fun Christie trivia about Bletchley. I did enjoy The Mystery of Mrs Christie, eso as / how it unfolded. I also listened to a lot of YouTube lectures the author gave which gave me more insight as well 4y

11 likes10 comments

Eggs

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

so-so

1922–the Great War is over, and jobs are scarce. Childhood friends Tommy Beresford and Prudence "Tuppence" Cowley meet and agree to start their own business as The Young Adventurers. “No (un)reasonable offer refused!” It was a challenge keeping up with all the characters and subplots—I had to watch the Amazon Prime video to get it all sorted; so between a Pick and So-so
#authoramonth2020 @Soubhiville

TheAromaofBooks I had always liked this book just fine, but a few years ago I was actually reading a bunch of nonfiction about WWI & its aftermath & happened to reread this book at the same time - I was amazed at how those crazy side plots of random spies & whatnot all made SO much more sense within the context of when the book was published. Some of her books have aged better than others!! 4y

Eggs @TheAromaofBooks oh how fascinating! I too have noticed the timeless factor of human nature in her character portrayals and conflicts. Tommy & Tuppence were quite a pair though not as well known as Poirot and Marple. 4y

46 likes2 stack adds2 comments

mom2bugnbee

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

so-so

Eh. I like Christie just fine, but didn't love Tommy & Tuppence. However, an extra half star for the narrator. I listened to this through the podcast "Phoebe Reads a Mystery" and she is delightful! Such a wonderful reading voice. I will listen to more of hers.

⭐⭐✨/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

31 likes

mom2bugnbee

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

Podcast junkies - do you know this one? Phoebe Reads a Mystery - a chapter a day. She has a lovely voice - currently listening to the tagged book. Take a listen! #currentread #currentlyreading #audiobook #readingwithmyears

20 likes1 stack add

MommyWantsToReadHerBook

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

pick

I really get my ACs mixed up. "Remembered" a totally different plot. Her espionage novels are generally not my favourite, but this time I really enjoyed Tommy and Tuppence and the lovely escape they gave me.

47 likes

ImperfectCJ

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

pick

I got lost a few times during this novel, unsure who was where and who knew what. In addition, people in this novel are much cleverer and more quick-witted than the majority of people I know, which gives me an uncomfortable sense of inferiority. Aside from these things, though, this is a fun audiobook for neighborhood walks, cleaning the kitchen, and assembling blank timelines for homeschool purposes.

TheAromaofBooks I've always loved this one because I love Tommy & Tuppence, but a few years ago I was actually studying European history in the nineteen-teens and happened to reread this book at the same time - and couldn't believe how it made so much more sense! All those crazy spies & whatnot actually fit into what was going on when Christie wrote the book. It was fun to have that extra layer of understanding... although I probably don't remember it all now!! 4y

ImperfectCJ @TheAromaofBooks That's very cool! It seems like WWI and the years between the wars often get overshadowed by WWII, at least in the US, but it's a very interesting period. And this was the first I'd heard of Tommy & Tuppence...they are delightful! 4y

42 likes2 comments

Texreader

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

This is the husband‘s set of Agatha Christie books. Can you all help me pick which one to choose for our November #authoramonth? What‘s your favorite?

Soubhiville

Soubhiville I haven‘t read anything by her yet! I have Murder on the Orient Express and one other on my TBR shelf. I can‘t help choose, but I hope you‘ll enjoy whatever you pick! 4y

Susanita I don‘t see it there, but I always recommend

And Then There Were None

Susanita The good news is that Agatha Christie is for December, so you have an extra month to choose! 4y

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Scochrane26 Haven‘t read most of this stack yet. I love Miss Marple, so Murder at the Vicarage is fun. I just read Death in the Clouds—it‘s interesting. 4y

Scochrane26 Murder on the Orient Express was my first Christie. It‘s definitely one of her best. And Then There Were None is also one of her best. 4y

rabbitprincess The one I read most recently and loved in audio was Partners in Crime. My all-time faves are Mysterious Affair at Styles, The ABC Murders, A Murder is Announced, and Curtain. 4y

TheAromaofBooks I actually love The Secret Adversary, but it's more of a campy romp of a “spy“ novel, so it isn't for everyone haha 4y

erzascarletbookgasm From the pic, Murder on the Orient Express, Murder at the Vicarage, Sparkling Cyanide. 4y

CarolynM I remember loving

The Secret Adversary

batsy Can't go wrong with Orient Express if you haven't read it before! I also enjoyed Mr. Quin, but those stories might not be typical of her usual mysteries. 4y

batsy I remember A Caribbean Mystery being good fun, too (if you want to escape to warmer weather in fiction? :) 4y

Vansa So difficult to recommend just one! Sparkling Cyanide is excellent, as is Sleeping Murder. 4y

59 likes1 stack add12 comments

Blackink_WhitePaper

Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

pick

Finished with my #doublespin #15. Recently I started to read mystery series & this is not a disappointment. Loved Tuppence 😍 lot of political dramas & twists. I like the way it started. I am planning to read this series #tommyandtuppence 🌟🌟🌟💫

2/4 book of #readathon #jubilantjuly

2 square checked for my #bookspinbingo

#serialreader #mystery #summerfun #agathachristie

Andrew65, TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks I have a real soft spot for Tommy & Tuppence!!! 5y

Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 A good book! 5y

33 likes1 stack add2 comments

EadieB

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

Day 7 - #HappyCouple #NewYearNewYou #TheSecretAdversary #AgathaChristie #TommyandTuppence

I read and enjoyed this one!

Eggs

bookwrm526 I love Tommy and Tuppence, I was sad she didn‘t write more with them! 5y

EadieB @bookwrm526 I 💕 them too! 5y

CafeMom I am going to be reading an Agatha Christie this month. 5y

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EadieB @CafeMom Nice! Which one? 5y

CafeMom The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. I think that is #1? 5y

EadieB @CafeMom That is a good one and one of her best. I also like

And Then There Were None

Eggs Lovely💜💜 5y

43 likes7 comments

janeycanuck

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

pick

Honestly, I‘m not convinced I entirely understand how this all came together. But it was fast-paced, kept me guessing, and was a fun departure from what I‘m used to with Agatha Christie.

25 likes

Mollyanna

The Secret Adversary | Agatha Christie

pick

The first Tommy and Tuppence book. I‘m giving this a pick, but Dame Agatha is much better at murder mystery than political intrigue. I felt this was a little slow at the beginning and the red herring was pretty obvious. It‘s one of the few Christies I figured out before the big reveal.

This was also my final book for 2019 (and I reached my GR goal). My first finish for #24B42020

Andrew65, jb72, BeansPage

Andrew65 Well done. 😊🥳👏👏👏 5y

sprainedbrain Awesome! 🥳🥳🥳 5y

Reggie Congrats!!! And Happy New Year!!🥳 5y

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Mollyanna Thank you @Andrew65 @sprainedbrain and @Reggie Happy New Year to you all! 5y

Andrew65 Happy New Year. 🥳 5y

Nute Way to go! Congratulations on your accomplishment! 5y

Mollyanna @Nute Thank you. 😀 5y

34 likes7 comments

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